5 answers
Octavio
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What’s the most important skill that someone needs to be automotive mechanic?
In class today we got asked what we want to be when we grow up, I want to play a sport but I also know that I may need a backup. I see my uncle work on cars all the time even my grandpa does, so I think I would enjoy to be a automotive mechanic.
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5 answers
ogundiji samson
Engineer
8
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
ogundiji’s Answer
That’s a smart way to think — going after your passion in sports, but also having a solid backup skill you’d enjoy.
If I had to pick the most important skill for being an automotive mechanic, I’d say:
Problem-solving skills.
Here’s why:
Cars today are like rolling computers mixed with engines. When something goes wrong, it’s not always obvious what the issue is. A good mechanic needs to diagnose the problem — figure out if it’s mechanical, electrical, or software-related — and then decide the best way to fix it. That means thinking logically, being patient, and sometimes using creativity when the answer isn’t straightforward.
Of course, other skills matter too, like:
Attention to detail (missing a small step can cause bigger problems)
Mechanical knowledge & technical skills (knowing how each system works)
Communication (explaining problems and solutions to customers)
Physical stamina (since the job can be hands-on and demanding)
If you enjoy figuring out puzzles and you like working with your hands, you’d probably fit right in.
Goodluck
samson @samjades
If I had to pick the most important skill for being an automotive mechanic, I’d say:
Problem-solving skills.
Here’s why:
Cars today are like rolling computers mixed with engines. When something goes wrong, it’s not always obvious what the issue is. A good mechanic needs to diagnose the problem — figure out if it’s mechanical, electrical, or software-related — and then decide the best way to fix it. That means thinking logically, being patient, and sometimes using creativity when the answer isn’t straightforward.
Of course, other skills matter too, like:
Attention to detail (missing a small step can cause bigger problems)
Mechanical knowledge & technical skills (knowing how each system works)
Communication (explaining problems and solutions to customers)
Physical stamina (since the job can be hands-on and demanding)
If you enjoy figuring out puzzles and you like working with your hands, you’d probably fit right in.
Goodluck
samson @samjades
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I appreciate your advice about problem-solving skills, Your explanation made the job sound interesting and challenging. Thanks again for your time!
Octavio
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Octavio!
Oh yes, reserve other options if things do not go as planned! Some people get multiple options actuated! Then they wonder why they are so busy lately! Is there are crime in calling yourself a research consultant or a business consultant? I have been a tutor since 1975.
There is no crime in preparing for alternative professions if an option does not work out! You are allowed to call yourself a consultant because you do help people solve their problems. We want good outcomes for people, not having to just barely exist without a future and a profession that they can call their own!
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS DELINEATE NEEDS
Talk to any old-timer that knows his cars and they will say experience is the most important attribute! Knowing exactly how to fix any problem.
Quickly Reliably Cheaply Permanently Professionally Improvise
There is an old Australian outback story about the truckie that broke a tail shaft back of Bourke. He/She used a sapling tree and wire to fashion one! Guess he/she could have waited several weeks for assistance!
Oh yes, reserve other options if things do not go as planned! Some people get multiple options actuated! Then they wonder why they are so busy lately! Is there are crime in calling yourself a research consultant or a business consultant? I have been a tutor since 1975.
There is no crime in preparing for alternative professions if an option does not work out! You are allowed to call yourself a consultant because you do help people solve their problems. We want good outcomes for people, not having to just barely exist without a future and a profession that they can call their own!
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS DELINEATE NEEDS
Talk to any old-timer that knows his cars and they will say experience is the most important attribute! Knowing exactly how to fix any problem.
Quickly Reliably Cheaply Permanently Professionally Improvise
There is an old Australian outback story about the truckie that broke a tail shaft back of Bourke. He/She used a sapling tree and wire to fashion one! Guess he/she could have waited several weeks for assistance!
a b
Software Development
29
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
a’s Answer
Octavio -
One big consideration is how much creativity you want in your job.
There are two different avenues to mechanic work - replacing parts, or fabricating / enhancing new improved customizations.
Replacing parts relies heavily on diagnosis and mechanical skills.
Fabricating / enhancing relies heavily on creativity and materials skills.
There's lots of TV shows revolving around both of those. I'd recommend watching several series on both repairing and customizing. See which one appeals to you more.
Blaine - Oregon USA
One big consideration is how much creativity you want in your job.
There are two different avenues to mechanic work - replacing parts, or fabricating / enhancing new improved customizations.
Replacing parts relies heavily on diagnosis and mechanical skills.
Fabricating / enhancing relies heavily on creativity and materials skills.
There's lots of TV shows revolving around both of those. I'd recommend watching several series on both repairing and customizing. See which one appeals to you more.
Blaine - Oregon USA
Thank you, I’ll take this advice and try it!👍🏻
Octavio
Mark Glamm
Telecommunications Engineer
2
Answers
Twinsburg Heights, OH
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Octavio,
Good morning. Just chiming in on the awesome responses above. From my experience there are two additional things that will help make anyone a successful mechanic. Patience and perseverance.
I say this for a few reasons. Modern machinery design is often built for ease of manufacture and not necessarily ease of service. Learning to expect the unexpected and being able to take a step back (problem solve) during a repair and visualize how the machine was designed and assembled are valuable skills. Sometimes the repairs are straight forward and easy while other times you have to get a little creative in the repair approach. I've even had to modify or invent my own tools at times to fit a particular need.
The profitability of a mechanic comes down to how they spend their time. For example, the labor rate to replace a lower control arm on a certain car might be four (4) hours and that is what the shop will price the job at. If it takes a mechanic more time than that, the shop is losing money, and if the mechanic can get it done quicker, that's pure profit, and they are on to the next job. If you're in business for yourself, this makes all the difference.
Small engine repair work is a great way to build these soft skills and experience.
I wish you well on your journey.
Good morning. Just chiming in on the awesome responses above. From my experience there are two additional things that will help make anyone a successful mechanic. Patience and perseverance.
I say this for a few reasons. Modern machinery design is often built for ease of manufacture and not necessarily ease of service. Learning to expect the unexpected and being able to take a step back (problem solve) during a repair and visualize how the machine was designed and assembled are valuable skills. Sometimes the repairs are straight forward and easy while other times you have to get a little creative in the repair approach. I've even had to modify or invent my own tools at times to fit a particular need.
The profitability of a mechanic comes down to how they spend their time. For example, the labor rate to replace a lower control arm on a certain car might be four (4) hours and that is what the shop will price the job at. If it takes a mechanic more time than that, the shop is losing money, and if the mechanic can get it done quicker, that's pure profit, and they are on to the next job. If you're in business for yourself, this makes all the difference.
Small engine repair work is a great way to build these soft skills and experience.
I wish you well on your journey.
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
17
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Octavio, the most important skill someone needs to be an automotive mechanic is the desire to know how things work and how they're put together. Once you know that it becomes easier to figure out the way they might fail and they way you would go about fixing them. That's pretty much it. Hope this helps.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
Thank you for sharing your advice. I appreciate your insight about curiosity and understanding how things work. It helps me see the importance of learning how parts fit together. I think I understand what I should try to learn now. Thanks again for your time and help!
Octavio