Mechanics use their hands, brains, and tools to repair mechanical problems. They take pride in turning something that wasn’t working correctly into a functioning vehicle.
Auto mechanics focus on the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and other mechanical parts of cars. They also know the computer systems of vehicles. Here are some common mechanics repairs.
Battery Replacement
The battery is a vital component of a vehicle. It supplies power to the ignition system and recharges the car's electrical components when it's parked. Mechanics repairs who replace batteries must be careful to avoid contact with corrosive battery acid that can leak from the terminals. They also need to follow safety precautions when disconnecting the old battery, including wearing work gloves and protective eyewear. To prevent an electrical short circuit, mechanics remove the negative battery cable first, then the positive one.
Ignition System Repair
In the split second that passes between turning the key in the ignition and the engine firing up, a lot is happening under the hood. The system tasked with ensuring efficient operation during this time is the ignition system, and it can develop issues just like any other part of your vehicle.
The simplest and most obvious sign that your ignition system is in need of repair or replacement is when it fails to start your car upon turning the key. Other symptoms that might indicate an ignition problem include difficulty cranking and power loss for your accessories.
Older vehicles use a distributor-based ignition system. In this type of system, the distributor rotor and cap order the voltage that goes to your spark plugs. When this component wears out, the spark plug doesn’t get what it needs and the engine won’t start. Modern vehicles use a computer to trigger the ignition coils. The computer can malfunction or the crank position sensor may wear out.
Electrical Components Replacement
Electrical components such as outlets, switches, and fixtures require repair or replacement from time to time. These are the parts that you use and interact with on a daily basis, so it is important to maintain their function. When these parts fail, you may want to replace them or simply have them repaired as soon as possible.
Truck mechanics, also known as diesel or auto mechanics, specialize in repairing and maintaining trucks. This includes working on the engines, transmissions, air brakes, and other mechanical components of vehicles. Industrial mechanics, on the other hand, work in industrial settings repairing and maintaining pumps and other mechanical equipment. Heavy equipment mechanics work on bulldozers and other large machines. These mechanics must be knowledgeable about the various mechanical systems of these machines and how to keep them running smoothly.
Brake Repair
Brakes are the most important safety component of your vehicle. A good brake job should include replacing your pads and shoes (with a built-in wear indicator that generates a metallic scraping noise when the linings are worn thin enough to cause metal-to-metal contact) along with the rotors, which should be resurfaced or replaced if they are scored, cracked or have hard spots. Also consider replacing the calipers and wheel cylinders (if they are leaking or worn out), brake lines and hoses, and the master cylinder (if it is leaking).
The master cylinder is a vital part of your car's hydraulic system that splits and delivers the force to the front and rear brakes. It can also be a difficult part to repair or replace, especially in late-model cars with anti-lock braking systems. A faulty master cylinder can make the entire brake system inoperable, which is why it is recommended to do regular maintenance on your brakes to keep them in peak condition.
