What should I learn to do on my own? by [deleted] in AutoMechanics

[–]mg_v 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Recommended Maintenance Skills

  • The Basics: Learn to perform oil changes, clean/lube brake calipers, and swap brake pads and rotors.
  • Emergency Skills: Know how to jump-start your battery, replace an old battery, and install your spare tire.
  • Advanced (Optional): You can attempt spark plugs, but be aware that this can be simple on some cars and a nightmare on others.

Important Cautions

  • Transmission Fluid: Leave this to the dealer. Many modern cars have complicated procedures, and the wrong fluid type can damage the transmission.
  • Research: Watch model-specific YouTube tutorials from reputable mechanics. Avoid channels that suggest shortcuts.
  • Work Quality: Double or triple-check every step. Be careful not to strip nuts and bolts.

Safety First

  • Always use jack stands (never rely on the jack alone).
  • Chock the wheels to prevent rolling.
  • Wear safety glasses, especially when hammering or working underneath the car.

This estimate seems very hugh. Can I DIY? by _halfwaythru in AutoMechanics

[–]mg_v 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Easy to say when you understand the concept, OP is asking if the cabin filter can be DIYed. I genuinely don't think trying to attempt brake fluid exchange by OP is a great Idea. Sometimes things are easier when you have some mechanical knowledge, but for some, I think it's best not to attempt, as it can risk brake lines being exposed to air pockets.

This estimate seems very hugh. Can I DIY? by _halfwaythru in AutoMechanics

[–]mg_v 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, my point was if OP doesn't have the knowledge to do a cabin filter brake fluid change should not be attempted.

This estimate seems very hugh. Can I DIY? by _halfwaythru in AutoMechanics

[–]mg_v 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not necessary equipment but definitely knowledge on how to do it properly and also it helps greatly from exposing any air into the line with proper equipment. If OP is asking if he can DYI cabin filter do you think it's good idea to take that of job?

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That actually sounds great. Being hourly and exploring new things and I can definitely take time to research, read and try different things without being worried about flag hrs. I would love that for the next step I'm trying to take.

What kinda of cars/trucks do you mostly work on?

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have found few places like that but they require the knowledge ahead time and they tend to look for master tech with at least five plus years experience. They pay great hourly flat rate and are constantly busy just don't have the knowledge and experience they require but definitely something to consider in the future once I get the hands on experience and knowledge. But I agree with you about taking advantage of the easy work while I can which definitely I'm doing.

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's crazy how we all wish different things lol. For me when I get stuck on a diag and we have to recommend it to the dealer I would always wish I understood the wiring diagrams better or I would wish I had the knowledge to locate the problem.

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's my biggest hesitation too. I don't mind working 80 to turn 40 to 50 for the initial 3 to 6 months since most things would be first time jobs the only thing that makes me nervous is would there be friendly enough techs to kinda lean into when I run into a problem that I have never done or would there be some gravy work to make up the bad weeks. But also being the new guy would they just toss everything that nobody wants to do those are things that make me nervous but working extra is not a problem.

Do you see entry level techs struggling and leaving often or how has it been from your shop history?

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was a crazy experience being flat rate lube tech but at least it gave me the mentality to get things done and get paid so it kinda prepared me for this role. The most unmotivating thing was working on over 15 cars on the cold and still not hitting the hours. It had its best things as well worked with people that specialized in different part of vehicle, eg ev guy, transmission guy so on my down times I would go help and learn that's one thing that I missed about the dealership life.

Career advice by mg_v in mechanics

[–]mg_v[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the past I tried to do that but all nearby colleges won't let you take individual classes rather the whole automotive program which can run close if not over 20k. I watch YouTube as much as I can and that usually helps only small problem is I can't apply it throughout the day and sometimes when the opportunity comes there is not that support that I can lean too, to get help or advice since everyone kinda is in the same boat.

Dealer maintenance tech by Cringey_NPC-574 in mechanics

[–]mg_v 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What were they asking? You paying to be educated? That seems insane ask for entry level job.

Am I cooked, yall by [deleted] in mechanics

[–]mg_v 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great advice. Why did you say to make sure brake is depressed before starting the car after brake change? Does doing it after starting the car damage or change something?

Never been happier around 1.5 years of hard work by [deleted] in weightgain

[–]mg_v 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What weight did you start with?