In Auto Mechanic School? 3 Essential Skills for Fleet Mechanics

With transportation being one of Canada’s largest industries, there’s certainly a need for technicians who specialize in the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty vehicles. Trucks are impressive machines making them very interesting to work with. If you’re striving towards a fleet mechanic career, you’ll have the opportunity to help logistics companies save money and ensure the safety of their drivers. Of course, before breaking into the industry, there are several essential skills to master. Here are three to strive for as you seek the training you need and begin your highly-valued fleet mechanic career. 

1. Effective Fleet Mechanics Have an Understanding of Preventative Maintenance 

When it comes to heavy-duty vehicles, preventative maintenance is the best, safest, and less expensive strategy. As a fleet mechanic, your ability to anticipate a vehicle’s need for maintenance services even before repairs are needed will make you a valuable asset to any logistics company. When you begin your career, you’ll find that there are many modern tools designed to help companies track vehicle data and receive automated notifications when it’s time for maintenance checks. 

As companies strive to stay informed, successful fleet mechanics will take every opportunity to demonstrate their diligence where maintenance is concerned, as it extends vehicle life, reduces roadside repair costs, and reduces downtimes. This is an essential skill to put on your resume after auto mechanic school. 

2. Selecting Effective Equipment Saves Time and Improves the Repair Quality

Before you pursue a career as a fleet mechanic, a solid knowledge of heavy-duty repair tools is an important skill. On the job, this understanding of tools will help you to select the right equipment for each job, improving the quality of your repairs, making you more efficient, and making your job easier. Common tools include ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, pry bars, pliers, and more. Automotive training will ensure you know the right ways to handle such tools and when they are needed on the job.

3. Active Listening Skills Will Help You Retain Crucial Information

As a fleet mechanic, the more information you can gather from logistics companies and drivers, the easier your job will be and the higher the likelihood that you’ll deliver excellent results. One of the best strategies for collecting data is to listen attentively. Active listening involves giving others your full attention and actively putting forth the effort to understand each point they make. To access important details, be sure to use relevant follow-up questions, particularly when you’re speaking with a customer who may not be familiar with the information you’ll need for effective fault identification.

In our automotive training program, you will learn all about the inner workings of diesel engines and how to service heavy-duty vehicles. Through practical hands-on learning, you’ll be prepared to help your customers maintain their safety compliance, improve the performance of their vehicles, and save them money. 

Ready to launch your fleet mechanic career with CATI mechanic school? 

Contact us to learn more about our programs.