9781422274866

pretty amazing. And it keeps getting more complicated. So that means there is always more for me to learn. People think that cars are all the same—but actually, there are about a million tiny differences between each make and model. You could read every book on vehicle repair and you’d still be surprised by how much you do not know.” Not only is learning an important part of starting a career as a car mechanic, but it is also an important part of being a successful mechanic. As the technology becomesmore intricate and complex, so do our cars. Until recently, amechanic’s job was purely mechanical in nature, but nowmechanics need a much broader base of knowledge. Cars have come a long way since the earliest models back in the nineteenth century! “These days,” Lindsay says, “there is always some new technology that’s

revolutionizing [completely changing] the industry. My boss talks about how back in the 1980s, there was a big rush to learn computer technology. Now that’s just standard, because all new

DID YOU KNOW?

Toyota Motor Corporation reports that the average car has about 30,000 parts—ranging from tiny screws to tires to the engine block.

models since then have computers. When I was starting out, the new thing was hybrid and clean-diesel technology. I had to learn about electric cars. And they keep changing. I’ve had to learn two or three whole new electrical systems.” The automobile repair class Lindsay took her junior year of high school was a turning point for her. “I found out I loved everything about car repair. I liked getting my hands dirty, I liked working with my hands, I liked that feeling

14 CAREERS WITH EARNING POTENTIAL: CAR MECHANIC

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