What skills does a vehicle technician need?

A vehicle technician needs 34 essential skills including automotive diagnostic equipment, car controls, emission standards, vehicle electrical systems, types of vehicles. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace vehicle technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for vehicle technician is 37/100 (moderate risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Manufacturing & ProductionMetal, machinery and related trades workersISCO 7231

vehicle technician

Vehicle technicians inspect, test and maintain vehicles, motorcycles, engine tune-ups and tyre replacements. They repair engine failures, lube replacements. Vehicle technicians replace vehicle components and evaluate warranty options.

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (34)

automotive diagnostic equipmentautomotive diagnostic equipmentThe equipment used to examine automotive systems and components.car controlscar controlsThe functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.emission standardsemission standardsThe legal limitations of the amount of pollutants that can be emitted into the environment. The EU legislative framework regulating emission standards for driving vehicles.vehicle electrical systemsvehicle electrical systemsThe vehicle electrical systems, including components such as the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides energy to the starter. The alternator provides the battery the energy it require...types of vehiclestypes of vehiclesField of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.mechanical requirements for vehicles in urban areasmechanical requirements for vehicles in urban areasThe legal requirements that vehicles must meet in order to operate in urban areas, including aspects related to the safety of vehicle, reliability, and driving comfort.principles of mechanical engineeringprinciples of mechanical engineeringThe principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.mechanical components of vehiclesmechanical components of vehiclesThe mechanical components used in vehicles, their maintenance needs, potential malfunctions and resolution actions.health and safety measures in transportationhealth and safety measures in transportationThe body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.hybrid vehicle architecturehybrid vehicle architectureHybrid vehicle nomenclature, classification and architectures including efficiency considerations. Pros and cons of series, parallel and power split solutions. It excludes the architecture and R&D in ...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.components of air conditioning systemscomponents of air conditioning systemsThe different components that constitute air conditioning systems such as condensers, compressors, evaporators and sensors.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.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...maintain vehicle recordsmaintain vehicle recordsMaintain vehicle records by accurately recording service operations and repairs.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.repair vehicle electrical systemsrepair vehicle electrical systemsUse appropriate tools, machinery, and equipment to solve problems related to components of the electrical system of vehicles, such as the battery, alternator, or starter.diagnose problems with vehiclesdiagnose problems with vehiclesDiagnose issues with vehicles and assess the efforts and costs required to resolve them.maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.use automotive diagnostic equipmentuse automotive diagnostic equipmentUse diagnostic equipment to perform test on motor vehicles, components and systems to detect defects.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.adapt to new technology used in carsadapt to new technology used in carsAdapt to new technology integrated in cars; understand systems operation and provide troubleshooting.wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.carry out repair of vehiclescarry out repair of vehiclesProvide repair for vehicles and routine level checks, such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation and changes, wheel balancing, replacing filters, repair engine failures; repair mechanical and...identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.perform road testing of vehiclesperform road testing of vehiclesPerform road tests with vehicles; ensure that all functions are working safely and correctly; test vehicle in extreme weather and road conditions.maintain updated professional knowledgemaintain updated professional knowledgeRegularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.provide customer information related to repairsprovide customer information related to repairsInform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.carry out repairs and maintenance of vehicle bodiescarry out repairs and maintenance of vehicle bodiesExecute repair and maintenance tasks to damaged vehicle bodies; follow customers' individual requests and instructions.use traditional toolbox toolsuse traditional toolbox toolsUse tools found in a traditional toolbox, such as hammer, plier, screwdriver, and wrench. Observe safety precautions while operating these instruments.perform vehicle testsperform vehicle testsTest, inspect and maintain vehicles; refresh oil and change tires; balance wheels and replace filters.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.

Optional (30)

operation of different enginesoperation of different enginesThe characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.types of vehicle enginestypes of vehicle enginesTypes of car engines in road and racing cars, including those with emerging technologies like hybrids and electric motors, and how they work.electrical wiring planselectrical wiring plansPictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the...engine componentsengine componentsThe different engine components, their operation, lifecycle and maintenance and repairing needs.fix minor vehicle scratchesfix minor vehicle scratchesFix minor vehicle dents and scratches with touch-up paint.repair enginesrepair enginesRepair identified problems with internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors. Replace and fix faulty parts by using hand and machine tools.replace tyresreplace tyresReplace worn out or broken tyres of motor vehicles by using hand and power tools. Choose new tyres according to customer requirements and motor vehicle model.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.maintain electrical enginesmaintain electrical enginesUnderstanding of electrical circuits and being able to repair. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.lubricate engineslubricate enginesApply motor oil to engines to lubricate internal combustion engines in order to reduce wear, to clean and to cool the engine.maintain braking systemmaintain braking systemMaintain the system that stops motor vehicles and bicycles. Identify problems such as leakages. Make repairs if necessary by using hand and power tools.maintain vehicle appearancemaintain vehicle appearanceMaintain vehicle appearance by washing, cleaning and performing minor adjustments and repairs.ensure compliance with warranty contractsensure compliance with warranty contractsImplement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.perform ICT troubleshootingperform ICT troubleshootingIdentify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.maintain professional recordsmaintain professional recordsProduce and maintain records of work performed.detect malfunctions in enginesdetect malfunctions in enginesDetect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage. Practice damage control.maintain motor vehicle steering systemmaintain motor vehicle steering systemMaintain the system that allows motor vehicles to be directed towards a desired route through steering wheel linkages by using hand and power tools. Make repairs if necessary.perform minor vehicle repairsperform minor vehicle repairsRepair or replace non-essential vehicle parts such as turn signals, lights, fluid hoses, etc.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.carry out repair of motorcyclescarry out repair of motorcyclesCarry out repairs and routine maintenance checks for motorcycles such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation, tire changes, engine failures and mechanical system malfunctions. Replace parts an...maintain suspension systemmaintain suspension systemMaintain the system that creates the motion of wheels of motor vehicles such as shock absorbers, springs and linkages. Repair them if necessary by using hand and power tools.maintain customer recordsmaintain customer recordsKeep and store structured data and records about customers in accordance with customer data protection and privacy regulations.adjust tightness of engine partsadjust tightness of engine partsTighten or unscrew engine parts using hand and power tools; maintenance of tubing, casing and connecting rods.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.disassemble enginesdisassemble enginesDisassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.provide customer follow-up servicesprovide customer follow-up servicesRegister, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.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...keep stock recordskeep stock recordsKeep written records of the amount of stock in storage, incoming and outgoing products required for the proper operation of services, repairs and maintenance tasks.organise vehicle breakdown supportorganise vehicle breakdown supportTake all the measures necessary to provide technical support and assistance in case of vehicle breakdown.