I have spent more than thirty years working on cars and trucks at dealerships in the U.S. and as you can image, I’ve learned a few things about the industry. As a Master Certified Technician, I’ve performed multiple repairs to engines, complex electrical systems, and more. So, if you’re wondering what a master automotive technician is… you’re in the right place! We organized some of the most commonly asked questions in this article that every vehicle owner should know.
It is a technician (mechanic) who is experienced, has current knowledge about every system on a vehicle, and is capable of performing accurate diagnosis and repairs.
The responsibilities of a master technician surpass basic vehicle maintenance such as changing fluids, replacing air filters, tires, and wiper blades. The technician is normally tasked with challenging issues and they’re responsible for performing tests, inspections, validations, programming, and component replacement for every system on the vehicle. That is why they have earned the title “master” technician.
Normally, the skills acquired by a technician are learned on the job. As each technician progresses in their daily routine, they will encounter unique challenges that quickly become their specialization. For example, when a vehicle presents a ‘difficult to diagnose’ condition, the production manager knows exactly who should be assigned to the vehicle. Because, when a technician begins to excel at solving complex issues everyone notices.
A difficult to diagnose condition is a condition that often occurs intermittently. For example, the issue could be an abnormal noise observed from the audio system. Or it may be the air conditioner does not work at times. These are just a few examples of situations that a vehicle owner may experience. Issues such as these may be a failed wiring harness, connector, amplifier, radio, sensor, module, software update, and so on. An experienced technician knows how to begin a thorough diagnosis when a condition cannot be easily duplicated.
Yes, in many cases they do. If the equipment is very expensive the repair facility often has these specialized diagnostic tools available for use. Such tools and equipment may be diagnostic computers that have software designed solely for one particular manufacturer such as BMW or Ford.
More examples of specialized tools and equipment are: system analyzers, wire harness test kits, radar and sonar service tools, pressure testers and gauges, chassis noise detectors, communication and network testing devices. There are hundreds more different types of specialized diagnostic tools and equipment a technician may use when diagnosing a vehicle. Many of these manufacturer-specific equipment can only be found at the dealership.
The types of tools a technician will use are commonly known as “hand tools”. These tools can be as practical as a screwdriver or wrench in addition to mechanized tools such as pneumatic impact guns or a battery-operated drill. An experienced technician will amass thousands of dollars of tools over time and will have acquired tools from different trades such as carpentry and plumbing.
Many repair facilities require their technicians to obtain and maintain their certifications. Automotive technicians can obtain certifications through the manufacturer (if they work at a dealership) and through organizations such as The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, also known as ASE. Certifications can be helpful as it challenges the technician to stay informed about new technologies and advanced diagnostic procedures.
Some of the areas a technician can become certified in:
• Brakes
• Engine Repair
• Engine Performance
• Automatic Transmission/transaxle
• Suspension and Steering
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Manual Drivetrain and axles
• Electrical/electronic systems
The work environment for a technician can vary by country and region. Usually, the repair facility will have concrete floors, bay doors, and plenty of lighting, in addition to a climate-controlled workshop. Advances in facility work environments for technicians promote greater health and safety while boosting productivity. Nevertheless, a workshop can be a dangerous place. A technician is responsible for adhering to all safety procedures and protocols.
Someone who desires to become an automotive technician usually begins with a career assessment. Afterwards, they will attend a trade school that provides basic training. The student will learn fundamentals in the classroom while having the opportunity for hands-on experience within a shop environment. Some of these trade school programs are sponsored by a manufacturer and assist the student with job placement at a local dealership. These programs can be very beneficial for both students and dealerships as the industry continues to grow.
If you are searching for a master certified technician, it’s always best to bring the vehicle to a dealership, because their technicians are factory trained and work in a team environment. Also, they are provided with the latest technology for diagnosing issues and they have access to extensive technical repair data.
Furthermore, the technicians have access to the “tech hotline” where they’ll have remote assistance from factory trained specialists and higher-level aid from factory engineers. Once a case is opened by the Tech Hotline, a specially trained technician will be invited to aid in the diagnosis and repair. And in some situations, a field technician/engineer is sent out to personally inspect the vehicle.
If you are unable to locate a dealership in your area, you can search for an aftermarket repair facility such as a specialty shop. For example, if your own a Honda, Toyota, or Subaru, you can bring your vehicle to a shop that specializes in Japanese cars/trucks. The technicians from these types of shops normally have dealer specific training and have a good understanding of manufactured vehicles from this region
For other large-chain or privately owned shops you may want to call them first prior to making an appointment. You’ll want to ask them about their technician’s qualifications such as: specializations, experience, and training. While you’re speaking with the shop representative, you should also ask them what the hourly rate is and what type of warranty they provide. Usually, aftermarket shops provide a 12/12 warranty (twelve months or twelve thousand miles, whichever occurs first). The warranty should cover the cost of parts and labor with no additional fees.
Don’t be shy about asking these important questions. If the shop representative begins to get frustrated with your questions, you may want to consider finding another shop. You should never feel bullied or pressured at any shop… No matter what! If you reside in the U.S., consider checking the Better Business Bureau for reviews prior to contacting the repair facility.
You do not need a certified technician to work on your vehicle; however, it depends on your vehicle and the work being performed. If you own an EV (electric vehicle) you should always return the vehicle to the dealership for mechanical or electrical diagnosis and repairs. If you own a hybrid vehicle, you should always return the vehicle to the dealership as well. Without the proper training and equipment, a person who attempts to work on these types of vehicles can sustain life threatening injuries from the high-voltage system.
For all other cars and trucks, you can bring those to any trusted repair facility. If you own a diesel, call the shop first to verify they have a qualified technician available to assist you.
Sometimes it can be better to have a certified technician work on your vehicle, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll receive a correct diagnosis or high-quality repair. In the world of academia, you can sometimes encounter people who have a very high IQ and are brilliant test-takers but those people can be dumb as mud and lack common sense.
In the automotive industry it can be somewhat similar. Just because someone is good at passing a certification test (which can be filled with ambiguity and trick questions) does not mean they should be your first pick when considering a shop. Quite often, you will encounter technicians who have years of experience with notable achievements, who are capable of diagnosing some of the most challenging issues. But they are just not good at passing written tests.
That is why it’s nice to speak with the technician prior to authorizing diagnosis. You’ll be able to gain some insight about their experience and technical aptitude.
Conclusion
As you’ve read, you have a few options where to bring your vehicle when service and repair is needed. Finding a trusted shop is so important, and it’s best to be patient and wait for the next appointment if you found a quality place to bring your vehicle. Don’t feel rushed or pressured into bringing your vehicle somewhere you don’t feel comfortable with. Having peace of mind is priceless and it could save you from a lot of frustration. Trust me!
