Automotive Preventative Maintenance Technician

Owning a vehicle requires having it regularly inspected and maintained. If not, it’s likely to experience problems that could have been prevented. If these issues are severe enough, they can even lead to costly repairs and the vehicle being inoperable until the problem is resolved. Preventative maintenance auto technicians help customers avoid this issue by providing in-depth, skilled services. Those interested in pursuing a career as an automobile preventative maintenance technician must first obtain the required knowledge and techniques.

Pennco Tech, a vocational training school with locations in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ, offers a variety of programs to prepare students for a range of professions, including automotive preventative maintenance. After completing the Automotive Technology Program, students will know how to perform the duties of a preventative maintenance auto technician, as well as other roles. Learn more about what this profession entails and the possible career paths.

Responsibilities of an Automotive Preventative Maintenance Technician

Continuing to use an automobile without maintaining its critical parts can result in a drastically shorter vehicle lifespan. Auto specialists perform preventative maintenance services to ensure a vehicle remains dependable and safe to drive. Preventative maintenance services can include oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs, and brake replacements. The typical duties of an automotive preventative maintenance tech include:

• Perform repairs and maintenance services on vehicles using best practices
• Plan repair procedures
• Use diagnostic equipment to identify potential problems with vehicles
• Test an automobile’s critical parts to determine their functionality and condition
• Explain automotive issues to clients

Reasons to Consider an Automotive Service Profession

An automotive preventative maintenance technician is a desirable profession for several reasons. The benefits of pursuing this career include:

Services of Value

As an automotive preventative maintenance tech, your job entails providing services to those who need them. The work you do directly impacts the safety of your client’s vehicle and, ultimately, the client’s well-being. For some, this ability to help others can be personally rewarding and the most meaningful advantage of the job.

Steady Work Schedule

Most automotive preventative maintenance technicians have steady work schedules, meaning they work a set number of hours each week at a designated time. This can be beneficial for workers with families or other responsibilities they must schedule around.

Earning Potential

Being an automotive maintenance specialist can allow you to earn a comfortable living, depending on where you live and your current lifestyle. As of 2022, the average salary for U.S. auto maintenance specialists is $51,150, typically ranging from $43,740 to $58,475.

Career Opportunities for Auto Technicians

Another reason being an auto maintenance tech is desirable is the different career paths one can take. This potential allows you to try your hand at different positions to see which one you are truly passionate about. Career opportunities for technicians working in preventative maintenance include:

Management

Many customers choose to take their automobiles to repair shops. These garages employ shop supervisors or managers to oversee daily operations and employees. While some garage managers and repair supervisors may perform some of the work of an automotive maintenance tech, their responsibilities generally involve managerial duties, such as hiring, developing procedures, and enforcing safety regulations.

While students will likely not secure a managerial position upon graduation, our program provides a basis for utilizing their skills at entry-level and potentially working their way up to these types of roles.

Sales Representative

The knowledge automotive preventative maintenance specialists gain while on the job and during their formal education can be used in a variety of ways, including sales. You can use your knowledge to accurately explain to clients why they need a particular part or service.

Instructor

If you have a passion for passing on knowledge and helping others learn more about their interests, consider becoming an instructor. As an automotive maintenance tech, you can use your professional experiences as examples while you teach proper techniques and skills.

Becoming an instructor will require sufficient experience in the field after graduation, meaning students who aspire toward this role will likely need to serve as automotive maintenance techs for several years first.

Begin Your Path Toward a Meaningful Career at Pennco Tech

People in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who wish to begin their journey toward a dynamic career as an auto technician can begin by enrolling in one of the comprehensive programs at Pennco Tech. Once enrolled, students will receive the required education and training to pursue a variety of roles in the automotive industry. Contact us to learn more about how Pennco Tech can help you work toward a career you can be proud of, or enroll in one of our programs today.