Being an auto mechanic, especially one who specializes as an Engine Diagnosis Car Guy, is anything but monotonous. Forget about clocking in and out doing the same thing every day. The automotive repair world is dynamic, and every day brings new challenges. Let’s dive into what a typical day looks like for someone in this exciting profession.
At our dealership, we function as general service mechanics. This means we’re all proficient in handling a wide range of tasks across the shop. Some shops might have specialists – a transmission expert or a dedicated diagnostic technician. The latter focuses solely on pinpointing vehicle issues, handing off the actual repairs to another technician. However, I prefer our setup. It adds variety to the day. It’s not unusual to start with a routine oil change, then tackle a tricky check engine light diagnosis, and round it off with some tire work.
So, what might an average workday look like for an engine diagnosis car guy? Here’s a snapshot:
- Perform a standard mileage service on a recent model car.
- Oil change and tire rotation on a 2008 VW.
- Diagnose the cause of a check engine light.
- Complete a higher mileage service on a newer vehicle.
- Perform a straightforward oil change.
- Another oil change with tire rotation.
- Oil change combined with a state inspection.
- Execute a comprehensive mileage service.
- Replace a faulty headlight bulb.
- Fix a broken tail light bulb.
This workload represents a fairly busy but manageable day. And this is just considering the scheduled services. Often, we uncover additional issues during these checks. Worn wiper blades, brake problems, and blown light bulbs are common discoveries when vehicles come in for maintenance.
Looking back at that list, it outlines a relatively smooth day. However, not every day is typical. Unpredictability is part of the job. Just last week, I dedicated almost an entire day to diagnosing a 2013 Jetta hybrid with an intermittent shut-off issue. The following day, I prepared two repair estimates that totaled close to $18,000. This isn’t something to boast about. Large estimates for neglected vehicles or unusual failures, like the 09 EOS with a malfunctioning convertible top mechanism (a first for me!), are just part of the spectrum of challenges we face.
