At first glance, it might seem like an autobody technician and a mechanic do the same job. But, this isn’t the case. While they sometimes perform similar tasks, their duties are drastically different. This post will explore more about their differences and what each assists you with.
Autobody Technicians
An autobody technician is concerned with the overall looks and durability of your car. Some tasks they’ll perform include:
- Paintless dent repair (PDR)
- Body panel repair and alignment
- Full paint jobs
- Replace or repair bumpers and fenders
- Welding
- Headlight repair or replacement
This job requires that technicians have a high school or GED diploma. Often, certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and I-CAR are required. This ensures that the person is skilled in autobody work. Besides this, an autobody shop will more than likely require that a new hire learns under another employee to confirm that they know what they’re doing.
While it might seem less complex than mechanical work, it’s not. Autobody tasks require good dexterity, heavy lifting, and detailed knowledge of car components.
Mechanics
Mechanics dive into more intricate vehicle issues. Rather than just focusing on the overall aesthetics and general use of the car, mechanics examine the engine and other components to confirm they’re working correctly. This ensures that it steers, brakes, and operates well.
Some tasks a mechanic does include:
- Oil changes
- Change brakes
- Electrical issues
- Repair or replace transmission
- Replacing or recharching air conditioning
Mechanics are required to have certain licenses that indicate they can safely perform certain projects. As with autobody technicians, mechanics must have a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification. Besides this, mechanics must stay up-to-date on government regulations to ensure that their repairs meet them. These revolve around fuel efficiency and safety to guarantee that the vehicle is safe to drive.
You’ll also find that mechanics can specialize in specific tasks such as:
- Engine repair and performance
- Heating and A/C
- Electrical components
- Suspension
Which One is Right for My Vehicle Problems?
Overall, if your car is suffering from aesthetic or minor exterior damage, an autobody shop is where you’ll want to go. On the other hand, if your car is having a wiring, engine, or steering issue, you’ll want to stop by a mechanic.
Autobody technicians and mechanics are drastically different specialties. If you need autobody help, stop by Downtown Autobody in Sonoma County. Our experts will be happy to inspect and repair any autobody issues your car has.