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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[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@RunNGunX]

You leave my bmw hub removal tool alone! 😅

[@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.

[@MechaniclifeJDM]

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

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

Split every 7 years or so (if you stay in this shit show) & you WILL learn way more.

[@tjw8t1]

I've worked for several Dealers. Toyota (currently), Nissan, Subaru, KIA, BMW/Mini, VW, Infiniti, Ford, and Chrysler. The best money maker for me I've found in my 25 year career is being a used car tech, and it also helps my state has both safety and emissions inspections which I am licensed for.

[@Bmmw-sl9sl]

Damn The Weekends album sales must be doing pretty bad.

[@Florida_man21]

😂

[@MarcoLiftz]

😂😂😂

[@nathansath4681]

Ayooooo😂

[@isaiahgranados6373]

That made my day 😂

[@vo7tage]

lmao

[@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

[@kavehhashemi9448]

That’s honestly the best advice. A technician who has been doing this stuff since the early 2000s told me to keep working on cars as a hobby! Not a job

[@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.

[@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 😂😂

[@SavestaTO]

@@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

[@TBO207]

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

[@lamp7746]

Specifically 10000. No less no more - unknown amperage too.

[@attiumeyami417]

belive it or not that hairdue is not uncommon in the industry. mabey in the real world it is but in the shops..... bro I know 3 guys with that hair in separate shops

[@jamesp9998]

Don’t work on cars for a living . Pays like crap . I can work at McDonald’s for the same pay as a entry level tech is all you need to know . The industry never kept up with the pay. . Hourly rates went up for shops while mechanics pay stayed the same over the past 20 years . Glad I learned the skill but now make a living doing something else . Most under appreciated job out there .

[@FranciscoGO1980]

Take the advice and run away.

[@101Grunt]

+1

[@jeffmaggard3694]

+2

[@snoxap]

+3

[@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

[@SavestaTO]

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

[@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...

[@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!!

[@MarkOshkeshequoamsr]

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!

[@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.

[@bewaretheclaw]

Find a new career. Lol

[@domsolano]

Currently in a situation where Ive been working at a chain full service tire shop for 4 years. I've been feeling stagnant and not satisified with my position anymore. I feel over qualified and eager to learn but corporate keeps brushing me to the side. I just landed a job that I am starting next week as an Automotive Tech at a dealership. The benefits and growth seem to be there as an intermediate level mechanic. I want to dig into electrical and internal engine work. One thing your current employer will do is try to scare you into thinking you are going to fail if you leave. That goes for any job field where youre seen as an asset. My word of advice is if youre looking for a job to begin with, you have plenty of reasons as to why you were even considering leaving. Know your worth and be open to grow. Take constructive cristism from the old man. Dont be afraid to job hop or jump ship if you feel like youre being taken advantage of. The automotive field is very cut throat. Higher ups only see you as one thing and that is: MONEY. Treat your bosses as the same. At the end of the day, who's buying your tools? Be eager to learn and grow. You've got plenty of time to perfect your craft

[@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.

[@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

[@Rock_Reggae_Riff]

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.

[@adbeck2872]

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

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

FK this corrupt trade!

[@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

[@Key-z2x]

@@brandonnichols7999 Actually roughly 8k in my area.

[@gladememmott3001]

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

[@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.

[@MartinezRE1]

As a Mechanic for 20 years, when I see kids that want to be in the business, I tell them to go back to school and become a engineer, you can fix your car on the weekends, it very expensive to be in this business, I’m very lucky that I stop working on car and started working on diesel trucks, I never made money working on car, my last year working on car $25K, the first year working on heavy duty trucks o$45K, crazy to think

[@j.rjunior5584]

I wishes someone had told me this when I was younger. I'm still young just turned 23, but I left when I was 20. I wished I had gotten into tech. But luckily when I was in the auto industry I was working on a side hustle, and now my side hustle became my main job nowadays.

[@MartinezRE1]

I 100% agree, it’s very expensive to be in the business, I started making money when I started working on diesel

[@jessevallejo7059]

Best advise from 40 veteran...DO NOT START there are way better careers..honestly

[@gavincarrico7126]

You should redo this and get a 5 min interview from each tech. I’d watch that!

[@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!

[@donotrobme9295]

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

[@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

[@colestaples2010]

My advice is don’t show up. Go find a better job

[@72gunslinger]

Just sat NO to flat rate

[@frankandricciola9782]

Techs shouldn’t be paid flat rate. Why is it the only trade that it is? Work as fast as you can or learn to cut corners to make a living? No thanks. I get paid hourly 8:30 -5:00 weekends off with a pension

[@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

[@jamesd.9955]

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

[@johnp6636]

Get out the trade NOW

[@mikalcobbs9402]

Find a new career

[@Sanchovesa442]

Ahhhh hahaha, you'll never know how many times I say "I can't believe I have to do this ish".

[@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.

[@attiumeyami417]

so true. but u always gotta look like u do. no one wants to hire a mechanic that looks like they dont know what to do. thats the paradox

[@peter8488]

This guy is afro man 2.0 all the way!

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

RUN - RUN - RUN to ANY other profession. Your lower back - body - mind and bank account will thank you profusely.

[@dirtymotovation]

Screw EVERYTHING else said here- for the sake of your family/kids- don't be a technician.

[@Rjhorning]

Turn around and walk right back out. That's my advice. If u enjoy working on cars, dont do it for a living. I did for 16 years & I absolutely hate it now.

[@paintballalienindy09]

Run! Learn to weld,get aCDL, HVAC. Don’t get in this auto tech rat race industry.

[@0311Entertainment]

I’d say don’t be one lol at least for a dealership. It’s all politics at least for ford I worked for 3 ford dealerships and they have no mentor program or anyway of moving up within the company. Unless you are the biggest asskisser in the world you won’t get anywhere

[@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

[@dirtracer64]

Learn the Craft first, speed is the natural progression. Good mechanics are a Rare thing; fine details and proper diagnosis are the Key to a successful career. Most Tool Truck tools are no longer made in the USA.

[@thebread9186]

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

[@RiggyRonnie]

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.

[@RiggyRonnie]

@@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]

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

[@RiggyRonnie]

@@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.

[@RToddRothrauff]

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

[@IsaiahMatthewBourgard]

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

[@w.e.s.]

Dont just go find another career mechanic life is broke life. Go tow cars or run a mechanic shop dont be a tech its hard hard hard work for the pay u recieve. Youll wake up with stress and cramps and a sick stomach.

[@jamesdodson9417]

Stay off your phone and and your clothes better get dirty and your hands . Also you don’t know anything just do what your told if your opinion is needed it will be asked . Get rid of all distractions . Pay attention to everything and if you don’t know ask.

[@goudagrishhdoe8925]

That’s great advice

[@daquashesxp5321]

you sound like the type of guy that says if you don’t know ask but will bitch If I don’t know something because it’s “common sense”

[@woodytree1961]

Find a place that treats you right if not you will hate coming in everyday . Been there done that.

[@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.

[@attiumeyami417]

This is true however what's not is the fact that leaving is usually more profitable than to stay. once u take into account medical bills from years of turning wrenches and breathing in brake fluid and carbon monoxide......... its usually cheaper and more profitable to leave

[@Misfits89]

Most experienced techs don’t pass any advice and enjoy watching the news guys famble, I see all the time in my shop

[@cpcassone]

The weekend wrenches on cars in between albums. 😂

[@techdood2270]

Choose a different career do this as a hobby would be my best advice to a new tech

[@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!

[@blacksungod101]

😂 DO NOT BECOME A TECH RN nobody paying correctly

[@user-fc9iq6le2g]

Yeah....young kids arent gonna listen

[@mrmurdx8956]

Dont work for free because nothing in life is free

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@sylence2012]

My car got rejected for emissions today but in 2 weeks my car will be 15 years old and doesn’t require inspection. Can I just wait to weeks bring it back without fixing it and get a passing sticker??

[@kjoness]

How about…Don’t lay a wrench across the battery terminals or you will end up looking like the first guy.

[@ridds777]

Quit and go into a different line of work.

[@bonton9441]

Best advice? Find a different career

[@NishTubeGaming]

I wanted to be a mechanic but then everything is becoming electric😕

[@hichamabhat9445]

That’s my concern

[@NishTubeGaming]

@@hichamabhat9445 yeah I've literally been trying to get info on thid but there's nun mechanic are going to become nothing in the later world so i quit that am stressing at 14 about which job i should learn for the future!!

[@hichamabhat9445]

@@NishTubeGaming where u live

[@codywinkle2303]

Facts and honestly, might as well go into the electrician field. Gonna be the same thing, different work, but at least an electrician can make way more from starting pay to even their own business. My uncles company that he started 10 years ago on the east coast is now a multi million dollar company. Can’t really do that with automotive.

[@albertpintor3522]

Evs are turning me off but gas will be around for a very long time thankfully so hopefully I can do it for awhile

[@NewToolTuesday]

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

[@exhumefps7710]

Needed to hear this... 1st year on the line and some days I just get my ass beat

[@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???😏

[@richardhunt1384]

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

[@edups1]

your always gonna learn something new, don't be a know it all.

[@gunguy8348]

2 things I would say . 1 protect your health use PPE don’t destroy your body. 2 take advantage of company paying you for ASE’s testing get all your ASE’s and find that good pay in master shop that has the man hours.

[@taco5265]

Find a different career

[@ericwhitley3173]

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

[@Techformative557]

Stay away from the tool trucks...you can get better tools later once you have more money. Buy cheap stuff and see what you use most. Spend on the stuff you use the most. Cheaper tools doesn't make you less of a Mechanic.

[@kylruby3390]

dont be a tech

[@OrangeCounty813]

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

[@Absolutionoflight]

Yo the weeknd became a mechanic? Dope.

[@manuelmondeja291]

Damm shit went downhill

[@Isaac-muntz]

Shit is tough

[@Jfhdhdnfjdjej]

Old timers have a lot of knowledge to give. 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

[@nathanielmartinez7759]

Been a tech for going on 7years now nd I shouldve picked a different career. The pay is a joke and you have to supply your own tools. That's why there is a shortage of techs.

[@codywinkle2303]

I absolutely agree. I’m 10 years in and should’ve listen to my dad about it. He’s been wrenching close to 40 years starting out as a kid. He’s coming up on 50 in a couple years and he stresses me out with how often he says his body is beat. Best way to go about it is get all the knowledge you can as early as you can to open up your own business. Doesn’t have to be big, but to work on a few cars rather than a ton of cars. That’s the route I’m taking. Thankfully, I’m signing up for my business license as of today.

[@RandomLuckk]

glad i listened to my uncle ive been in forb2 years and i’m already switched careers to be an electrician, the pay is a joke, you get worked to death by your boss, and don’t get me started on tools i love tools but Jesus christ. I’m only going to work on family and friends cars

[@homesteadhaven2010]

That sucks. Because it's not that way for all of us. I have been an ASE Master technician for over 35 years and have made over 100k a year for most of my career. I do have about a 100k in tools. But I got most of them at a 50% deal thru college. My body isn't beat up at all. I'm a full-time tech and a part-time farmer.

[@CrossKartUSA]

1. Stay away from tool financing until you OWN your house and car (unless you're REALLY good with credit cards), 2. Take Advice, 3. Learn from mistakes and roll with punches, 4. If you're truly being mistreated, don't be scared to find other opportunities

[@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

[@Themanlb]

Stay away from assholes who are afraid to teach you stuff because they are Afraid you might take there job...... Experience is the only true teacher.... Get with a great mentor

[@Vehicles-Tips]

Mechanic is good for hobby I think don’t get stuck on student loan for 30-40k debt and also your tools another 30-40k debt by time you start working you be stuck paying off you debt for rest of you life untill you turn 80 years old.. reason a lot mechanic become KZbinr try earn little to survive 😅welcome to paradise 😅

[@CarsGuitarsAudio]

Work hard and open your own shop ...... You will never be paid properly unless your an Electric Specialist ...

[@BlackCatSyndicate]

One of the best ways to learn is to mess it up. You'll not only remember what not to do again; you'll learn how to fix the mistake. Listen to your wife and take yoga!

[@Nicholas-z6u]

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.

[@KOFlipN]

Fk that! LEGOS. Nuts and Bolts! Go Go! Is the second guy doing a Timing Cover!?? MASTER TECH = MENTOR Break a car down, understand how it works, put it back together... no extra bolts... in all relation, same concept... make money outside. You done yet?

[@jamesboone3678]

These guys are looking out for you. Love them.

[@gravelpit557]

Best advice? Join a different trade. Work on cars as a hobby. Professionally? You're wasting your time.

[@Chayliss]

PPE PPE and PPE also oddball things like laying on your chest over time your lungs might stick to the ribs and cut your breathing by 50% Ergonomics etc... Selfcare first. If you don't. You die at retirement. If you do. You'll still have wear and tear But will still be able to live a lil =]

[@smurfcatcher]

DON'T GO INTO DEBT BUYING A TOOL TRUCK TOOLBOX OR OVEPRICED TOOLS.... So many mechanics go into debt buying overpriced boxes to store overpriced tools. Added: Milwaukee, gearwrench, craftsman, channellock, dewalt, etc. Stay away from overpriced snap-on and mac tools unless they are very specialized tools. Don't buy one snap-on wrench for the price of an entire set of another perfectly good brand. Buying name brand doesn't make you a better mechanic especially if you can't afford the tools you actually need to do the job better

[@charlespaluha1247]

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

[@MoulaymCherifm]

How much change alternator and complete front pampered Toyota RAV4 2017

[@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

[@ryanmedows6072]

Go into another field. You're going to spend your whole day doing warranty repairs....There are other careers where you can make MORE money doing LESS work....

[@Speakzzz]

Harbor Freight is good. Don’t let people dog on you. Shit is expensive as fuck and if the dealership gonna make you pay for your own tools, then fuck them. If they want you to have better stuff they pay for it. Fuck them just use whatever. Don’t let people gaslight you saying harbor freight is bad, unless they paying your bills