Automotive exhaust emissions technicians conduct and evaluate tests on vehicles to check exhaust emissions. They may work at service stations, at car dealerships, or for the automobile manufacturing industry. Some are employed by state governments in their vehicle inspection programs.
These technicians review the details of the particular tests to be performed, connect instrument sensors to the exhaust system of a vehicle, and perform the tests, using gauges and adjusting the dynamometer (an instrument that measures the strength of the engine and related parts) as needed. The technicians record the test results and compare the performance to set standards for emissions. They may also repair any exhaust malfunction that the tests reveal. Technicians are responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and calibrating the test equipment.
Education and Training
Completion of a formal postsecondary program is necessary to become an automotive exhaust emissions technician. Many community colleges and technical schools offer 2 and 4 year programs. High school preparation should include courses in mathematics and a laboratory science as well as automotive, metals, and electrical courses.
Certification is sometimes required. Automobile dealerships, especially, often prefer to hire technicians who have certificates of special training from industry educational centers.
Getting the Job
School placement offices have up to date listings of job openings. Some graduates may be recruited by the automotive industry during their final school semester. Others may apply directly to the personnel office of dealerships or other automotive firms where they want to work.
Employment Outlook
Technicians can advance after gaining experience and further education or by specializing. They can be promoted to several advanced technical positions or to supervisory positions.
The employment outlook for automotive exhaust emissions technicians is only fair through the year 2006. The increased use of automation and the greater productivity per employee will limit the number of job openings.
Working Conditions
Most technicians work in garage facilities. Those who work for manufacturing companies may work in engineering design departments or laboratories. Sometimes technicians work outdoors in all kinds of weather to test engines in the field. They generally work 40 hours a week and are often compensated for working overtime.
Earnings and Benefits
Salaries vary, but in general, automotive technicians earn less than most other specialists in the automotive industry, such as mechanics. The starting salary of technicians employed by the automobile manufacturing industry is £16,000 to $18,000 a year. Full time automotive exhaust emissions technicians usually receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacations.
Tire Changer/Repairer
Nature of the Work
Tire changers/repairers replace or repair the tires, treads, tubes, and related materials on automobiles, buses, trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), and other types of vehicles. Also known as tire re-treaders, tire and tube servicers, or tire fixers, they generally work for automotive service centers or retail or wholesale tire companies.
Tire changers/repairers remove and remount tires on vehicle wheels, test and repair tires and inner tubes, and balance tires and wheels. They use such equipment as hydraulic jacks, power hoists, rubber mallets, mechanical tire changers, scrappers, hot vulcanizing plates, and various hand tools. Tire retreaders rebuild worn tires using specialized retreading equipment. Then they trim, paint, and inspect the retread tires.
Road service tire changers respond to emergency calls to make repairs or replace damaged tires on the road or at a customer's home. Giant tire repairers work with the over sized tires found on heavy equipment. Aircraft tire changers are responsible for the repair, replacement, and testing of airplane tires.
Education and Training
There are no formal educational requirements for the job of tire changer/repairer, but high school courses in general mathematics and industrial arts are helpful. Good motor coordination and manual dexterity are essential. Most employers provide on the job training that may last up to 6 months. New workers are often teamed with experienced repairers to learn the proper procedures and use of equipment.
Getting the Job
School counselors or placement officers can help job seekers find positions. The classified ads in local newspapers are a good source of information. You can also contact the local office of the state employment agency for recent job listings.
Employment Outlook
Advancement within the automotive industry requires additional training and education. An enterprising worker can become a service supervisor or become involved in tire manufacturing.
Job growth for tire changers/repairers will generally be good. The growing popularity of RVs and high performance, lightweight trucks will spur the demand for workers skilled in replacing, repairing, retreading, and balancing the tires for these vehicles.
Working Conditions
Most tire changers/repairers work in noisy service or retreading shops, where they may be exposed to hot temperatures. Some workers must travel to various sites and do repairs on the roadside or in a driveway in all kinds of weather. The work involves a great deal of physical activity. Heavy tires or equipment some times weighing up to 100 pounds must be lifted, carried, moved, or handled in some way. Careful handling of equipment and tools is essential to avoid injury or accident.
Earnings and Benefits
Starting wages for tire changers/repairers range from $6 to $7 an hour. More experienced workers earn $8 to $10 an hour. Those who work with specialized tires, such as air plane or giant tires, tend to earn more. Full time workers may receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time.
