Mechanics Special

Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to witness exactly what goes into being a mechanic. A mechanic is a person who has knowledge and experience regarding an engine, its maintenance and repair. If an engine needs repair, it’s up to the mechanic to diagnose and resolve the issue. Becoming a mechanic is a learned trade that is not easily obtained. My boyfriend Nick has been working on cars since he was a young child under the tutelage of his father. A mechanic is a valued member of society, they help keep us on the road and society is dependent on educated and experienced mechanics that can keep their cars road worthy.

To become a successful mechanic, there are qualities that one must possess such as knowledge of motor vehicles as well as how to repair them. The intricacies of the functions and purpose of every part of motor are complex and have a broad range of components. There is a minimal chance that one could simply pick up a book and learn exactly how to change a transmission or replace a head gasket. Mechanics use a vernacular that is specific to them and their Discourse. This type of jargon would make it difficult for anyone other than a mechanic to interpret or utilize as efficiently as a mechanic would. The lingo is often based upon the work a mechanic does including, diagnosing a vehicle, repairing a vehicle, the parts of a vehicle and an understanding of how to replace them if need be. While observing Nick and some of his mechanic friends as they have come in the shop I have heard them discussing how to “seat the bead” which refers to inflating a tire to a point in which the groove on the wheel can hold the bead (the edge of a tire which sits on a wheel). This keeps the tire from falling off the rim and losing inflation. Other phrases and words such as “dogging out”, “no pressure in the line”, “Torque” “studded track of a sled” are just a few examples the jargon a mechanic might use that may not be easily understood by someone not from their Discourse community.

I asked Nicholas what it is like to work with an inexperienced mechanic, his response: “terrible, they usually break more than they fix. They take way too long to get the job done. You know Tom? I think that guy got mad because Tom was taking too long to change those breaks, so what do ya do ya know? You can’t charge your customer $200 for a brake job because he (Tom) was taking too long. Usually people like that gotta work for free ya know? Or be in an apprenticeship for a few years before they actually start getting paid.”

When running a business such as a repair shop, Mechanics must be capable of quickly and efficiently diagnosing, and repairing a vehicle. Doing this can save time of both the mechanic and the shop, as well as the customer who more than likely needs a vehicle repaired and road worthy as soon as possible. A customer who doesn’t understand the discourse involved in a mechanic’s community might have trouble when understanding the diagnosis of a vehicle when it’s given by a mechanic. Often, I have noticed that Nick and other mechanics will use simple terms or must explain exactly what the diagnosis of a vehicle means for a customer.

If a person wants to know whether someone is a mechanic, they can start by looking at their hands. Often, hardworking mechanics will have dirty or stained hands. A mechanics hands may or may not also look a little beat up from a busted knuckle or scrape due to reaching into tight spaces. There is a need for the proper attire when working on a vehicle. A mechanic would never wear something nice while working. Any smart mechanic knows to have clothes designated to wrenching (working) on a car. Work clothes usually have stains on them and may have snags or cuts from getting caught while underneath the hood of a vehicle. Sometimes there is protective gear that a mechanic will use such as steel toe boots, gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, and flame-retardant jackets that are worn when welding or any other task where normal clothing could potentially catch fire. Mechanics will also sometimes use a facemask to protect their lungs when working with hazardous materials that should not be inhaled.

When a mechanic orders parts for a vehicle they are fixing, they must be able to identify on the vehicle which part needs replacing, then they must call the part store and give a definition of the exact part they need to have ordered. If they get the wrong part, the customer will potentially have to wait longer to get their vehicle back. When diagnosing a vehicle, it is vital for time sake to make sure a proper diagnosis is given. Overlook something or assume when they should be making certain can lead to ordering parts that are unnecessary or attempting a repair only to find that the problem still exists. This wastes time and money for Mechanics and could possibly cost them a customer.

Becoming a mechanic is not an easily obtained skill set. It takes years to become a fluent mechanic. This knowledge is best acquired through hands on experience. Through my observations of Nick and his mechanic cohorts, I have gained an understanding of the hard work and knowledge that is required to be a mechanic. The physical strain mechanics deal with on a day-to-day basis often goes unnoticed or unseen. Most Americans today simply drop their car off and pick it up when it is finished. Everything a mechanic does to a vehicle in between those times is sometimes grueling work. Mechanics usually work in unsafe environments. A simple mistake can cause a mechanic to lose his or someone else's life. They work with dangerous tools that can cut, smash and maul fingers and toes.

In short, the next time you require the services of a mechanic, take into consideration what goes into fixing your BMW or Grand Caravan. Thank your mechanic for his hard work and pay him well. A good mechanic is one who is appreciated and compensated for the hard work and skill required to get the job done.