How is a Collision Technician Different from an Auto Mechanic?
Trying to match your interest in automotive to the appropriate program at an auto technology training school? To make sure your career decision aligns with your interests and goals, reviewing the positions you can apply for once you complete your training is a must.
Today, we’ll delve into two popular career paths in automotive, what they have in common, and how they differ. Check out how the role of a collision technician compares to that of an auto mechanic with this post from Automotive Training Center (ATC).
Collision Reconditioning: A Crash Course
Like the name implies, a collision technician is responsible for repairing vehicles that were involved in a crash or collision. These post-accident reconditioning experts are highly knowledgeable in the procedures and processes required to restore any damage done to a vehicle, whether it’s large and structural or small and cosmetic.
Collision technicians may work in a dedicated auto collision repair facility, or within a dealership’s routine service department. Some common jobs that a collision technician may have in their queue for the day include restoring a vehicle’s frame using frame-straightening bench equipment, using a welder to replace a damaged fender, or applying a fresh coat of paint to a vehicle in designated paint booths.
An Automotive Mechanic in a Nutshell
An automotive mechanic tends to repair and maintain a car’s parts and systems on a more routine basis. By performing both preventative-style maintenance procedures (such as changing a vehicle’s oil or rotating the tires), as well as maintenance on an as-needed basis (like diagnosing and replacing a troublesome transmission), auto mechanics provide holistic care for a customer’s vehicle in a dealership’s service center or an independent repair shop.
On a typical day, you may find today’s auto technicians performing routine inspections, replacing a vehicle’s brake pads, testing a car’s alignment, or troubleshooting the cause of an issue reported by a vehicle owner.
What’s the difference in terminology between an automotive mechanic and an automotive technician? Good question!
What They Have in Common
Collision technicians and auto mechanics may seem different from their names, but they actually have quite a bit in common. For example, in both roles, you’ll need an in-depth knowledge of a vehicle’s various parts and mechanics, an eye for detail when performing repairs, and the ability to diagnose an issue and recommend the best fix to a vehicle owner.
One more factor these challenging and rewarding career routes have in common is the education and experience required for prospective employment. Entry-level positions in these careers can be earned after attending a 2-year post-secondary career training school by studying either collision reconditioning technology or automotive technology.
Learn More About Prospective Careers in Automotive
We hope you enjoyed learning more about these avaliable automotive careers. If you’d like to learn more about programs offered at a 2-year post-secondary training school, explore ATC’s programs and courses.* Click into the program that interests you to see what it has to offer and whether it may suit you.
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* For program disclosure information, please go to www.autotraining.edu/consumerinformation.
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