3 tips to become a reliable mechanic

METRO MANILA, – Everyday, people come and go to different places in their car.

They go shopping, drop off their kids at school or head for the office. But what if their ride conks out on the road? Their first option is to find a good mechanic.

If you're handy with tools and you're interested in making a living out of fixing other people's cars, here are things you should remember.

What does it take to be a mechanic?

Mechanics are like doctors for cars.

They make life easier for all vehicle owners by keeping cars in tip-top shape.

When you go to a car shop, mechanics usually do a diagnostic test to see what’s wrong with the vehicle. Depending on his or her skill level and the shop itself, he or she may use computerized and other devices alike to find out the issue.

Other mechanics, especially those living in small provinces, may use simple tools and their vast experience to examine the problem.

How do you become a mechanic?

If you are planning to get into fixing cars professionally, here are ways you can become a paid mechanic:

Get a high-school diploma

The first step to become a mechanic is to complete your high school degree.

This is because most car shops in the Philippines look for people with a diploma or even an associate degree in automotive-related fields. It is a plus if you have a good math skills or took automotive courses at your school.

On the other hand, if you are already excited to start your career in the car industry, consider attending the Alternative Learning System or ALS to finish your degree.  

As the name suggests, this is an option for all Filipinos who want to get a high school diploma without going to a regular school. Usually, teachers will go to different barangays and offer this type of education to everyone.

All you have to do is register, attend the classes regularly and make sure to pass the examinations and other necessary requirements. Then, you will graduate and be eligible to apply in any automotive shop near you.

Be knowledgeable about cars

Before you start applying for a job, it is highly recommended to do your research about cars and the industry itself.

This is in preparation for the career path that you want to take. In addition, having knowledge is also important to gain the trust of your clients. The more credible insights that you can give, the higher the chance that they will let you fix their beloved automobile.  

With that said, use the power of search engines to get insights about the various types of vehicles, their parts and the most common issues that car owners experience. Then, look for someone who owns the same type of vehicle and try to distinguish its parts and its functionality.

Alternatively, you can go to a skilled mechanic in your area for an apprenticeship. If possible, ask questions that you do not understand online and let him or her teach you about it.

Enroll in a training center

Another effective way to become a reliable mechanic is to enroll at an automotive training center.

Also known as vocational schools, they offer certificates programs for students related to vehicle maintenance. Some of them are partnered with community colleges and public high schools all over the Philippines.

Conversely, you can try paid training centers if you want a one-on-one session in a short period of time.

Aside from the tips given above, it is very important to apply everything that you have researched online and learned in the training centers. For example, if your siblings have a car, take a look at it and try fixing problems that you are confident in handling.

Of course, make sure to get assistance from the experts if you are uncertain on what to do next. This way, you can avoid destroying sensitive parts that will only make the issue worse.

Automart.PH offers a wide selection of used cars at great prices, ranging from compact cars to pick-up trucks, that suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for the finest used cars, check out Automart.PH Certified Used Vehicles. These are restored until they feel like new again. They also come with a three-day money-back guarantee and, for Gold Certified units, a one-year warranty.

Automart.PH Senior Content Creator VJ Bacungan contributed to this story.