The duties and skills of car mechanics specialising in chassis, engine, transmission and diagnostics.
Many professions work in a car service, and the mechanic is the most fundamental. The trade divides into specialisations such as chassis, engine and transmission repair, and diagnostics. Duties include maintaining, repairing and replacing systems and parts and identifying the causes of faults.
- Chassis mechanic: checks the heavily loaded suspension at regular intervals and at the first sign of trouble, and inspects brakes and steering.
- Engine mechanic: carries out oil changes and routine service, replaces plugs, leads, gaskets and filters, and diagnoses symptoms such as a warning light or rough running.
A good mechanic knows vehicle design well, can use special equipment and tools, and is responsible and attentive.