What does a Car Mechanic do?

According to people in this career, the main tasks are...

TaskImportance
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
92%
Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
88%
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
87%
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
87%
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
86%
Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
86%
Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
85%
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
84%
Align vehicles' front ends.
84%
Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
84%
Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
82%
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
82%
Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
82%
Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
82%
Maintain cleanliness of work area.
81%
Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
80%
Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
79%
Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
78%
Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
77%
Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
77%
Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
77%
Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
76%
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
75%
Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
75%
Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
72%
Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
71%
Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
69%
Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
68%