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What Is a Truck Mechanic and How to Become One

Truck Mechanic

What Does a Truck Mechanic Do?

As a truck mechanic, you primarily service and repair diesel engine trucks. Your responsibilities include performing routine maintenance on trucks, communicating with truck owners about current and potential issues and suggested repair methods, ordering parts, and repairing components and mechanisms with known problems. You usually work with computer equipment in addition to regular tools that help diagnose vehicle problems. You need training in a program designed for truck mechanics to work in this field and learn your job duties, although some companies provide on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior-level mechanic.

How to Become a Truck Mechanic

A career as a truck mechanic often requires an associate degree or certificate in diesel mechanics, which gives you training on how to repair and service a vehicle with a diesel engine. Additional qualifications include mechanical aptitude and relevant service work experience. Regular training is required to stay up-to-date with changing industry technology. Job duties include repairing and maintaining the mechanical systems of trucks and other commercial and industrial vehicles.