How to Become a Professional Automotive Technician 

Eric I just want to take the time out to Thank You for all that you have taught me. I can't afford to go to automotive school at this time. So I did the second best thing. I have taken your courses online. As a result I have received a Great Education from the Best Teacher in the field. Thank you Eric for touching my life. I have a 3 year old grandson that likes to seat next to me as we watch your instructional videos. He than goes to his little car and starts working on it with the plastic tools that I bought him. God bless you and your family.

I just turned 30 years old last week, and I've been riding motorcycles and scooters for 13 of 'em. My interests have changed over the years, but my love for two wheels has remained constant. I've decided that I'm going to learn how to properly turn a wrench and pursue a career in that.

@Rezikrisp Welcome to the world of professional auto repair. I wish you the best of luck. You are correct that asking questions is the best way to learn and get better at what you do. Thanks for commenting.

@FreeThoughtCrime I spent my time perfecting my diagnostic and electrical skills so that I could get into the luxury car market as I believed it would bring better money, it did actually. I did not actually set out to work on Acura's in fact I applied to the Cadillac dealer that sent me to their Acura dealer for a job. My first job as a mechanic was in a general repair shop.

@EndlessT Follow the dream, life is short and as far as I know you only live once.

Eric you know your stuff, thank you and Bless You.

Thanks Eric, I'm currently considering it and I really appreciate you putting this stuff out there to help me with my decision.

@13612 Whenever you install a set of gears you have to make sure you locate them correctly inside the diff and make sure you have the correct contact pattern on the gear teeth, if not, problems will result. It is also very important to use the correct lubricant as LSD diff's use a special fluid and if it is not used there may also be a problem.

@bowlingballout Indeed I agree. It's just nice to have that piece of paper when you walk into that job interview.

I recently just am getting enrolled to automotive technology in my technical college just wanted to say eric ive watched your videos for a long time and you kinda inspired me to do this other people as well but I never knew how much I liked it I think Ive found something I would love to do fo a long time I know some days will be hard but Im ganna leave those days to God and just get through it but just wanted to say alot of your videos inspire people on your other channel as well but thanks God bless

Thanks for the info, Eric. Definitely helpful.

Thx Eric thumbs up and for the words of advice for those words of encouragement in becoming a automotive mechanic I'm looking to attend a school hopefully this year's probably UTI!!

Thanks for the video keep them comming I'm a young guy and I no what I wanna do in life and that's automotive and the videos help a lot so don't stop .

I figured out my calling some time ago, and it's being a gear head, now if you asked me about certain parts on a car and there function is a month ago I wouldn't be able to tell you, now a month goes by and watching a lot of your vids I feel I gained a shit ton of knowledge about cars, I just want to say thank you Eric, whether you know it or not you do make a difference in people's lives, #StayDirty

@kmklife63 Before I became a tech I read every book in the library about auto mechanics, your a man after my own heart. Good luck in school and don't forget to have fun while you work on cars as working on them as a job is different than working on them on 'weekends'.

@Jeffmtbr I hope to make them about once a week. Thanks for the comment and your support.

i hopefully going to UTI soon. to study being a automotive technician. About to talk to a recruiter in a few days and your videos have been a great help. so thank you Eric, for making these videos. :)

gracias, sigue asi !

Thanks Erik..is always something new to learn from you ..I'm not a tech but love to work on cars for the last 15 years and your videos are awesome thanks again!!

Thank you for you're honesty.

Great video, I liked that you pointed out, that just because you finished your trade school didn't mean you knew what you were doing. Experience is the greatest teacher. I've worked with some of these young guys most of the time that are a pain in the ass.

the talk was very encouraging, especially for young people as myself who wants to become a better automotive technician and make family and friends proud, it makes me want to continue on education until I finally own a business.

I hope that I would continue watching your videos and learn from it. Thank you.a hope someday that I could work in the field of Automotive Servicing.

hey Eric, my name is Brent, and I am just getting into the field, but I am really glad you made this video. It definitely put things into perspective and gave me some direction. I'm subscribed to the channel so keep doing what you're doing, man. Thanks again, and God bless.

This is about one of the Best summed up auto intro field it covers every aspect.

Attending El Camino College this fall to start on my associates in automotive technology. It's what I love doing. #gearhead4life

Eric , this is the first time im posting a comment in your video's, I gotta say man, you helped me more than any other mechanical oriented videos out there, good stuff man good stuff, really like the straightforward no bs no publicity videos you make, very useful easy to watch and you are a very good speaker, good work ! you should open an automotive online mechanics school. :) I would apply... and a lot of people would.. just sayin.

Thanks for honest and helpful information. Very useful.

Thanks a lot Eric.Great and very informative.I like how you don't sugar coat things,and you also don't discourage others like so many other technicians i have came across.Again great vid.

@nightmathzombieethan I was trained by Honda in both Chicago and Troy OH (factory training through the dealer). You do kind of need to decide between diesel and auto, both great fields but it is good to choose one to specialize in.

@ssasi3s That is great news, good luck and thanks for your comments.

Thank you. keep the videos coming!!! i watch you all the time. thanks a bunch

I went to both technical and university schools and i have multiple degrees from both and my recommendation is to stay away from university schools they are bull. Tech schools are way better more hands on and no wasting time on classes that are just time wasters.

Eric, this is the first vid. that ive watched of yours... just this has me wanting to look into schooling for this and im 15 years old, thanks man

@kenman1717 I hope so too, it sounds like you have a great career going I wish you the best of luck. Thanks very much for your comment.

@phrygian360 Aside from the body work I'm part of that 5% as I came into the field right about the time that stuff was going away so they taught it to us even though a lot of that information was becoming obsolete. I feel however that knowing the old systems in that way was very helpful in understanding the principals of the new systems as in many ways they are electronic updates of the older systems.

@AutoStudent4Life That is awesome, it sounds like you are on the right path. Best advice I can give is to follow what you believe and try and take what the seasoned techs have to say with a grain of salt.

good vid i opened a small tire shop 1992 i was 19 started to work on cares and lernd very very fast i had to go to school. i became asc and california smog tech. you really have to love cars,peaple ,reading,paperwork and school never ends. if you put the time the pay is their defenitly.

@Placer Thanks for that, you should try teaching as it seems to be a very good way to brush up on stuff from what I've found, really keeps you on your toes.

Thank you for providing an informative video.

Way to go follow your dream man, i too love working on cars and spend allot of time watching these videos in hope of learning to do my own work and friends!!

love watching your videos I learn a lot of information just from watching alone and how to be a diyer in no time

Great thinking! Thanks for making this video. This video can inspire many people. Good job!

Cool video, and I'll add this. I just this week started my career as an auto tech at a Nissan dealership. This is after an associates degree, a decent investimate in tools, and calling every dealer in my area to get in for an interview. The biggest thing for me who knew nothing about cars 2 years ago is ask questions (alot), be flexible, perfect practice, and perserverance. Good luck all.

I don't believe in school nearly as much as I once did don't get me wrong love knowledge but if you got people you work with on a daily basis of fixing things you learn rather quickly....certification is sweet.....I love these videos...will keep watching and learning

Eric, your one of only four people I've ever commended for their RU-vid productions. Aside from the wealth of information you provide...your seem genuine, your likeable, we have a similar look and I've been in the auto repair business for years also. More importantly, I wanted you to know that your "Bad Mechanic" video inspired me to create a long overdue discussion topic on my communities local website. Keep up the great work.

this is a great video i love this guy and scannerdanner. just these two guys have helped me in my craft. i went to technical school and my advice is take your test as soon as you your done at tech school while its fresh on the brain.. never be closed minded during any repairs always lust for knowledge . ive been working on car s for 16 years and Im 32 years .. i love cars i love learning system im from Michigan and we have alot of part changers i like scanner danners words don't be a parts changer . uhh sorry Eric i like to stay clean .lol ... i do a lot of work from rebuilding trans, to just recently rebuilding my wife's 3.5 sohc chrysler engine and those are the best job that make a difference...

this video paved the first couple inches lol in my long hard exciting career , i need to watch more videos for eric and i hope he keeps on giving out advices (for free lol) cause now we have to sell an arm and leg for an advice, first time i see someone honest and caring in time no one give's a sh** about others.really appreciate this guy, thanx eric, wish we have couple more eric's in our community. ciao

@sbakar I make it, that way I don't get into trouble with copyright stuff on YT. Glad you like it, thanks for the comment.

Thanks Eric, I teach Automotive Technology at a VoTech School and this is just what these kids need to hear. You hit on a lot of key points. Also, other videos like this one are from teachers or corporate bosses. Yours is the best because it comes from someone these kids can relate to. Again thanks!

Hey Eric the Car Guy I am Dennis S. Jamon, I like the video you made About Automotive Works, and I am very Inspired as an Automotive Servicing Graduates.

eric cook,u r really automotive expert, great hard work done, we salute u ..

Very helpful and highly appreciated.

I went to mmi a division of uti you get what you put into it all the knowledge and tools are there for you to learn what you need to. the thing to do is to keep your mind on what your goal is and not how much fun you can have while your away from home

Humility for me is key, pride and ego can kill . Being honest and asking questions, continuing classes. REMAIN TEACHABLE!!! love what you do!!!

Thanks for the advice

eric thanks for your input ive been out here turning wrenches on everything i can get my hands on for years now from bmws to volvos. 18 months is not a long time ive been fooling with cars since ab out 17 im going to do it because even now i still dont know as much as i should get apid for knowing. you like a celeb in my house dude!!!! keep it up man stay dirty!!!!!

Really it helped to understand that we must try and learn thanks

experience!!!!!! hit the nail on the head, if you do not learn something everyday at your job then you are not working, and read anything you can get your hands on, it has worked for me for the past ten years

@Chills327 I could not agree more, thanks for the comment.

ETCG1 EricTheCarGuy .. thanx 4 all your great videos. I've been a fan for a while for many reasons. You dish out excellent excellent information, and your way of communicating (vocabulary, expressions, etc, etc...) is great. Quick question though.. has anyone told you you like like the actor George Clooney? Lol ;-)

@George370z What your looking for is a vocational school or community college that has an automotive program, there are some that are nationally accredited and found in many states while others are a local thing. Your looking for one that is ASE accredited that way you can get credit toward your ASE certifications which are great for helping you get a job in the field when you get out. Good luck and thanks for your comment.

thanks bro , this video motivated me to do better in high sxhool and looking forward to attend auto sxhool soon 👌👌

Great video Eric. I start summer school at my local cc for their automotive program and they are part of the T-TEN partnership (Toyota) on Monday so I hope to be a part of that when I graduate.

very accurate description of the tech schools and expirence!

Well said, so true.

@wardubo I know a lot of people in law enforcement that are into cars and are real gear-heads, mostly because they have pulled me over in some classic cars just to check out what I had. I wish you the best.

@ETCG1 Thank you. Just watched 2 videos about engine removal of the tahoe.

Very useful info. Thanks for creating these videos..

@TruckerDrew Awesome I like your initiative. I would recommend working in the field for a while before getting your own place however, you need to learn the ropes of repair before you get into the business side of things which is a whole different animal and you don't want to be learning both at the same time. I wish you the best of luck.

@CravinMorehead420 Thanks for the comment. In the next video I plan to cover what it is actually like to be a technician, perhaps that will shed some light for you. I used to paint houses before I became a mechanic, amongst other things.

Ericcccccc! Got a confirmation for a seat to a 24-week course to start in Winter in January 2012. Thanks for the tips! I'll STAY DIRTY! what i mean, my hands! Like the videos! Keep them coming.

Good info Eric love the videos

@wdskate Thank you so much for your comment as my ultimate goal is to educate with my work and comments like this really speak to me. Thanks again I really appreciate it.

thanks for the great advice

You ever get down and depressed? If you do, knock that shit off. You have a lot of real fans and you do great work. Even more you explain your opinions in an interesting way

@EnzoElite Thanks for your input and your comments. I'll be sure to look up my facts before I commit it to video. I didn't realize I had said SAE instead of ASE. Oh well, I gave up on trying to be perfect years ago. :)

@strongsoldier100 It's been my experience that you find both sides of the spectrum in the industry, some guys are good at theory and others are good at hands on, sometimes you find people good at both but the idea is to learn from both and be the best technician you can be and don't worry about what others say or think.

thank you for the quality tutorials. I am attempting my first engine job on a carburetted gas engine (Nissan E15). I don't intent to pursue a career but i want to be confident and competent with each car i own. Keep up the fine work. I would strive for the best quality work at all times. your torquing video is amazing. your videos give real confidence to any new enthusiast. You are also a good teacher. Open your own school!

+ETCG1: I want to become a master technician when I'm older and this is actually really helpful. You have tons of other videos that help me with my auto class. I'm so glad I found someone like you on RU-vid, thanks for helping me out and giving me a great head start with my automotive passion!! :)

im working on becoming an Aviation Maintenance Tech. like u said knowledge is good. but experience is a big help.. i am trring to get a job at an airline so i could have some of both... nice vid..

we have 3 oil changers that went to UTI for brand specific training and cant do a oil change on any thing other I started on just because its what I love

I think that last piece of advice was the best i have heard in a long time. (all the rest is great but finding a place that will give you a return...) well to all the techs out there that take pride in their work and try their hardest. that is a piece of advice that will make or break your motivation. I made the mistake of takingthe first place that would hire me. I didnt have much support getting into this, so i took the first shop that hired me, and slowly but surely it's taken its tole.

@ETCG1 You're right! I think I'm just gonna drop Nissan. I do like the advice you gave about getting your ASE before Grad too, I didn't even think about how much of a "leg up" that could give me towards getting a job. Thanks again for the advice Eric, keep up the good work!

You the greatest. Thanks man.

Once i become a Junior in high school i can go to a school to work on cars, im 15 and trying to learn alot right know, just doing simple things i have so much fun changing headlights, changing oil and the filter, air filters but its so much fun and i enjoy, this is really something im interested in but it seems like alot of stuff to learn first!

you sir are a very smart and helpful man thank you

Thanks for sharing.

Hi Eric this is a good topic particularly because I want to get ASE certified and be a technician. I happened to get lucky and get my hands on all the Automotive technician course resource material. So I have all the learning material and I have been at it for some months now grinding and studying. My plan is to will myself into the field some how, I will not give up and watching these videos actually inspires me. I been a jack of all trades for awhile but now I want to master something. thanks

@PAR88x Thank you very much for that as my goal is to do exactly what you describe. Good luck with that engine job I know you'll do fine just keep track off all the stuff you remove, take pictures if you need to and work carefully and steady and you'll do fine.

Say ....I'am a tech with 20 years plus experience, as a matter of courtecy, I like you already. I ENJOY watching your videos, your honesty and open'ness is inspiring. I live and work in Scotland and might I add the similarities of our mutual vocation in uncanny even though we are at least 10,000mls away from each other. Just goes to show I suppose the engineering language is universal. Good on you mate, please keep posting your videos, your friend Phil.

Awesome vid, really like it !!

@princejaa I thought about taking that very path but changed direction at the last minute. From what I understand that field could use some talented techs, best of luck to you.

G'day Eric and greetings from down under! I think you've touched on some really great points here. I have worked in the UK (prior to Australia) and I can say that the points you're raised are equally valid no matter where in the world you work. While other countries don't have ASE certification anyone who has worked at a franchised dealership and gained a few certs will be rewarded better finically. Anyways, great vid for anyone wanting to start a career in the automotive field!

hey Eric....ur the best....

@yuriboiblu That is awesome news congratulations and good luck.

informative well said thank you brother

Thanks for your videos.

@LookieLoudLou Your welcome, thanks for the comment.

Ya know, what you said in this video applies a lot to most tech fields. I say that only from personal experience of having worked construction and steel fabrication (multiple certifications in welding) and now taking a larger bite of the computer industry. Work hard, learn something new all the time, get your certs, use common sense, and as you say, "Stay dirty" Recently subscribed after watching about 15-20+ of your vids- Thank you.