does any one know how many years of study you need to be a mechanic?

Answer 1

I have been doing this for 24 years and I'm still not a "Mechanic" - in all reality I don't know what that means by any real standard.

The basics are easy, would take you 15 minutes to learn (or less)
Motors run because of 4 things:
Air combined with:
Fuel
which is Compressed in a cylinder
then ignited by a spark plug / or compression itself for diesels.

The systems to support that are where your real learning begins, and because that changes almost every year, you never stop learning.

Carb's mix air and fuel / Fuel Injection uses electronics to mix air and fuel.
Computer management systems (electronics) watch everything from temprature (both motor and air) air pressure (both altitude and manifold) exhaust (for fuel mix and burn) demand (ac, accelleration, power steering, brakes) - and then set the Fuel air mixture as well as spark timing to meet those demands.

I learned hands on, started at 8 years old (believe it or not /shrug) - while that is a VERY good way to start, it does not end there, you either need to have someone teach you these more complicated systems or you need school to learn them / both have their ups and downs - but IMO schools don't teach you all the Real World things you run into when you are really out there doing it.
I have hired (and fired) a LOT of those school tech's that could pass those tests all day long, and couldn't find a phillips if it was taped to their forehead - IE: they had no real world application, and did the shop and themselves no favors.
One of my best techs ever was hired to sweep the floors, run parts, fix coffee, and turn right hand plyers into left hand plyers.

Answer 2

Everybody needs to start at the beginning and, while I agree that formal training will help you understand the concepts, it has very little "real world" value. Working on any engine on an engine stand, where everything is nice and clean and shiney and loose, has no resemblance to working on that engine, covered in grease and oil, rusted or stripped fasteners, jammed down into the engine compartment of the truck or car that you are working on. Alot of times, the "book knowledge" that one gets from the trade schools, gets in the way of what you need to do ( sometimes using unsafe practices ) and relying on "common sense", personal experience and assistance from an experienced supervisor or co-worker.

The BEST training you can get ( as said by Paul and, I'm sure others too ) is "hands on". Find work at a local trucking company ( if your interest is diesel ) or auto shop. Be willing to start off as a laborer or "gopher" ( go fer this, go fer that ) and show an interest in what the wrenches are doing. Ask questions, offer to help and, if they need a hand after-hours, offer to stay. Soon enough, you will be taking care of things like oil changes and other maintenance, brake and clutch adjustments, and driveline work. It takes time though so, if youre looking to make big $$$ overnight, it isn't going to happen. The BEST mechanics have been doing this work for 20, 30 maybe even 40 years and, are STILL learning to keep up with technology. Relatively new mechanics ( such as myself ..... 10 years ) have it a little harder. Working and learning the new technology while still learning the old school stuff too.

Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Ruben, you can go to a technical school for 1-2 years and learn a lot of the basics. After that you can even get certified and call your self a mechanic. You may get hired on at a shop with your new title of "mechanic," only to find out that you cant "cut the mustard."

The answer in my opinion : Formal training is a waste of time. Visit
many shops and tell the owner manager that you desire to be a mechanic (referred to now as an "auto technician") and go with the one that seems to want to provide you with the most learning.
In the field training is the only way to fly and you will learn a lot from a really good tech if you pay attention and are willing to work
hard. Remember that working on cars (and making good money)
is hard work! If you want to study, be a nurse. If you want to work
hard and constantly learn, become a mechanic. You should be able achieve "mechanic" status in about 5 years. Email me if I can help you more, because I have a lot more info I could provide you with if interested.

[e-mail]

Answer 4

1 year

Answer 5

Basic mechanics about 6 months. System specialists about 2 months for each system. It will take a couple years .
You can work while you learn and study. A basic course will get you started with lube and oil and fluid maintenance. You could work on exhaust also.

Answer 6

There are some tech training schools that offer short programs. Many are less than 2 or 3 years. ASE training is the best training to check. Search the internet for this and see what schools offer this training. In the Northeast of the USA I know Porter and Chester Institute offers this type of training.

Answer 7

I agree with Paul5910, it takes years to become a proficient tech and it is hard work but can be very rewarding when you know you have helped some one out.

Answer 8

depends on how fast u learn and how good u want to be

Answer 9

It really depends how long you have been doing it.