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need advice on being a mechanic.


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equalizir
New User

Jun 5, 2011, 2:24 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2607 views)
post icon need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Hi all, this is my first post. Not sure where to post this or if its appropriate for this forum. I've been working on cars for the last 20 years. I've been thinking I might be good enough to actually do it for a living. I live in Las Vegas Nevada. Just need advice on how to get started? My local junior college offers a program to get u ready to be certified but u have to take a year of prerequisite classes like English etc...was hoping there would be another way. Also is this a good career choice?I thought if I couldn't get a job at a shop I could do it at home on the side. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.-Art


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 5, 2011, 3:06 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2598 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Art - most places you don't need to be certified nor speak English well or at all TMK at least for ASE certification. What you do need is to understand the words for the test and names of car parts.

What is your primary language and where do you expect to work? If USA you need or should have a strong grip on English.

Ask at local vocational school about the tests and do get the study guides so you'll know what to expect and learn from them too,

T



equalizir
New User

Jun 7, 2011, 12:50 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2580 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Thanks for replying Tom.English is my only language. So I don't need to take any classes? I would like to take some classes because I'm not as confident doing electrical work and I've never serviced a transmission outside of draining and refilling the trans fluid. Ill check to see if there's a local vocational school here in Las Vegas. So can I make good money doing this.? I have a night job so this would b just to supplement my income unless I can get a job with a reputable shop.thanks again for the advise.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jun 7, 2011, 3:26 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2576 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Lets not forget the $60K to $80K initial tool investment with $15k to $20 every year after that to keep up with technology.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 7, 2011, 5:22 AM

Post #5 of 8 (2569 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Art: You mentioned English classes up top. If not confident even if your only language brush up on it as it's basic to be able to communicate to work at plenty of things.

More: As HT said it's expensive to do this but if motivated don't let that stop you. It's not for the 1/2 hearted so if not motivated it's not a good trade for you. Don't be confused by the high prices of car repair that you are keeping all that money,

T



equalizir
New User

Jan 19, 2012, 11:25 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2334 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In


In Reply To
Lets not forget the $60K to $80K initial tool investment with $15k to $20 every year after that to keep up with technology.

Sorry its taken me so long to reply to you guys but i dont think it will cost that much money to get started or to spend that amount every year. Plus I only plan on working on Japanese cars. It wouldnt make sense to get into a field like this and have to shell out 80K. I know mechanics make decent money but thats crazy I would think. But maybe im wrong.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 19, 2012, 1:20 PM

Post #7 of 8 (2324 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In


Quote
but i dont think it will cost that much money to get started or to spend that amount every year. But maybe im wrong.


Yeah, what do we know. ..........



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jan 19, 2012, 1:22 PM)


re-tired
Veteran / Moderator
re-tired profile image

Jan 19, 2012, 5:09 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2312 views)
Re: need advice on being a mechanic. Sign In

Myself and every mechasnic on this site can show you a dresser drawer full of reciepts . I got a scanner (A basic tool must have ) that i have over 4k invested that will sell you for 3k .Oh by the way it has to have $800 -$1000 in updates every year to keep up with the changes in technology.In just one of my boxes theres 16 drawers with an easy 1K in tools in each. And the hybrid/ alt fuel buggies are just coming into the market. GAR UN TEE they will need a host of special tools and computer software to say HELLO to it. Welcome to the trade , but come in with your eyes wide open


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