How to become a Motor Mechanic - Car

Motor mechanics service, repair and overhaul the mechanical parts of light motor vehicles, such as the engine, the transmission (clutch, gear box and differential), and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).

Personal requirements for a Motor Mechanic - Car

Enjoy practical and manual activities
Able to work with hand tools
Aptitude for technical activities
Problem-solving skills
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Normal eyesight and hearing
Drivers licence essential

Education & Training for a Motor Mechanic - Car

To become a motor mechanic, you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Duties & Tasks of a Motor Mechanic - Car

Motor mechanics:

Discuss problems with car drivers or vehicle operators to discover faults
Listen to engines, fit and operate special test equipment, and test-drive vehicles
Repair or replace worn or faulty parts by removing assemblies such as engines, transmissions, differentials or steering gear systems, dismantling them and checking parts, referring to manuals as necessary
Reassemble, test, clean and adjust repaired or replaced parts or assemblies, using various instruments to make sure that they are working properly and putting them back into the vehicle
Tune engines using special electronic equipment and make fine adjustments (to carburettors, for example) for smoother running
Carry out minor body and trim repairs
Diagnose, repair and replace engine management and fuel injection components
Use oxy, electric, TIG and MIG welders
Test and repair electrical systems such as lighting, instrumentation, ignition and electronic fuel injection
Inspect vehicles and issue road worthiness certificates or list the work required before a certificate can be issued.

Tasks

Tests and adjusts mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance, diagnoses and test parts with the assistance of computers.
Dismantles and removes engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checks parts.
May inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness.
Diagnoses faults in engines and parts.
Reassembles engines and parts after being repaired.
Performs scheduled maintenance services to achieve smoother running of vehicles and ensure compliance with pollution regulations.
Repairs and replaces worn and defective parts and reassembles mechanical components, referring to service manuals as needed.

Working conditions for a Motor Mechanic - Car

Motor mechanics work mainly in workshops and wear protective clothing. They need to keep up with changes in motor industry technology.

Employment Opportunities for a Motor Mechanic - Car

Motor mechanics are employed mainly by motor vehicle dealers, repairers and service stations. They also work for authorities concerned with defence, communications, energy supply, public works and transport, and for private firms with large fleets of vehicles. Motor mechanics working for large private firms service fleet vehicles, and those working for specialist firms service a particular part or make of vehicle. Some also work in the testing sections of vehicle manufacturing firms.Promotion to supervisory positions is possible in large workshops. Some mechanics establish their own businesses. There is strong competition for available apprenticeships.

Specializations

par - Due to advances in automotive technology, most vehicles now contain electronic controls and computers. As a result, knowledge in this area has become essential for motor mechanics and they are becoming more specialised in their areas of work. Motor mechanics may specialise as Automotive Air Conditioning Fitters or Brake Mechanics. For more details, see the separate entries for these occupations. They may also specialise as breakdown service patrol officers who give emergency mechanical assistance to members of an automobile association. Motor mechanics may progress to positions such as service manager, service adviser, technical sales representative, technical officer or diagnostic specialist.

Motorcycle Mechanic

A motorcycle mechanic diagnoses faults and performs necessary repairs to motorcycles.

Motor Mechanic - Car

Average age
37 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,436
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
90% Full-Time
Employment Size
73,500 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.2%
NSW: 30.6%
NT: 1.4%
QLD: 20.9%
SA: 7.2%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 24.8%
WA: 12.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 6.5%
20-24: 14.6%
25-34: 24.3%
35-44: 19.3%
45-54: 18.9%
55-59: 8.1%
60-64: 5.2%
65 and Over: 3.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.8%
Bachelor degree: 1.8%
Certificate III/IV: 75.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.3%
Year 10 and below: 6.3%
Year 11: 3%
Year 12: 8.1%