Are most of the guys working in muffler shops and oil change joints real mechanics, or are they just learners?

Answer 1

Usually 1 official mechanic (who takes responsibility) and several who may be apprentices (learners) or just laborers who do a limited range of tasks

Answer 2

Rita, Unfortunately it's too bad when lumping people into categories. You may get LUCKY at a muffler shop and see very good work. However, most aren't trained in specific car mechanical work.
Since viewing the Jiffy Lube racket on this website going on at various California shops I have lost all faith in ANY fast oil change shops. It seems hidden cameras caught service people skipping services that people were paying for.
Specific car services is similar in my opinion choosing a Dr. who is a specialist.
A new car dealer is less apt to make a mistake when changing your car's engine oil.

Answer 3

Usually oil change stores do not require the oil changer to have any prior experience or skill. Especially Wally-Mart.

Most muffler shops I have seen, and I've seen quite a few, (at least in California) do not seem to have qualified mechanics.

Because of California's anti-smog program they seem to be in it to sell catalytic converters for the "Test Only" smog shops they are in cahoots with. For the Cali's that read this, beware of Test Only smog stations recommending repairs, it's illegal for them to do it, usually they will recommend a catalytic converter and their buddy at the muffler shop.

There are a few good ones (muffler shops) but they do complete repairs and have a clean place with neat, clean, professional technicians.

Country Boy, That was not Jiffy Lube, It was E-Z Lube.
But be careful They are franchises, independently operated.

Answer 4

any place these days has trainee's. but the hole in the wall shops can be good. i took my car in one recently and they were good. they actually did better then the ford dealer, they made sure they put all parts back (lol yea ford has messed up here b4), lubed, and cleaned there mess up on the car. but here i know most the luber shops have experienced mechanics that just jump store to store tasking up better pay. typically a shop will only hire a guy/gal who knows that there doing. though with every 10 good mechanics theres 2 that are slobs at there work. just make sure they dont strip your oil pan bolt and make sure you look at your car under the hood before and after they do any work. unlike a dealer for a company, hole in the wall shops count on your business. most mechanics know if there work is sloppy then word gets around and they loose there money/job to best boys down the road.

Answer 5

properly its a job that demands some mechanical skills. it could or won't be a level of the completed features of the guy doing it. He could be a grasp mechanic that basically desires artwork suitable now. He could be a extreme college baby who basically desires money and has few skills. Or he could be something in between. He could additionally be a stay overall performance pianist. He could be engaged on a graduate degree in 18th century English literature. He ought to be the only help for his ill mom, or spouse and 2 toddlers. i assume what i'm asserting is that what he does to make money does not inevitably define what his place in this international is, no longer to show what he aspires to grow to be. decrease back while i replaced into in college, I labored at a food market. One fellow I labored with replaced into identifying on up some added money through fact his day pastime as a analyze biologist for the USDA did no longer pay properly adequate to grant for his kinfolk. I fashionable his industry and humility for taking up artwork that of course did no longer draw very heavily upon his psychological features. i might recommend that the guy decrease than the automobile might have greater advantageous substance to him than is in the present day obvious as properly. He could additionally be possessing of hopes and targets that his artwork interior the pit is subsidizing.

Answer 6

Oil changing requires no certification.

Muffler shops also do not require it.

Only the emissions testing tech and the catalatyc converter replacement guy have to be certified.

WALMART hires bums off the street - very under qualified.

Answer 7

honestly, it depends on the person. Sometimes, they find something they like and stick with it. Sometimes, they have had something happen with a previous employer and they cant get a job in a general repair shop. Generally though no matter what kind of repair shop someone works in, they generally have some sort of automotive knowledge.

Answer 8

If they are Board certified, they have passed a series of tests, and are considered mechanics. A lot of those shops hire trainees, and wanna bees.

Answer 9

Some of them are, but some have been doing it for a long time and they have picked up alot of skill

Answer 10

I've seen what the Wal Mart oil change kids do to cars. Strip threads on oil pans,More than one.Then put sealant on the plug.I dunno if they use an air wrench or what. =^ (