Posted July 8th, 2020
By Kris Powers
Diesel technicians are responsible for inspecting and repairing buses, trucks and other vehicles that use diesel fuel. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the most common duties of a diesel automotive technician.
- Consult with customers, read work orders, and determine work required
- Plan work procedures, using technical charts and manuals
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Read and interpret diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems
- Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Test-drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly
The majority of diesel automotive technicians work within repair and maintenance shops. Some diesel technicians will work specifically for one type of truck or bus while others work in more generalized shops. There are also positions that allow technicians to travel to the vehicle that is broken down on the side of the road.
Dieselmechanicsguide.com has information about different areas in which diesel automotive technicians can specialize:
- Farm Equipment Mechanics: these diesel mechanics specialize in the repair and maintenance of consumer-grade lawn and garden tractors and other diesel powered farm equipment. These diesel technicians usually work for dealers and repair facilities.
- Rail Car Repair: these diesel technicians work for public and private transit companies and specialize in locomotive rails, rolling stock and subway cars.
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanics: these diesel technicians work with bulldozers, cranes, excavators and specialize in the repair and maintenance of surface mining and construction equipment. Some of these diesel technicians work for the government on tanks and other military equipment while other work for wholesale facilities, construction companies and mining companies.
If you are interested in the repair of heavy diesel vehicles, check out our program today!
Ed4Career offers courses in skilled trades including the Medium/Heavy Diesel Automotive Technician bundle. This course bundle includes Medium / Heavy Diesel Automotive Technician Level 1, Medium / Heavy Diesel Automotive Technician Level 2 and Medium / Heavy Diesel Automotive Technician Level 3 courses. Upon successful completion of the Medium/Heavy Diesel Automotive Technology three course series, students will be prepared to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) national certification exam to become a Certified Medium/Heavy Truck Technician.
