School or self thought

[Santos]

Just was wondering what is everyone’s take on this is it possible without school

Topic

[Frank Heiser]

You mean automotive mechanic schooling? To get a job or just to learn it for yourself? I’m assuming you mean for a job and then I’d say you’d need a school for sure, modern cars have so many computer-based diagnostics that it would be very hard if not impossible to learn everything you’d need to know on your own. Lots of expensive proprietary equipment involved. Plus any employer wouldn’t look twice at somebody without credentials from some kind of school or training program.

[jmorgan456]

I am a self taught shade tree mechanic. There are very few jobs on my own cars that I would not be willing to attempt.

That said, I could not do repairs for a living. For one thing – I am pretty sure an employer would frown on the beers. More seriously, I get things done right. But not quickly. I also spend a lot of time researching every repair. As a tech, you had better know most things without research.

[Santos]

It will be for personal work I want to learn this so I don’t have to take it to a mechanic nothing against them

[jmorgan456]

Then you can absolutely do it.

Start small – get help and buy the tools you need as you go. Double and triple check. There is so much on the net today – you can do most jobs.

I tell all shade tree folks to start with this pearl and do not forget. I know it competes with eric, but the thought is important.

http://www.cartalk.com/content/do-it-yourself-guide-1

[James P Grosso]

Learning is learning. A school program will get you up to speed quicker, and you can get certs that will help with getting a job.
If your doing/learning it yourself, try to find a mentor or someone that can help you. You will have to research the repairs, but it is a lot easier now with the internet, although be careful as some info out on the internet can be wrong. A Factory Service Manual (FSM) is usually the best reference, unless there are Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) that specify changes to the FSM. For general automotive knowledge, find a technical school class book(s) and learn the fundamentals.

[zero]

If only someone had put together a website FULL of all the basic to some of the more advanced repair and diagnostic methods…..

[Santos]

^^ that would be awesome

[Author]

Replies