Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7231

Vehicle maintenance attendant

Vehicle maintenance attendants execute basic tasks such as changing oil, changing filters, changing spark plugs at a vehicle maintenance station.

Check yourself in a minute: vehicle maintenance attendant

Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health

execute vehicle maintenance

identify vehicles service requirements

position vehicles for maintenance and repair

perform technical tasks with great care

About vehicle maintenance attendant

As a vehicle maintenance attendant, you will perform essential routine maintenance and repair tasks at automotive service stations, ensuring vehicles remain safe and roadworthy. Your day-to-day responsibilities include changing engine oil and filters, replacing spark plugs, checking fluid levels, rotating tires, and conducting visual inspections of vehicle systems. You will follow technical specifications and service schedules for various vehicle types, using hand tools and diagnostic equipment to complete assigned tasks efficiently and safely. This role requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow procedures precisely while maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Although entry-level, vehicle maintenance attendants are crucial to the automotive aftermarket sector, which is significant in Poland's economy. Working conditions can be physically demanding and may expose you to chemical substances, noise, and hazardous equipment. Career progression opportunities exist for those pursuing formal automotive technician qualifications, advancing to more complex repair work, or moving into supervisory or training positions within service centers.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a vehicle maintenance attendant.

1

Routine Vehicle Maintenance

  • Change engine oil and replace oil filters according to manufacturer specifications and service schedules
  • Replace spark plugs, air filters and cabin air filters using appropriate tools and techniques
  • Inspect and top up vehicle fluid levels including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid
2

Vehicle Inspection and Diagnostics

  • Identify vehicle service requirements by examining components and consulting service manuals and work orders
  • Perform visual inspections of brakes, suspension, belts, hoses and other vehicle systems to detect wear or damage
  • Use diagnostic tools and equipment to check vehicle systems and communicate findings to service advisors or technicians
3

Tire and Brake Service

  • Rotate tires according to manufacturer recommendations and check tire pressure and tread depth
  • Replace worn or damaged tires using tire mounting and balancing equipment
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors, noting wear levels and replacing components as needed
4

Work Area Management and Safety

  • Follow health and safety standards, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and report hazards
  • Follow procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous materials including used oil, filters and coolant
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work area, tools and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations
5

Technical Tasks and Vehicle Preparation

  • Position vehicles correctly on lifts or service bays following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines
  • Perform technical tasks with precision and care, ensuring work meets quality standards and customer expectations
  • Execute working instructions provided by service advisors or senior technicians and report task completion accurately

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

car controlscar controlsThe functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.types of vehiclestypes of vehiclesField of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.follow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthfollow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthAdhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result i...execute vehicle maintenanceexecute vehicle maintenanceExecute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, pe...identify vehicles service requirementsidentify vehicles service requirementsInterpret customers’ descriptions of vehicle problems; translate these issues into concrete instructions for mechanics and technicians.position vehicles for maintenance and repairposition vehicles for maintenance and repairPlace vehicles in the right position (such as on top of a pneumatic lift) for repair and maintenance tasks. Follow safety procedures.perform technical tasks with great careperform technical tasks with great careAvoiding possible risks and unwanted outcomes by watching carefully over all parts of a machine, device or vehicle and executing processes of production, maintenance or repair with great care.apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.execute working instructionsexecute working instructionsUnderstand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.perform manual work autonomouslyperform manual work autonomouslyShow the ability to pursue basic manual tasks without the help or assistance of others, not needing supervision or guidance, and taking responsibility for one's actions.carry out improvised vehicle repairscarry out improvised vehicle repairsIdentify mechanical/technical car problems; perform improvised or intermediate repairs on vehicles; take into account individual customer requests.maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
Optional (12) — show
teamwork principlesteamwork principlesThe cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.maintain vehicle recordsmaintain vehicle recordsMaintain vehicle records by accurately recording service operations and repairs.maintain inventory of vehicle cleaning suppliesmaintain inventory of vehicle cleaning suppliesMaintain an inventory of cleaning products and materials for vehicle cleaning purposes.fix minor vehicle scratchesfix minor vehicle scratchesFix minor vehicle dents and scratches with touch-up paint.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.order supplies for vehicle maintenance and repairorder supplies for vehicle maintenance and repairOrder supplies and tools for vehicle repair and maintenance.perform minor vehicle repairsperform minor vehicle repairsRepair or replace non-essential vehicle parts such as turn signals, lights, fluid hoses, etc.process paymentsprocess paymentsAccept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attent...report accounts of the professional activityreport accounts of the professional activityRecount events and facts which happened in professional contexts.issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...mechanical toolsmechanical toolsVarious type of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

Frequently asked questions

What does a vehicle maintenance attendant do?

Vehicle maintenance attendants execute basic tasks such as changing oil, changing filters, changing spark plugs at a vehicle maintenance station.

What skills does a vehicle maintenance attendant need?

A vehicle maintenance attendant needs 12 essential skills, including car controls, types of vehicles, follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health, execute vehicle maintenance, identify vehicles service requirements.

Will AI replace vehicle maintenance attendant jobs?

The AI disruption score for vehicle maintenance attendant is 54/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: issue sales invoices, maintain inventory of vehicle cleaning supplies, maintain vehicle records. Most resilient: teamwork principles, carry out improvised vehicle repairs, perform technical tasks with great care.

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills12

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