I am in school to be an auto tech, but almost everyone I talk to is not happy with the industry. I hear many complaints from techs about always having to learn new complicated stuff with no pay raise, getting screwed on comebacks, warranties, having to spend thousands on tools, etc. I would like to hear from auto techs or people who have decided to get out of the business. Thanks for your time.
2007-06-13 06:13:41 · 3 answers · asked by Dave 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
After ten years of "wrenching" I changed careers for exactly the reasons stated above. I was an ASE Certified Master Mechanic with a California Smog Inspection License. I worked for Toyota dealerships and then Porsche Audi. The learning curve was steep and constant. Every year model had features and issues that had to be learned mostly on my own time. Specialized tools were the norm. No reimbursement was ever offered as far as the expense of setting up a tool set for a specialty. Production was emphasized and prizes awarded the fastest and he that sold the most un necessary work. Quality was never reinforced. Come backs were the norm, and up selling comebacks was the game. I departed quietly, went into computer support and have never looked back. I now make a comfortable living without having to screw over anyone.
2007-06-13 06:23:01 · answer #1 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dependson your skills and life goals---any job takes a good five years of commitment to get really good at it and comfortable. You have to learn some lessons the hard way but if you keep your integrity and always fix something right the first time, you minimize compaints and comebacks. Warranty pay is always an issue to deal with---if you work at a good shop, they'll spread the load so no one tech gets all the poor pay and trouble. Repetition is the name of the game---the more you do one repair, the quicker it goes the next time and the next. A lot of guys I know do side jobs and make a ton of money on their own since they have the knowledge and tools from work...a lot of people can't do that with their job. Part of it is your attitude too---it's a little exciting to see what new models have for features and engineering and you have to be a good problem solver.
The auto repair industry will probably only get tougher and harder to learn, so the guys that stick it out and apply themselves may be able to command higher wages in the future---we'll see. Good luck on deciding if it's for you.
2007-06-13 09:05:56 · answer #2 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't miss it. Spent time learning computers and got out of the grunge! ;-)=
2007-06-13 06:22:55 · answer #3 · answered by Jcontrols 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋