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Auto Mechanic Training: Exploring Your Options for Specialization

Auto Mechanic Training:
Exploring Your Options for Specialization

Is a career as an auto mechanic your goal for the future? Today's automotive schools can offer a multitude of choices when it comes to post-secondary programs. Aside from generalized auto mechanic training, there are many specialized areas you can choose to concentrate in. Here is an overview of some of the common options available to you.

Diesel

Diesel mechanic training can teach you to work specifically in the repair of diesel-powered vehicles. You can prepare to take on the repair and maintenance of diesel engines, plus learn to work with brakes, fuel systems, and electronics that are specific to heavy duty diesel vehicles. You can also gain a solid knowledge of diesel-specific steering, suspension, drivelines, and more.

As a diesel auto mechanic, you can work in diesel service shops, handling the repair of heavy-duty trucks, 18-wheelers, construction equipment, tractors, buses, trains, and more.

High Performance

High performance auto mechanic training can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work on high performance and racing vehicles. You will prepare to perform service, repair, and maintenance procedures on high performance engines, and can even learn to increase the power and handle the fine tuning of race cars. Your training can also cover a variety of high performance parts and systems, including valve trains, engine blocks, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and more. In addition, some auto mechanic schools can give you the opportunity to gain hands-on training working with industry-current tools and equipment.

As a high performance auto mechanic, you could find yourself working with race teams, high performance auto shops, or aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers.

Manufacturer-Specific

Some auto mechanic training schools have the ability to offer you industry-approved, manufacturer-specific training. Leading manufacturers, such as Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, and even luxury manufacturers like BMW and Lexus often have initiatives to provide approved schools with a specialized curriculum, as well as manufacturer-direct vehicles, tools, and equipment. This helps students by providing them with industry-current training and a specialized skill set, while simultaneously giving dealerships the advantage of recruiting auto mechanics that already have manufacturer-specific skills and knowledge upon graduation.

Master/ASE Certification

If you already have previous auto mechanic training or work experience, but want to take your skills, knowledge, and opportunities to the next level, an ASE master certified automotive technician program could be for you. These programs focus on preparing you to successfully take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification exam. The exam tests auto mechanics in eight main areas:

  • Engine repair
  • Engine performance
  • Electrical/electronic systems
  • Brakes
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Suspension and steering
  • Manual drive train and axles
  • Automatic transmissions

After graduating from this type of certification program, and successfully taking the exam, your opportunities for career advancement as an auto mechanic can greatly increase.

Finding Your Program Match

Now that you are more aware of the different types of specializations an auto mechanic school can provide, you are ready to research individual schools and programs. This online guide to auto mechanic training schools is a great place to get started!




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