Technician advice needed. First time in shop

[Ep3Hatch]

Hey everyone!
Iv been through my basic automotive certifications at my local tech college and have learned quite alot. Im familiar with a lot of areas such as engine operations, obd monitoring systems, suspension and brakes, hvac, transmissions and alignments but all of it is really generalized since it is hard to teach so many students with the small budget allotted, so not an increadible amount of hands on, but still plenty.
I understand the basic(very basic) flow of a shop. I just seek advice from experienced technicians who can hopefully shed some light on the day to day jobs or areas I should focus my learning on haha. Like how long did it take to become comfortable working at a commission pace? Things I should invest in that you find irreplaceable on the job? Stuff that I can look out for that won't cause me problems. General things that any of you expert techs can enlighten me about would be very appreciated. I guess I'm just anxietious and looking to prepare mentally. Thanks everyone, Great place to be!

[curtis73]

Its pretty easy to get the flow. After a week or so you'll start knowing which cars are pressing and which cars can take their time. Flag hours are pretty easy to track. You should get a work order with the flag hours listed on it. Sometimes you get gravy - like a water pump on a chevy (listed at 2 hours but you can do it in 1), and sometimes you get the crap, like a VW timing belt (listed at 4 hours but your first few will take 6). Just know that it all balances out in the end.

If you're salary, you'll be under the microscope. They'll cut you some slack in the beginning but if you are consistently taking longer than flag hours say you should, expect to get dropped. If you're on flag hours, you're a little less pressured since they only pay you for the work you get done but the bottom line is; the longer you take, the longer it takes the shop to make that income.

Diagnostic tools are the key. Most jobs can be handled with the typical tools, but correctly diagnosing them is paramount. Get a good digital multimeter, a good analog multimeter, coolant pressure tester, noid light set, fuel pressure tester, and maybe a stethoscope. I prefer a stick pressed to my ear but some guys really like the steth.

Ask questions. I would MUCH rather my techs come in the office and ask me how to do something. I personally don't judge. When I did my first timing belt I was clueless, so I would rather you come ask for help than do it wrong and smash pistons into valves.

Above all, be honest. If you mess up a timing belt and destroy the engine, tattle on yourself. Don't try to cover it up. We office jockeys are not only usually experienced techs, but we're salesmen. We can see BS a mile away. If one of my techs messes up and lies about it, they are shown the door immediately and (as per the contract I had them sign at hiring) their last paycheck is docked for the cost of fixing their f-up. If you come to me and say, "I screwed up" I try to do everything in my power to help you out. I had a tech who accidentally broke a customer's window while moving some pipe around the shop. He told me he did it. I spent a day finding a cheap junkyard window for him and didn't charge him the $15 for it. But if he lied to me and I saw it later on the security camera, he would have been out the door, I would have bought the easiest window I could get, paid another tech to do it, and docked his pay for it.

[vgames33]

Prepare for some sticker shock when you step onto the tool truck. Prices are pretty much 2-3 times what you'd expect to pay at another store, like Harbor Freight or Sears. You'll figure out where to spend the money in time. And don't be afraid to shop around, either. Sometimes the big name stuff can be found under another brand at half the price.

And yeah, rat on yourself if you need to. Even if you do something that may not get noticed (like scuff a wheel), at least let the guys up front know so they aren't caught off guard if the customer happens to see it and throw a fit.

[gmtech1]

curtis 73, gives good advice. I would just add a couple things. Learn how to do the repairs right, the first time, the speed will come later. Know how to read and understand wiring schematics!!!! Everything is controlled by electronics anymore in one way or another. Also, don't try to impress anyone with your knowledge, a cocky kid with a know it all attitude will live a very hard life in a shop. Go in eager to learn and soak up as much as you can. All shops have guys willing to help, and guys who are "not so eager". Don't take it personal.

I wish you the best of luck!

Gmtech1

[carolj72]

Hi, I am new here, and I can not seem to post a new thread. I need some help diagnosing the problems with my car. If anyone can help me I would really appreciate it and if you can also explain how I can start a new thread as well. I am pretty sure its my transmission, but just wanted some other input. Thanks so much.