Automotive Service Technology (AUT)
AUT Discipline
- Academic Certificate
- Two Year Associate Degree
Students in the Automotive Service Technology (AUT) program will be trained to enter the automotive field as a service technician or service writer.
Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks. Automotive service technicians’ and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional handtools. As a result, automotive service workers are now usually called technicians rather than mechanics. Technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of how vehicles’ complex components work and interact. They also must be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals and reference materials. Delta College has an automotive lab with multiple work stations and equipment for hands-on technical courses.
Service technicians use a variety of tools in their work. They use power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly; machine tools like lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes; welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems, and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines. They also use common handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Technicians usually provide their own handtools. Employers furnish expensive engine analyzers and other diagnostic equipment.
Computers are also commonplace in modern repair shops. Service technicians compare readouts from computerized diagnostic testing devices with benchmarked standards provided by the manufacturers. The Internet is used by most shops to receive automatic updates to technical manuals and to access manufacturers’ service information and technical service bulletins.
Service writers are the first contact for service customers via telephone and in person at automobile repair shops and dealerships. They prepare written estimates for service work and parts and act as liaison between customers and technicians. A knowledgeable service writer with an understanding of the many systems and components of the automobile is prepared to ask customers the important questions that will provide information to estimate the final cost of the repair or service. Other responsibilities may include tracking service and work orders, parts requests, and customer follow-up.
The AUT Curriculum can be tailored to fit a variety of career goals, including:
- Automotive Serivce Technician
- Service Writer
- Parts Clerk
- Service Manager
- Parts Manager
- Automotive Sales / Marketing / Management
Contact the Automotive Service Technology Faculty for more information