What Does a Motor Mechanic Do?

When most people picture a motor mechanic, they probably imagine someone underneath a car with a spanner.

That's still part of the job.

But modern mechanics spend just as much time diagnosing faults, using scan tools and dealing with electrical systems as they do performing traditional mechanical repairs.

Cars have changed enormously.

They're now packed with sensors, computers, electronic control systems and increasingly hybrid or electric drivetrains.

The mechanic's job has changed with them.

So what does a motor mechanic actually do all day?

What Is a Motor Mechanic?

A motor mechanic services, diagnoses, maintains and repairs motor vehicles.

Mechanics can work on:

• Passenger cars
• SUVs
• 4WDs
• Vans
• Light commercial vehicles

There are also related mechanical trades covering motorcycles, trucks, buses, diesel engines and heavy equipment.

A general light vehicle mechanic typically works on the cars most people drive every day.

What Does a Mechanic Do?

A mechanic's work can include:

• Routine vehicle servicing
• Mechanical inspections
• Diagnosing faults
• Brake repairs
• Steering repairs
• Suspension repairs
• Cooling system repairs
• Engine repairs
• Electrical diagnosis
• Battery testing
• Starting and charging systems
• Driveline repairs
• Replacing worn components
• Road testing vehicles

Some jobs are straightforward.

Others involve spending several hours trying to determine why a vehicle is doing something it absolutely shouldn't be doing.

That's where experience becomes valuable.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

A mechanic might work on several different cars during one day.

The morning could start with routine servicing.

Then you might diagnose a check-engine light.

After lunch, you could replace worn brakes.

The final job might be investigating a strange vibration that apparently "only happens sometimes".

That variety is one of the advantages of the trade.

You don't necessarily know exactly what problems are going to arrive at the workshop each day.

What Happens During a Car Service?

Routine servicing is a major part of mechanical work.

Depending on the vehicle and service schedule, a mechanic may:

• Replace engine oil
• Replace the oil filter
• Inspect brakes
• Check tyres
• Check fluid levels
• Inspect suspension
• Test the battery
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Check lights
• Inspect for leaks
• Scan for faults
• Identify worn components

The exact work depends on the manufacturer's servicing requirements and the condition of the vehicle.

A service isn't simply changing the oil and sending the car back outside.

A good mechanic is also looking for developing problems.

Why Are Vehicle Inspections Important?

A customer may bring their car in thinking everything is fine.

During servicing, the mechanic could discover:

• Worn brake pads
• A leaking component
• Damaged tyres
• Worn suspension
• A deteriorating belt
• Low fluid levels

Finding problems early can prevent more expensive repairs later.

It can also identify safety issues before they become serious.

That's why inspection is such an important part of routine servicing.

What Is Mechanical Fault Finding?

Fault finding is working out why something isn't operating correctly.

Customers rarely arrive with a perfect technical diagnosis.

Instead, mechanics hear descriptions such as:

"It makes a clunk."

"It feels weird."

"There's a light on."

"It only does it when it's cold."

"It stopped doing it on the way here."

That last one is particularly helpful.

The mechanic then needs to turn the customer's description into an actual diagnosis.

How Do Mechanics Diagnose Problems?

Diagnosis can involve:

• Talking to the customer
• Inspecting the vehicle
• Road testing
• Using diagnostic scan tools
• Electrical testing
• Checking mechanical components
• Taking measurements
• Reading technical information
• Comparing symptoms

Good mechanics diagnose before replacing parts.

Guessing gets expensive very quickly.

If five different components could cause the same symptom, you don't want to replace all five until the problem disappears.

Do Mechanics Use Computers?

Absolutely.

Modern automotive workshops rely heavily on diagnostic technology.

Mechanics can use scan tools to communicate with vehicle electronic systems.

This can provide information such as:

• Fault codes
• Sensor readings
• System data
• Vehicle information

But a scan tool doesn't magically tell you exactly what part to replace.

A fault code gives you information.

The mechanic still needs to interpret it.

Replacing whichever component happens to be mentioned in the fault code isn't proper diagnosis.

Do Mechanics Do Electrical Work?

Electrical diagnosis is increasingly important.

Modern vehicles rely on electrical and electronic systems for almost everything.

Mechanics may work around:

• Batteries
• Alternators
• Starter motors
• Sensors
• Wiring
• Electronic controls
• Lighting
• Ignition systems

There is also a separate automotive electrical trade for technicians specialising more heavily in vehicle electrical and electronic systems.

However, general mechanics still need solid electrical knowledge.

Why Is Electrical Knowledge Becoming More Important?

Think about how many electronic systems are now inside an ordinary car.

Vehicles can contain:

• Parking sensors
• Cameras
• Electronic throttle control
• Stability control
• Driver-assistance systems
• Electronic transmissions
• Engine management
• Climate control
• Infotainment
• Multiple computers

Even traditional mechanical systems increasingly interact with electronics.

A mechanic who refuses to learn electrical diagnosis is going to find modern vehicles increasingly difficult to work on.

Do Mechanics Repair Engines?

Yes, although the amount of engine repair performed depends on the workshop.

Engine work can involve:

• Diagnosing engine faults
• Replacing components
• Timing system repairs
• Cooling system repairs
• Gaskets
• Internal engine repairs

Some workshops perform complete engine rebuilds.

Others may replace an engine or send specialised machining work elsewhere.

You don't necessarily spend every day rebuilding engines just because you're a mechanic.

Do Mechanics Work on Brakes?

Yes.

Brake work is extremely common.

Mechanics may:

• Inspect brake pads
• Replace pads
• Replace rotors
• Inspect hydraulic components
• Diagnose brake problems
• Replace worn components

Brakes are obviously safety-critical.

Work needs to be completed correctly and carefully.

"Close enough" isn't a particularly reassuring approach when you're talking about the system responsible for stopping the car.

Steering and Suspension

Mechanics also work on steering and suspension systems.

Components can include:

• Shock absorbers
• Struts
• Springs
• Control arms
• Bushes
• Ball joints
• Tie rods
• Steering components

Customers may complain about:

• Knocking noises
• Poor handling
• Uneven tyre wear
• Vibrations
• Loose steering

Again, diagnosis comes first.

A noise doesn't automatically mean the first suspension component you look at needs replacing.

Cooling Systems

Vehicle engines generate a lot of heat.

The cooling system keeps operating temperatures under control.

Mechanics may work with:

• Radiators
• Coolant
• Thermostats
• Water pumps
• Cooling fans
• Hoses

Cooling system faults can cause overheating.

And overheating can turn a relatively manageable repair into an extremely expensive engine problem if ignored.

Batteries and Charging Systems

A car that won't start is another common workshop problem.

The battery is an obvious suspect.

But the battery isn't always the actual problem.

A mechanic may need to check:

• Battery condition
• Alternator output
• Starter motor
• Electrical connections
• Current draw
• Wiring

Replacing a battery when the charging system is faulty simply gives the customer a brand-new battery that's eventually going to go flat too.

Proper diagnosis matters.

What About Transmissions?

Mechanics can perform servicing and repairs involving transmissions and driveline components.

Some workshops handle extensive transmission repairs internally.

Others refer complicated transmission work to specialist businesses.

Automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated.

Specialist transmission technicians can develop deep knowledge in this area.

Do Mechanics Change Tyres?

Some do.

The amount of tyre work depends on the workshop.

Businesses offering tyres may perform:

• Tyre replacement
• Wheel balancing
• Rotations
• Puncture repairs
• Wheel alignments

Other mechanical workshops may outsource some of this work.

Tyre shops can also employ automotive technicians and provide another entry point into the industry.

Do Mechanics Work on Air Conditioning?

Some automotive mechanics perform certain air conditioning-related work, but handling automotive refrigerant requires the appropriate refrigerant handling licence.

Automotive air conditioning can therefore become another specialist skill.

Mechanics may diagnose problems involving:

• Compressors
• Condensers
• Electrical components
• Cooling performance

The exact work someone can perform depends on their training and licensing.

Do Mechanics Road Test Cars?

Yes.

Road testing can be an important part of diagnosis and confirming repairs.

A mechanic might road test a vehicle to investigate:

• Noises
• Vibrations
• Steering problems
• Transmission behaviour
• Engine performance
• Braking issues

They may also drive the vehicle after repairs to confirm the problem has actually been fixed.

This is one reason having a driver's licence can be particularly important for automotive work.

Do Mechanics Talk to Customers?

It depends on the workplace.

At a dealership, service advisors may handle most customer communication.

At a small independent workshop, mechanics may speak directly with customers regularly.

Being able to explain a complicated mechanical problem in normal language is a useful skill.

The customer doesn't necessarily want a 20-minute technical lecture.

They want to know:

What's broken?

Why does it need fixing?

How much will it cost?

And can I still drive the car?

Where Do Motor Mechanics Work?

Mechanics can work in:

• Independent workshops
• Dealerships
• Automotive service centres
• Fleet workshops
• Government fleets
• Specialist workshops
• Vehicle rental businesses

Your workplace can significantly affect the type of experience you develop.

What Is Working at a Dealership Like?

Dealership mechanics generally become highly familiar with particular manufacturers.

This can mean regularly working with the same:

• Vehicle platforms
• Engines
• Diagnostic equipment
• Technical systems
• Common faults

Manufacturers may also provide specialised training.

Dealership experience can be useful if you want to become a brand specialist or diagnostic technician.

What Is an Independent Workshop Like?

Independent mechanics work across many different manufacturers.

You could see:

• Toyota
• Ford
• Volkswagen
• Hyundai
• Mazda
• BMW
• Nissan

all within the same week.

This can provide broad experience.

It also means constantly adapting to different vehicle designs and diagnostic systems.

What Do Specialist Mechanics Do?

Mechanics can eventually specialise in areas such as:

• European vehicles
• 4WDs
• Performance cars
• Diagnostics
• Transmissions
• Diesel
• Steering and suspension
• Motorsport

Specialisation can make your work more interesting and potentially increase your value.

But broad general mechanical experience is an excellent foundation before specialising.

What About Diesel Mechanics?

Diesel mechanics work primarily with diesel engines and equipment.

Depending on their qualifications and industry, they can work around:

• Vehicles
• Trucks
• Machinery
• Industrial equipment

Diesel experience can open doors into industries beyond ordinary passenger vehicle servicing.

What Do Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Do?

Heavy vehicle mechanics work on equipment such as:

• Trucks
• Buses
• Commercial vehicles

The same fundamental idea applies.

Inspect.

Service.

Diagnose.

Repair.

Except everything is considerably bigger.

Heavy vehicle work can provide strong career opportunities in transport and fleet maintenance.

What Do Mobile Plant Mechanics Do?

Mobile plant technicians work on machinery such as:

• Excavators
• Loaders
• Bulldozers
• Graders
• Construction machinery
• Mining equipment

This can lead to work in:

• Construction
• Civil infrastructure
• Equipment dealerships
• Mining
• Field service

For someone interested in machinery more than ordinary cars, mobile plant can be a seriously attractive alternative.

What About Electric and Hybrid Vehicles?

Electric and hybrid vehicles are changing automotive work.

Mechanics increasingly need knowledge involving:

• Electric drivetrains
• High-voltage systems
• Battery systems
• Power electronics
• Electronic diagnosis

Specific training and safety requirements apply when working on high-voltage vehicle systems.

For apprentices entering the trade now, EV knowledge is likely to become increasingly important throughout their careers.

Will Electric Cars Replace Mechanics?

Electric vehicles require less maintenance in some traditional areas.

There's no engine oil to change in a battery-electric vehicle, for example.

But vehicles still contain:

• Brakes
• Suspension
• Steering
• Tyres
• Cooling systems
• Electronics
• Air conditioning
• Sensors
• Computers

They also introduce sophisticated high-voltage systems and battery technology.

The mechanic's job will evolve.

It isn't simply going to disappear.

What Tools Do Mechanics Use?

A mechanic's toolkit can include:

• Sockets
• Spanners
• Ratchets
• Torque wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Multimeters
• Diagnostic scan tools
• Specialised automotive tools

Workshops also use larger equipment such as:

• Vehicle hoists
• Wheel balancers
• Alignment equipment
• Diagnostic systems
• Presses

You'll gradually become familiar with an enormous range of tools throughout your career.

And somehow you'll still spend five minutes looking for the 10mm socket.

It's one of the automotive industry's great mysteries.

Is Being a Mechanic Physically Demanding?

It can be.

Mechanics spend significant time:

• Standing
• Bending
• Kneeling
• Reaching
• Working underneath vehicles
• Removing components
• Using tools

Some components are heavy.

Workshop equipment such as hoists helps reduce the physical demands, but it's still a hands-on trade.

Is Mechanical Work Dirty?

Sometimes.

You'll work around:

• Engine oil
• Grease
• Coolant
• Brake dust
• Dirt
• Old components

Modern workshops can be clean and organised.

But you're probably not going to finish every shift looking exactly how you did when you arrived.

That's part of working on machines.

What Skills Make a Good Mechanic?

Useful skills include:

• Problem solving
• Mechanical ability
• Electrical knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Patience
• Communication
• Computer skills
• Safety awareness
• Willingness to learn

Good mechanics are curious.

They don't just want to know that something is broken.

They want to understand why it broke.

That mindset becomes particularly valuable when diagnosing difficult faults.

Can Mechanics Earn Good Money?

Yes, although earning potential varies considerably across the industry.

General light vehicle mechanics can earn solid incomes.

Higher earning opportunities can exist through:

• Diagnostics
• Specialist vehicles
• Heavy vehicles
• Mobile plant
• Field service
• Mining
• Overtime
• Management

Business ownership can increase the potential ceiling further.

Can Mechanics Start Their Own Workshop?

Yes.

Experienced mechanics can eventually establish their own automotive businesses, subject to the licensing and business requirements that apply where they operate.

A workshop might offer:

• Servicing
• Repairs
• Diagnostics
• Inspections
• Tyres
• Fleet maintenance
• Specialist services

Business ownership can provide significantly greater earning potential.

It also means that when the workshop has a problem, there's no manager to complain to.

Congratulations.

You're the manager.

Can Mechanics Move Off the Tools?

Absolutely.

Mechanical experience can lead into roles such as:

• Workshop foreman
• Workshop manager
• Service advisor
• Service manager
• Technical support
• Warranty
• Technical sales
• Fleet management
• Automotive training
• Business ownership

This gives you options later in your career if you no longer want to physically work on vehicles every day.

Is Being a Motor Mechanic a Good Career?

For someone who genuinely enjoys cars and solving mechanical problems, it can be.

You'll develop practical skills that can be used throughout Australia.

You'll work on increasingly sophisticated technology.

And you can take your mechanical experience in plenty of different directions.

You might spend your entire career working on passenger cars.

Or you might eventually move into diagnostics, heavy vehicles, electric vehicles, mobile plant, management or business ownership.

The trade is changing.

Modern mechanics need to understand mechanical systems, electrical systems and technology together.

If you like figuring out how things work — particularly when they've decided to stop working — that's exactly what makes the job interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a motor mechanic do?

Motor mechanics service, inspect, diagnose and repair cars and other light vehicles. Their work can include engines, brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems, electrical systems and vehicle diagnostics.

Do mechanics only fix engines?

No. Mechanics work across many vehicle systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, cooling, electrical systems, driveline components and general servicing.

Do mechanics use computers?

Yes. Modern mechanics use diagnostic scan tools and other electronic equipment to diagnose increasingly sophisticated vehicle systems.

Do mechanics do electrical work?

Electrical diagnosis forms an important part of modern mechanical work, although automotive electrical is also a separate specialised trade.

Do mechanics work on electric cars?

Mechanics can work on electric and hybrid vehicles when appropriately trained for the work they're performing. High-voltage systems require specific skills and safety procedures.

Where do motor mechanics work?

Mechanics can work in dealerships, independent workshops, service centres, fleet workshops, specialist automotive businesses and government or commercial vehicle fleets.