If you hold a fascination for trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, you might be excited to learn that there’s a way to combine your interest in large vehicles with your desire for a lucrative, dynamic career. Because the transport industry is, in many ways, essential to our economy, you’ll never run out of work servicing heavy-duty vehicles. In this role, you’ll be required to test and diagnose faults and malfunctions on heavy-duty vehicles and their parts. In addition, you’ll complete repairs, preventative maintenance, and routine servicing. Some of the skills you’ll need to master include welding, operating equipment, and repairing it.
Your journey to becoming a heavy-duty mechanic will begin with a well-designed training program, after which you’ll pursue a 3 to 5-year apprenticeship to gain the experience you’ll need to pursue your first professional position confidently. If this sounds like the right career for you, keep reading to learn some tips you can apply after training.
1. Keep Your Tools Clean After Auto Mechanic Training
When working with heavy-duty vehicles, things can get messy. Servicing diesel engines, you’ll notice that the fuel is more viscous and crude and as a result, grimier than gasoline. To extend the lifespan of your tools and save money in the long run, be sure to clean your tools after each job throughout your automotive mechanic career. Remember that the time you’ll spend cleaning up is billable, as it’s considered part of the repair process. By getting into the habit of cleaning your tools after each service, you’ll record the right amount of time and charge customers the correct sum.
2. Always Check Fluid Levels
As a heavy-duty mechanic, it’s important to do your due diligence to ensure that your customers’ vehicles are not vulnerable to damage in the future. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that fluid levels are where they need to be. After auto mechanic training, make it a priority to perform preventative maintenance tasks like checking fluid levels and adjusting them accordingly. Be sure to check engine oil, antifreeze, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, diesel exhaust fluid, and transmission fluid. These all play a vital role in every aspect of a vehicle’s functioning and longevity. When they’re too low, engine corrosion can occur.
3. Safety Precautions To Remember When Working With Heavy-Duty Vehicles
As a heavy-duty mechanic, the equipment and chemicals you’ll work with will require diligent attention to safety precautions on your part. To stay safe and healthy after heavy-duty mechanic training, be sure to wear the appropriate PPEs like goggles, gloves, and flame-resistant coveralls.
Always be aware of your environment, keeping clutter to a minimum and making sure that heat shields are in place when you service the engines. It’s helpful to take your time and allow yourself the opportunity to think about your next move and ensure that you’re remembering to take the steps necessary to stay safe on the job.
If you’re excited about the prospect of becoming a heavy-duty mechanic, start your journey with our career-focused automotive diesel technician program.
Are you ready to take the first step toward your new career?
Contact CATI school to learn more!
