Professional mechanics or technician

[vanness]

This is my first post just want everyone's opinions. I been searching forums for months. Do you believe there's difference between technician and mechanics and if so what is it. Do you believe ase certs make someone better then a guy that's been doing wrenching longer I'm a mechanic by trade been in dealerships small mom and pop shops and quick lube shops. I been trying to get back into ******** wrenching as full time dealer mechanic again but it seems the dealerships or small town shops just either want 10 yrs experience or they want you to have all ase certs. I been doing mechanical repair for 7+ years. I'm employed with a quick lube right now, it seems to be where the money is. Please all inputs wanted.

 

[androy]

I`m a master technician myself , been working in dealers for 13 years , ive seen guys come come in with all the paperwork that coulnd do **** and i also seen older 30years experience guys come in that coulnd do **** either .. if all you done is wrench in lube shop it can be prety hard to adapt to dealerships .. the quality of work is way more important and most guy just dont get fix it right the first time
anyway .. i wish you luck

 

[CWP1616L]

You have to be certified to get the experience, but you can't get the experience without being certified.

 

[85camaro]

ASE certification makes someone book knowledgeable. Sometimes those that have the ASE certifications are also great mechanics. Sometimes not.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I`m a master technician myself , been working in dealers for 13 years , ive seen guys come come in with all the paperwork that coulnd do **** and i also seen older 30years experience guys come in that coulnd do **** either .. if all you done is wrench in lube shop it can be prety hard to adapt to dealerships .. the quality of work is way more important and most guy just dont get fix it write the first time
anyway .. i wish you luck

And the ones that come from dealerships have a hard time understanding diagnosing things and actually finding the component causing the problem, instead of replacing everything in the system.

Partially just kidding there, but only a little. I'll take experience over paper any day, thanks. I have one ASE cert, which I got so that the shop could be a "Napa Car Care Center". I passed with a pretty damn good score, and believe me, it didn't somehow make me a god at replacing or diagnosing brakes, nor did it challenge me or require studying. The shop my boss used to work for only has one ASE-certified dude (or did anyway, their new guys might be too) who's about my age with a master cert. According to everyone there, he's the most likely to screw up.

 

[androy]

what i meant is either way you can end up with a srewup . i guess its geting harder and harder to find good guys .. buy the way im specialized in diagnostics .. replace only the bad part .. i believe in fix it right the first time

 

[mech-tech]

Generally speaking these days...

Mechanic = works mainly on one particular thing, such as engines, or pumps, etc.

Technician = able to repair any and all parts of the entire machine/equipment/vehicle

 

[vanness]

Androy I agree with you that it getting harder to find good guys. And firebox and I agree as well I was in dealership with a guy that had like five certs and he had more come backs then I could count on hand and toes. I specialize in brakes and front end. I just find it funny that a lot of places will take a guy straight outta school versus the guy that's been in all different kinds of shops.by the way this is in jersey. And the only way to fix it is fix it right the first time.

 

[mech-tech]

I went to the vocational school for industrial diesel, and just recently got a new job as a helper, then found out a guy from UTI that is younger than me with less experience got a higher position with higher pay than me after I started. It seems some guys let the school go to their head and talk like they have mastered everything, at least that has been my experience. When I go to a job interview, I mention my schooling, but don't stay on that subject because I have seen too many guys get hired on because of the school, only to end up quiting because the boss told them to go make some complex repair and they had no clue what they were doing. Do I hate being a helper, yes! Have I ever gotten a job over a guy with more experience, not that I am aware of, but at least I have never told the boss I knew something, then be put into a position where I looked like an idiot. Some people just really know how to sell themselves...or BS the boss

 

[Outlawmws]

Generally speaking these days...

Mechanic = works mainly on one particular thing, such as engines, or pumps, etc.

Technician = able to repair any and all parts of the entire machine/equipment/vehicle

I see it the exact opposite:

Mechanics can do it all or at least major chunks,

A technician is more likely to be a "specialist" and may not be quite so all encompassing.

There was a reason the term "master mechanic" meant something...

Look at the old timers that were famous: Grump Jenkens, Steve Smith, dang, mind is blank on the many others I've known of over the years, but the list, particularly for racing's greats, is long and many were consultants to the big automakers, for decades. I seriously doubt any one of them ever had a cert, or were ever called "technician"

 

[DieselSaves]

I see it the exact opposite:

Mechanics can do it all or at least major chunks,

A technician is more likely to be a "specialist" and may not be quite so all encompassing.

There was a reason the term "master mechanic" meant something...

Look at the old timers that were famous: Grump Jenkens, Steve Smith, dang, mind is blank on the many others I've known of over the years, but the list, particularly for racing's greats, is long and many were consultants to the big automakers, for decades. I seriously doubt any one of them ever had a cert, or were ever called "technician"

For the sake of giving accurate labels, I'd agree with this.

 

[monomach]

Mechanics don't exist anymore. That's what guys who wrenched in my dad's generation were called, back before everyone needed to be an HVAC guy, an electrician, a computer expert, etc, etc just to work in a dealership.

 

[mech-tech]

Thats why I said "generally speaking"

Where I live, a job advertising for a mechanic will repair air compressors, or pumps, or generators... Jobs with the word technician are put on adds for dealerships where ford, cat, john deere, kenworth need repair personnel.

 

[bobemmerich]

You have to be certified to get the experience, but you can't get the experience without being certified.

This is what i was up against here. I worked at fast lubes and 2 indy shops. Finally called it quits. Would like to get back into it, but at 44, and 15 years out of "the game" I think it's too late to jump back in.
As far as tech vs. mechanic thing, I don't think it makes a difference. Personal preference of the individual.

 

[bobemmerich]

generally speaking these days...

Mechanic = works mainly on one particular thing, such as engines, or pumps, etc.

Technician = able to repair any and all parts of the entire machine/equipment/vehicle

i like this analogy.....

 

[Fedwrench]

I feel it's a sign of changing times. Back in the day before computer controlled everything, when you could probably use a 1/2 x 9/16 wrench on almost everything, there were mechanics.

Now there are technicians. Technicians need to be well versed in electrical and electronic systems theory and repair. Technicians often repair as many cars with a laptop and a reflash as they do with regular tools. Technicians are required to know vastly more today than the mechanics of old.

ASE certs don't make you a Technician. I recently let a guy go who had like 27 ASE Certs but, he couldn't fix a sandwich or remember to tighten lug nuts. I'm not too happy with ASE these days. I feel they're more about sucking money from techs and non techs these days than standards but, that's just me.

In the 1960s America sent a man to the moon with what was basically the technology in a Commadore 64 computer. The current model cars have like 7-10 computers on them (more on high end cars) Automotive tecnology has definitely evolved over time.

 

[chrisa7164]

I worked in dealerships for 15 yrs..was shop foreman in one of them. Went to all of their factory schools so that made me a "technician", not just a "mecanic". I also have ASE certs...all that means is I can read..lol. Over the years I saw the guys who went to the fancy trade schools come in with all their paperwork telling how they were God's gift to the internal combustion engine yet they were usually the ones who also would do complete wheel bearing jobs without packing a single bearing. or my favorite was the **** who smoked his dvom checking Ohms across the battery. It's better to just try your hardest and if you aren't sure ask.

 

[basspro]

Mechanics do exist, its called industrial. Its a whole different world from cars. "Techs" in my world are very specific usually, then there are Millwrights, who do everyones job and then some. I like the word "mechanic".

 

[NHBandit]

I'll be the guy to go against the grain. I will admit that I'm biased because I got into the automotive trade when PCV valves were the new thing and "technicians" only worked in hospitals. My take is that modern techs are highly versed in diagnosis, computer technology, electronics, and things of a more "technical" nature. Nothing wrong with that and they are what we need these days to work on our modern cars. But from what I have seen they are mostly swapping bad parts for new ones. Nobody fixes anything anymore and that's certainly not the techs fault. It just is what it is. A "mechanic" repairs things. If something is broken he is able to take it completely apart, see what the problem is, and reassemble it. Those of us who do that are dinosaurs. The modern "plug & play" replacement parts have made us extinct. At the moment I'm rebuilding a Chevy 350 to put into my 56 truck. I'm also having to fabricate alot of things since a 56 truck never came with a 350 not to mention the TH400 trans or the disc brake S-10 rear end I'm putting in it. When I'm finished I'll be into it for about half what a crate engine costs but I'm retired and my time is free. If I had to pay a shop $80 an hour to do it it wouldn't make sense. I'd pick up the phone, give them my Visa card number, and in a couple days my new engine would arrive. And don't take my post wrong. Techs & mechanics are both good at what they do. Just not at all the same. To me a good tech is one that can diagnose even the most difficult off the wall problem with nearly any part of a modern car. A mechanic is a guy who I can say "put this Ford truck power steering pump on my John Deere tractor" and he can eyeball it and whip up a set of home made brackets that get the job done. Read my boring little story here on post #3 for a perfect example of what I think is the difference. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=228064

 

[basspro]

NHBandit, I like your take on it. Both are very skilled and should be highly respected, whatever trade you happen to be in. I can tell you from a mechanics point of view, its often times a thankless job, because the machines I am working on are not personal to anyone, its get it done now and move on. Nobody smiles and shakes your hand when its done... nature of the beast I suppose.

 

[firebox40dash5]

If I had to pay a shop $80 an hour to do it it wouldn't make sense.

Well that right there is why people don't 'fix parts' anymore. I probably explain to a customer bi-weekly that yes, I could in fact get parts and fix their _____ component, but it would cost more in labor to do it than a new assembly costs.... which I'm cool with, since it means a lower sales tax bill, but for some reason they don't agree with my view.

Think how little I'd get done if I had to remove a water pump, then disassemble it to replace the seals and bearings, the reassemble, install, and I hope I did it right, rather than grabbing the one Napa delivered and tossing it in...

 

[Hopalong604]

I've been an auto technician for about 8 years now in 1 dealership. I know my product inside and out. I can diagnose and re and re. So I feel I'm very well rounded. But I have a co worker that can't diagnose any electrical or anything at all. He's been a mechanic for over 20 years. He only does services and re and res that other techs would diagnose. There is a difference in our wages though. If I didn't get paid more then I would play dumb and just to services and re and res too lol

 

[monomach]

But from what I have seen they are mostly swapping bad parts for new ones. Nobody fixes anything anymore and that's certainly not the techs fault. It just is what it is. A "mechanic" repairs things. If something is broken he is able to take it completely apart, see what the problem is, and reassemble it. Those of us who do that are dinosaurs. The modern "plug & play" replacement parts have made us extinct.

I for one am glad that part of the job died. I can't believe how much of my youth was wasted doing dumb things like remanning wheel cylinders. I doubt tech schools these days even mention that that used to be a thing.

 

[Moose97]

I'm not a mechanic/technician by trade. I am a Building Official. Years ago you became an inspector by working in one of the trades and then working with other inspectors to learn what you didn't know. There were few certified people. You learned by experience. Nowadays everyone wants to see certifications. They don't necessarily make you a better inspector just more sale-able. Today people expect you to have a combination of book knowledge and real world experience. It's a changing society.

 

[A_Pmech]

I guess I should dig an old post of mine out of the junk drawer of time:

It is interesting how the definition of words change with popular usage. In the original meaning of the word, a mechanic is one who understands the entire mechanical system from concept, to design, prototype, production and maintenance. A mechanic is not a parts changer, but a well-rounded master of machines. In the purest form of the word, engineering is a discipline of the mechanic, as is machining and the maintenance of machines.

A technician, on the other hand, is one who specializes. There are medical technicians, elevator technicians, lab technicians and obviously car technicians. A technician is a specialist at one small portion of an entire system, whereas a mechanic has a broad understanding of the entire system.

To bolster that assertion, here's what Webster's Dictionary has to say:

Technician: Specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation.

Mechanic: An artisan. A machinist or one who repairs machines.

Before engineering was recognized as a profession, those who engaged in the science of designing machines were called mechanics. Mechanics generally not only designed the machines but were equally well versed in the making of them. James Watt was one such mechanic. Books written a when he was alive called him a mechanic or an inventor. Those who ran his steam engines were called engineers as defined by Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of The English Language" published in 1767.

To get a better idea of who a mechanic was, in the truest meaning of the word, I recommend reading "Memoirs of the Most Eminent American Mechanics" by Henry Howe, published in 1840. The "engineers" of the Industrial Revolution were not called engineers back then, but mechanics.

 

[redwrench60]

It depends on what type of work I'm doing.

If I'm reprogramming an engine control module with new software to address some off the wall misfire on a cold start I feel like a Technician.

If I'm standing in a puddle of ATF stacking a clutch pack in an auto trans I'm building or setting pinion bearing preload on a rear end I sure feel like a Mechanic..........

I'm ok with being called an Auto Mechanic.

 

[joebachor]

my job title includes technician and I feel that "technician" is just the modern way to address a "mechanic". things are more complex now but we still do the same thing in the end. we solve mechanical/electrical issues and get the machine back into service.

 

[MattPersman]

New cars are tough to work on. Only go to work at a dealership if you want troubling complaints that won't pay much to fix them lol

Some places will only hire you if you have at least one ASE and I am not talking places where you do any difficult repair either, places like firestones, etc want you to have an ASE

I'm a dealer tech and laugh at a lot of the stuff I see diagnosed from other "shops", to be fair they really don't have a chance to figure out some of this stuff and don't have much business trying to, to be fair to a customer.

Mechanic, technician same thing just depends who you are talking too. Money is made in newer cars. These are the folks that dictate your title. People driving around crappy dodge diplomats or crown Victorias aren't paying you a good paycheck. This is a business and I can be what they want me to be. I don't call my plumber a plumber or technician, I just call him Chris, and he probably doesn't care what I call him as long as much check doesn't bounce.

 

[atwageman]

Part of this is also evolution on word use. Which job title sounds more important? Admin Assistant or secretary? Same job function, just a different title.

I've seen this **** at fast food restaurants while ordering food......Now hiring "Line Managers". The job has no power or authority, but the job title sounds better than "fry cook" or "burger flipper". That fancy title sure does make that low rent employee feel good though.

While in NJ (can't pump your own fuel) on business once I asked the guy pumping gas what kind of training does one need to be a "Fuel Replenishment Technician"? Thank goodness he had a sense of humor. Lol.

I know a guy that works for one of the NASCAR teams in charge of painting and attaching all of those damn advertisement stickers all over the car. He jokingly refers to his job as...."Decal Applications Engineer". I can peel and stick with the best of them.

 

[GoodEnough]

Getting back to vanness' question, I think having ASE certs means the person is serious about the career, and has the discipline to jump through the hoops. A lazy drug addict is less likely to get ASE certs than someone who is very motivated.

So, are you serious about getting back in? Or are you just a dreamer who just likes to talk and make excuses? I would at least look into seeing what ASE costs to get the first level. Even the first level will weed out tons of lazy losers and talkers who don't take the first step in realizing their goals.

At the same time, I think OP should drive around to the local shops and ask them in person about working for them, so he can get back in the game. If you're willing to work cheap or for free for a few weeks or months, that might be your ticket back in.

 

[devoncoolman]

6 of one and half dozen of the other. Ive worked for all independent shops for years. Been refered to as techs or mechanics. Doesnt really matter. I have a couple certs in steering suspension and brakes. But they meen absolutly nothing. Other then i knew how to read and take a test. Ive honestly never told any of the shops including the one i work for that i even have those certs. Only went to vo-tech back in high school. Am the lead tech at shop im at now and pervious shops also. Highest paid everywhere ive been. Get all the toughest diagnostic issues and the hardest heavy line work. Also get to work on class 8 tractors and medium duty trucks that have performance issues. Whats the difference glass is half full or half empty. I still work my a$$ off and spend a fortune in tools. I get my job done in a timely fashion and have very little comebacks (mostly part failures not my fault). Im apreaciated by my company for my loyalty and my work ethic. Im happy their happy. Call me what ever you want.

 

[dynamike]

New member here. Let me give my take. I probably did this back-asswards (I was a dealership tech for almost 20 years and now I'm basically a PM and light mechanical). Irronically, my pay is about the same with the new job as opposed to my old tech title where I was only driveability and electrical repair. But since almost every component of a modern vehicle contains some electrical/computer function, I know them from bumper to bumper. I also have about 20 ASE certs and thousands of hrs./class credits from factory training. I don't think ASE certs prove how much you know, but prove that you have the ability to learn and retain knowledge...which is the major requirement now. With all my diag skills, I couldn't expect to remember everything about every make/m.y. car...wiring diagrams, components, computer systems, etc. But what I did know how to do was find the information that could help me diag the vehicle. That's my take on the whole thing.

 

[NHBandit]

It depends on what type of work I'm doing.

If I'm reprogramming an engine control module with new software to address some off the wall misfire on a cold start I feel like a Technician.

If I'm standing in a puddle of ATF stacking a clutch pack in an auto trans I'm building or setting pinion bearing preload on a rear end I sure feel like a Mechanic..........

I'm ok with being called an Auto Mechanic.

This is what I was trying to say. Thanks !

 

[crewchief888]

my official "title" is field service technician


i'm a mechanic


my job includes,
electrical diagnostics and repair
hydraulic component diagnosis & repair or replacement
mechanical repairs, (chains, sprockets, bearings, pins, bushings)
basic computer skills, ability to diagnose & repair/replace diesel efi systems
welding/frabrication

i've been wrenching on const eq for 30 years

 

[stephen4785]

My 2 cents.
I cannot stand the arguement of technician vs mechanic nomenclature. It doesnt matter either way and if either offends you then you're skins not going to be thick enough for the business.
Iv been a mechanic for the past 10 years. Iv worked at mom/pop shops, VW dealer, city fleet, auto shops, diesel shops, and now the oilfield. I was ASE auto/diesel master certified(all expired now), I have 30 something Ford certifications, and a few other ones. As stated in others replies, certifications dont make you a good mechanic and there are people that have lots of certs that can screw up an oil change. Iv also known 30year vets that are some of the most wreckless and worthless techs out there. Honestly, most techs Iv worked with dont care about quailty of work or becoming that much better at their career.
But the absolute best techs Iv worked with are all ase double master techs and have a slue of other certs. The corporate world wants to hire people with fancy paperwork to back them. If you want more doors to open to you for work then bust your tail and get the certs. Iv had a ton of job offers just based on my certs than I have with previous work experience.

 

[bimmerTEK]

I'm a BMW master tech certified but only with 2 Ase . I been doing many of the German cars do to past year not in BMW dealership anymore if it is newer I can handle it as long as I have the same resources as BMW..specifically like one scanner and poem tech web site

 

[GTA Matt]

When I first started in this mess, we were known as mechanics. Somewhere in the middle it changed to technician. Personally I don't care what the title is. If somebody asked me what I do for a living and I told them 'technician' they would look at me like I had 3 heads. I just say I'm a mechanic, they know what I'm talking about. My boss calls me a technician.

Ase's are sometimes a hotly debated item over the internet. Some shops like them, some don't care, the cream will still rise to the top. However, given 2 guys with the same experience, one of them with ase's, the one with ase's will probably be given the job before the other guy, all other things being the same. I am a master tech with an L1, just pieces of paper, but it's all we have in this industry and it has benefited me a ton.

 

[vanness]

Good enough, I'm serious about getting back into it I'm not just a lazy drug addict I have two kids and house to support so working for free is not option I could work for cheap if I had to. Gta Matt I understand what your saying as it's the only thing we have in this industry. Stephen I see that as well that corporate world wants fancy pieces of paper to say your qualified, sometimes I think shops just look for certs instead of work history. It seems like it's harder to get a foot in the door versus 6 yrs ago. I'm Chevrolet certified as well.