Advice for Future Technicians from Actual Techs

What other advice do you have for future techs? Leave it in the comments!
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[@hiimholdin2397]

Stay away from the tool truck

[@thiccanimegirl76]

Nah I'm good

[@georgecroney6168]

Buy the best you can afford but actually work out your budget, if you can spare 50 a week for tools, withdraw 50 a week from the atm and spend it or save it for next week. Financing stuff is for business only imo, not individuals. In every aspect of life. Only borrow when it's gonna earn you money, work truck, big equipment, mortgage on a shop etc. Like anything you try and tell a young person though, they'll have to learn it the hard way, on their own like everyone before them did

[@chrisz1100]

Take advantage of the student discounts on tools my matco dealer told me this

[@goudagrishhdoe8925]

Dude. Fuck the tool truck. Amazon and harbor freight for life. Tool truck prices are disrespectful as hell around here

[@goudagrishhdoe8925]

@@georgecroney6168 that is some good advice right there.

[@robertdrawdy3749]

Don't be afraid to job hop to find the place that ACTUALLY treats you right

[@williamsanders468]

Out of everything on here that is some of the most sound advice. If your new just starting in the field don’t take less than 15$ a hour, don’t work for places that don’t offer 401k and health insurance, and I don’t know how common it is but the first shop I worked wouldn’t let anyone that was hourly work over 40 hours don’t take that either.

[@robertdrawdy3749]

@@williamsanders468 damn yeah I've probably had +15 jobs.... works on trucks growing up. Tried cars for a couple months HATED IT with a passion. Need too many pointless tools for certain manufacturers. Then I got into heavy equipment for 6 years working under someone. And now I run my own mobile mechanic bought a kenworth T370 and now making it on my own.. but I do miss the perks and the shop life

[@flash7144]

​@@robertdrawdy3749 whats some advice to a senior in high school trying to get into the automotive scene I wanna eventually own my own shop

[@robertdrawdy3749]

@Flash714 get into heavy equipment. Steer clear of automotive everyone is wanting flat rate because it pays the owner better than the tech But if you really want to get into it start off with trucks like the big e diesel. Still need a stupid amount of tools but not too crazy for tye truck if you want to just do cars. Have fun wasting money on tools you'll never use besides at work

[@Suedeman]

​@flash7144 Go work for a larger dealer network in equipment. Also if you decide to do heavy diesel don't be scared to work for a big trucking company. Stay away from the leasing companies like Ryder and penske. JB Hunt and prime were 2 of the best jobs I ever had pay and benefits wise. So many guys wanna work for a small shop which is nice but that small shop can't send you to training in Texas or have oem teachers come in and show you new things.

[@Usef320]

close your eyes when you see the snap on truck

[@juanquintero2396]

🤣🤣 but it’s shiny and so are the tools

[@k6hxhsquaaa681]

This is my problem

[@johnl798]

Don't go to the rape wagon !!!!!

[@k6hxhsquaaa681]

@neal cassady no shxt 😂

[@acu112]

That's funny, but true

[@Bmmw-sl9sl]

Damn The Weekends album sales must be doing pretty bad.

[@Florida_man21]

😂

[@MarcoLiftz]

😂😂😂

[@nathansath4681]

Ayooooo😂

[@isaiahgranados6373]

That made my day 😂

[@vo7tage]

lmao

[@dirgeofdementia]

Don’t buy a tool until you’ve had to borrow it a few times

[@technician-tony]

Twice. If i borrowed the same tool twice, and the guy leaves then what?

[@12mak]

once for me@@technician-tony

[@watermelons79]

Nah, if you gotta borrow it once then you’ll need it again, so get your own

[@JohnDoesItAll]

So cool to hear this. We had a rule that if you asked to borrow a tool three times, it was time for you to buy one for yourself.

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

Be lucky if you find a shop with guys who offer good advice... Majority of shops / guys I've experienced and seen aren't passing on sage advice to the young new guy... Instead its a lot of bullying and immature crap.

[@luismorejon193]

I can confirm that. I’ve been a forklift technician for 5 years and it still happens lol my shop foreman is 61 years old and he can be real sarcastic and immature when I need help on something which can get pretty damn annoying.

[@sameold5050]

Definitely,very valuable to work in a shop where everyone shares info & does what's best for all rather than being arrogant jerks who are self centered.

[@BrandonP43]

That’s how you figure out who doesn’t wanna be there. Lot of rough rollers in mechanic work amongst other trades. If you can roll with the punches and not fuck up too bad in your first month or two, they’ll start to trust you with different things and will give you some solemn advice added a few harsh words.

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

Hahahahaha. No.

[@abbsgarage.9676]

And that's why there is a shortage of technicians

[@Korean_Jesus]

Don't get stuck at one place. Venture off, you'll learn from each shop or dealerships.

[@jdmtechllc6589]

Exactly! Don’t grow roots!

[@DanTriggerhappyGames]

Agreed, it took a lot of time to end up where I'm at. Finally not dreading waking up for work

[@frankrodriguez5202]

I have been a mechanic for over 30 years. My advice is to learn the business and understand how to make money from it. Most mechanics loveeeee to do the work.....it's actually a pretty cool profession.......but at the end of the day........The real money is maintenance, parts and customers.

[@jona7335]

Would you recommend opening an auto shop then? And hire mechanics?

[@frankrodriguez5202]

@@jona7335 Auto shop with mechanic s is always a good idea.... but of course know the expense that's involved and understand the customers that are in that area. Buttttt......Opening a shop with a a ton of competition is a huge risk.....You can only get a part of the business from customers and if you have mechanics that are not qualified......then it can be a nightmare waiting to happen. If you sell parts and supplies to all the shops in the area........there won't be much competition and less nightmares and less risk. There are many ways to see it but this is just one way. Hope all works out for you.

[@siberian5089]

@@frankrodriguez5202 there is atleast 30 random shops around where I am and I find it crazy…

[@Mike-we3rb]

@@siberian5089 every damn gas station has a shop. Then there’s real shops, tire shops, some car washes have shops. Then young people making side job mobile shops. It’s insane how many their are

[@novakradakovic4752]

Get out and quit while you can and are still young. Get into a MTA job, federal job, police,firemen tech, fleet tech. No flate rate, no dealing with customer service, bull shit service advisors. If you don’t make time or you do something wrong they can you. Besides the pay is low,no guarantee,most places you have to pay for medical benefits, I’ve been working at the dealerships over 38 years. I’ve seen it all. If I had a penny for every person who left the dealership business Be it a technician,service manager, advisor, valet, or maintenance guy. You’re only good to the last drop so they need you when they don’t need you they say goodbye. SO DONT DO IT.

[@TBO207]

homie look like he just got shocked with 10000 volts 😂😂😂

[@Zack_G_E]

Most guys will say pick a different career lol .

[@alexissmith3737]

this for sure it’s all i heard starting out as a woman 😂😂

[@investa9772]

@@alexissmith3737 im thinking of beocming a electronion how much do u make

[@Zack_G_E]

@@geargrinder4784 there's just a lot of better "trade" options out there. Flat rate pay causes a lot of issues. Other options can pay more without you spending so much on tools.

[@rjhick1]

Sucks because these people are the ones working on your car and dont see much money despite the dealership taking all of your money

[@siberian5089]

@neal cassady no lol…. Plumber and other jobs make good money as well

[@thesaurusrex7919]

Don’t be that guy that spends 20 years in the repair industry with the same shop making 35 dollars an hour. Your body will thank you

[@Marc-ml6de]

Thanks man

[@ndigs]

Preach !!!!

[@aza_ace]

but…so what else are you supposed to do LMAO

[@ndigs]

@@aza_ace Chase the money... if you go on indeed most shops that are hiring are paying more ,They are pretty desperate right now... Take advantage

[@investa9772]

@@ndigs im thinking of becoming one what do i do, go to college or what?

[@donotrobme9295]

The guys giving the advice can also say it all nicely and respectful

[@hickstylez]

A GOOD MECHANIC NEVER GIVES UP!!! AND TAKE THE ADVICE AND USE IT AND ALSO DONT BLINDY TRUST THE ADVICE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!

[@user-dw1ys3hn4n]

A good Mechanic takes GOOD advise from other good mechanics. And you'll know if they're blowing smoke up your#/$$. So keep on wrenching!

[@abbsgarage.9676]

Enjoy life the money comes later... You don't know everything, you're not always right. You'll mess up. And duck up a lot set money aside... Oohh lock your tool box...

[@patricks.7951]

This is the advice I was given when I was an auto tech. I've been told you'll come to a point where you'll either love it, or you hate it but you've spent too much money on tools, and spent too much time in your life being a mechanic that you don't feel like you can go do anything else successfully. And if you don't love it, run away before you get to that point.

[@cpcassone]

The weekend wrenches on cars in between albums. 😂

[@johnmarshall4442]

I'v been an A&P for 27 years. When I started an old mechanic told me . You will never know it all . That's true !

[@TheNipSnipper]

That's really great advice tbh. important to realize there's so much you dont even know you dont know.

[@FranciscoGO1980]

Take the advice and run away.

[@101Grunt]

+1

[@jeffmaggard3694]

+2

[@snoxap]

+3

[@TuzaDriftClub]

The advice someone gave me during my first week was to not be a mechanic and to keep doing it for fun as a hobby

[@jenkathefridge3933]

I'm thinking of just doing that and find something else to do

[@72gunslinger]

Just sat NO to flat rate

[@adbeck2872]

My advice. Run. So many other careers out there require less investment and much better pay.

[@jacobmalik4056]

Truth, In college they said I would make 70k a year, and come to find out that is a huge lie

[@brandonnichols7999]

More like 35-40

[@user-wm3fc1sk1p]

@@brandonnichols7999 Actually roughly 8k in my area.

[@jamesboone3678]

These guys are looking out for you. Love them.

[@ryanh1015]

Best advice for newbies, don't get intimidated with stuff. Your new, you'll learn as you progress. Take everything as constructive criticism and learn how to take what people tell you as a learning moment and not a insult to your knowledge

[@RockReggaeRiff]

Don't be that guy who spends a fortune on tool trucks, but can't figure out how to remove a rear brake drum. No point in having expensive tools when you don't know how to use them.

[@niskovic9557]

Listen to these guys, cause i was that guy and struggled in my early career

[@anokat]

One of my last coworkers when I told him I was thinking about putting in my two weeks literally told me "get out of this place, you don't wanna be stuck in this career" 😂 it was good advice, but I didn't listen

[@michaelbotterbusch1100]

I took all the advice given and was happy when some one told me I was doing something wrong best thing you can do

[@goodinsrt8]

A good mechanic understands that criticism is usually coming from someone who wants to see you succeed. And a veteran mechanic has zero problems learning from a brand new mechanic, I learn things from new guys all the time.

[@NewToolTuesday]

What makes a good tech is doing the job before.....everyone looks smart when they did the same job 47 times

[@jonyoung6405]

I was eaten alive at a Chrysler dealership in the late 90s. Left for greener pastors . Today I do automotive servicing as a hobby that saves money .

[@freddie6460]

I left for the yellow pastors, but I can see how you like the green ones

[@Jordan__Sloan]

Oh my yes take advice, we have a new guy that whenever he does something wrong he just says ok and doesn’t ask what he did wrong lol

[@thebread9186]

The first guy looks like a cartoon character that got shocked with electricity due to that hair lmao 🤣🤣

[@maxpower9848]

I recommend doing something entirely different but if you do decide to go an automotive field I totally agree with the people on the tool truck scenario. You can get tools for 10th of the cost and they're made by the exact same company they just don't have snap-on stamped onto them. my local car repair parts store has the exact same hacksaw hanging up on their wall that I paid snap on $80 for! They're selling it for 12. I remember when I got a big bonus check at Fremont Ford in the 90s I went and bought my dad 110 volt electric impact for his RV. A week later I saw the exact same impact at Sears for $179. I paid $650 because it said snap-on on it. It was the exact same tool!

[@richardhunt1384]

Run....... run for the hills and don't look back!!!!!

[@peter8488]

This guy is afro man 2.0 all the way!

[@alexsantillan8685]

This man looks like " working on the weekend "

[@maddoxswann9760]

Grey heads will give you all of their knowledge if your willing to listen and respect the shop. Try to diag stuff by yourself before pulling a Forman aside.

[@Chillsarahh]

I literally just got the job yesterday I’m excited!

[@jayh9635]

Don't buy the Snap-On tool box!!! Get a cheap one and spend your money on tools! Learn electrical really well! Learn how to diagnose and not throw parts at cars! Wear that damn ear protection and knee pads! I'm 40 now and started at 15! My hands, shoulders, and knees hurt every morning! Don't be too proud to ask for help! And it takes at least 10 years in this profession before you actually start making some money!

[@marlondatahan7178]

We respect all of you guys all car technician

[@sethlloyd1146]

Get out of this god forsaken industry while you're still young

[@amneziaxeaster-gaming382]

TF you talking about

[@a6o932]

Facts. There's no money in it. Your body gets beat and for what? Minimum pay.

[@Capo6200]

@@a6o932 side jobs exist get yo hustle up

[@a6o932]

@@Capo6200 don't have to "hustle" side jobs if my day job pays me enough, lol what's your time worth?

[@Capo6200]

@@a6o932 Lhh I don’t know wht enough means I got all the time in world plus I’m young

[@stevenhaske693]

My uncle once told me listen to him shut up and you take the info and do what you want from what he says. He's a journey man tile guy he's bad ass at it and I learned allot I had GCs pull me aside and tell me how much of a good guy and hard worker I am and I thank my uncle for that.

[@RToddRothrauff]

I've worked with plenty of techs who would advise the new tech to "RUN AWAY !"

[@IsaiahBourgardDoes]

Yes. And i did. Pay is crap for what you do.

[@user-ef2tz8lm1y]

The last one I somewhat disagree with. When I was an apprentice we had a Hyundai come in and my foreman told me in order to change the idle tensioner pulley we had to pull the motor and I said it’s easier to pull the axle to get to it well long story short when he stepped out I pulled the axle out did the job in 20 minutes versus four hours.

[@RyfusFox]

My first day hired after graduating school, the senior mechanic told me to change jobs because the money isn't here at dealerships anymore. He then also told me that if I do decide to stay, buy the biggest box you can comfortably afford and stay away from the tool truck. So here I am with a 72in toolbox with a 72in top box and not in the automotive industry anymore 😂

[@jayspade88]

Selll???😏

[@charlespaluha1247]

The big hair and then no hair is amazing 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👊👊

[@mollago]

The best advice anyone can give is to take advice

[@tttgaming8762]

Good tradesmen advice always be willing to learn!

[@OrangeCounty813]

Don’t connect positive with negative and negative with positive when checking battery or in general. -First guy

[@adamnabiyar2706]

Guy looks like he touched a electric fence😅

[@repobud1]

As someone who's been in the business for 30 plus years and owned his own shop for 16 my advice would be turn around and walk away new cars suck it was a whole different ball game 15 years ago and now the engineers and manufacturers they don't have you in mind they build it to whatever is financially feasible for them and you get screwed on the back end.

[@formula112967]

This is the best advice in all the comments.

[@U.s-epa]

#1; do your own thing!!!!!! You'll be 60 and broken with only a bank account to show for it. Any good mechanic has the ability to start and run their own independent shop.

[@fshwck]

Run while you can

[@gladememmott3001]

My advice is to get that hair cut LoL 😂😂😂😂 just kidding it's awesome 😎👍👍

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

It’s weird to me watching people go to school to do something I learned on my own through years of experience working on my own trucks, trailers, and heavy duty equipment.

[@derekcamp9764]

It's weird that you don't realize you're exactly the type of person they are warning people not to be like. No point in going to school if you already know everything.

[@ronjohnson8119]

You probably wouldn’t make it in a shop. I’ve seen it many times before. It is a completely different ballgame doing it for a living. There is a whole hell of a lot more to it than you think. I wrote about not getting any respect in this trade and you are a prime example.

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

@@ronjohnson8119 Funny you say that, I actually got a part time job at an equipment shop, fixing skid steers, tractors, etc. they started me at 24 an hour, I’ve been at it the past 2 weeks, but I’m quitting this Thursday, I make more from my business. I went there to order a part for one of the hydro trans on a Gravely zero turn I have, I was explaining to them how it works and why a little drill scratch is the reason I’m needing a new center section. They asked if I wanted a job there. I only said yes because at the time I was dry on work and it’s been years since I have had a 9-5, was a good experience but it’s honestly not worth it for me to work there.

[@ronjohnson8119]

@@thesunflowchannel1995 I work on high end luxury cars. You would never make it where I work. I make a decent six figure salary. Ignorant.

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

@@ronjohnson8119 Haha well I made 6 figures last year, at 21… I can agree that most people wouldn’t make it as a grease monkey, but I’m not most people.

[@Normal1855]

Always listen to the experienced guy. In my job, I hated training someone, who already knew everything, and could do it better. It was hard training people like that. And I was a baker. I can't imagine trying to teach someone auto repair.

[@CapoKabar]

The weekend doin his ghost job

[@Mekanik.b]

Ask as many questions as possible

[@colebabcock7570]

The best piece of advice that I could give confidently is to admit when you’re wrong and to ask a lot of questions but ones that you’d be able to apply tot eh real world

[@petesmitt]

don't stick a screwdriver in a power socket.. unless you want a hairdo like this guy.

[@Mike-we3rb]

I stuck a screw driver in my urethra. Felt nice

[@AndrewPruteanu]

I've been a tech for Ford for 11 months now, and what these guys say is very true. Starting out as a new tech is like a whole new world. You're very lost at first, always listen to the senior techs because they know what they're talking about, it blows my mind on how much they know but it's all from many years of experience.

[@ericwhitley3173]

If you need to borrow a tool then you need to buy said tool .😊

[@ashernelligan]

Last guy was such a Chad fr

[@niclikescakes]

This actually applies to every mechanic, seasoned or new to the game. Learn from the criticism, you should never stop learning. The dumbest people I've ever worked with thought they knew everything.

[@Jasonitodd]

Some real advice from someone that’s done this 36 years. Don’t. Lay down your ratchet, and leave. And if you decide to stay, stay away from the snap-on guy.

[@Sinkorswim317]

I’ve been around cars and mechanics my entire life and the number one thing that will help you become the best you can be is to always keep a beginners mindset always keep learning.

[@Absolutionoflight]

Yo the weeknd became a mechanic? Dope.

[@manuelmondeja291]

Damm shit went downhill

[@IsaacTui]

Shit is tough

[@cornholio324]

Run!

[@alexlopez5800]

Don't start lmao 😂

[@jakemartin4305]

Service info is the mvp of all tools 👍

[@nynxii2k477]

I love chad such a great dude great vibes from him

[@markcavandish1295]

That dudes hair rules

[@Dutters.dirtbikes]

RUN !!!!!! 😂

[@lemonaid8678]

I’ve been in the field for 18 years, I still take advice, I take it from the old gents who’ve been here longer than I’ve been alive, I take it from the young guys who have only been in a few years but have had diff experiences than I.

[@flykingsteve]

Good advise 🫡

[@snukkamarv8189]

Spread your wings Venture out

[@179107199999]

I like King Vegeta. He looks so chill.

[@thehillshaveeyes2200]

Man that advice is good for every trade like I weld and it goes the same for us

[@turtlehunter408]

I started journey of wrenching at 19 went to school then became a tech at 20. Im 21 now with one whole year of real life experience and I can say I’m starting to learn a lot and becoming more confident in my work. I know I still have a lot to learn but I love working on cars. My advice to anyone coming in would be don’t get intimated when you see big jobs, never give up, and prolly the most important….. be very patient.

[@detroitmidunkin2138]

The Weeknd really in this video

[@DanTriggerhappyGames]

Always listen to the old heads. The way they explain it may not make sense at first,but damn does it always work 💯

[@Icantball67]

Those clips aren’t just for mechanics. They are firstly for everyone entering the workforce after receiving training at a school prior. Secondly they are for everyone else as well. Always be prepared to take criticism and learn from others!

[@josephhunze4618]

will take!

[@Jfhdhdnfjdjej]

Old timers have a lot of knowledge to give. Listen.

[@johnp6636]

Get out the trade NOW

[@daddieep6674]

The weekend on the weekend 😂

[@MB____----]

I remember the first day I stepped foot in the workshop. When you work in a large dealer environment, you will have multiple personalities. Had a few that tried to get me to fail by giving bad advice, they didn't last long at that dealer. 20 years later, just left the workshop environment. Some people can be dicks. These guys definitely have words of wisdom. We all have to learn this. Every day is a learning experience, always try to make a job easier for the next guy. Your still a team at the end of the day all working towards the same goal.

[@clicks59]

I remember when I first started doing brake jobs. I was maybe 20 years old. I had turned the rotors but failed to clean all of the metal grindings from the hub area. The customer came in to check out my progress and saw the metal grindings I had failed to cleaned. He looked at me and said. “ it looks like some okie is doing this job.” Eye opening… Attention to detail from start to finish is everything.

[@RedIron1066]

Good advice…I was lucky to have had some amazing mentors.

[@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN]

Get out of this trade! Dead end trade!

[@luismorejon193]

Not In the heavy equipment side. Especially going independent you can make 100-200k a year. But on the other hand, Automotive techs are not appreciated, valued and underplayed unless you on your own.

[@brendonkerns4189]

Why would you say it’s a dead end trade?

[@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN]

@@brendonkerns4189 money is shit. Flat rate is shit. Lowest paying trade. Get **cked in both ends by dealerships and manufacturers with warranty time. No tool allowance when you are expected to invest at least have $20,000 in tools to do professional tech work while getting paid absolute minimum. No pension or benefit plan (if there are any, it's shit). No overtime pay although you work OT hrs. Compare to other high skill trades, this automotive pays journeyman absolute shit. The lists still go on why automotive repair job is dead end trade for techs/mechanics. Your work in this trade makes you poorer while you make the owner rich.

[@liquidsweg4858]

​@@brendonkerns4189horrible pay with next to no ways up and ur often treated like shit

[@user-qm6us9pz2k]

Very good advice. If you let your ego/pride get in the way you’ll never master your craft. My grandfather builds houses and has been doing so for 40 years. He still says that he learns new ways to do things. You should never think you’re too good to learn something new.

[@ronjohnson8119]

My advice for people looking to become a tech-don’t do it. The pay can actually be pretty good (I make a decent six figure salary) but you get zero respect (just look at the comments from The Sunflow Channel on this post as a PRIME example), MOST (not all) shops treat you like complete garbage, it’s tough on your body and your pay will most likely fluctuate pretty wildly paycheck to paycheck and year to year. Just don’t do it. My nephew and my son were talking about wanting to work on cars for a living and I highly discouraged them. Thankfully they listened.

[@investa9772]

U got a better idea?

[@uhdobo7]

What do you suggest for work instead?

[@ronjohnson8119]

@@uhdobo7 become an engineer or maybe a welder 🤷‍♂️

[@joshuaking9589]

In Australia it's pretty alright thankfully

[@Petesworkshop2225]

Listen!

[@thompsonappliance3078]

Mess up early and often. Get it out yout system. Mistakes can be the greatest teacher.

[@marcokahny709]

My advice would be to watch every video from Ivan @ Pine hollow diagnosis

[@bewaretheclaw]

Find a new career. Lol

[@jamesd.9955]

Tool boxes have wheels for a reason. Dont feel like you're stuck at a place you don't like.

[@theirishman088]

RUN! as fast as you can! Working on cars can be great money but most shops are terrible and good luck getting someone to help you.. Why would I help you take money out of my pocket?? That's what i was told. The cost of tools isn't worth the hassel of moving them all over the state. Stay away from the trucks and don't let old guys tell you that youre not a pro unless you have snap on or some other over priced crap you don't need. A real pro does the job and gets it done with whatever they have.

[@dnzgarage]

Damn I didnt know The Weeknd dropped music and became a mechanic