the technician vs. mechanic Debate?

[jeep72]

I see the two job titles (for lack of a better term) exchanged quite a bit. My take on the whole topic is that the term ‘mechanic’ is for more unrefined skill sets. The quick lubes, hour tire places, hack shops come to mind when I hear mechanic. A technician, at least to me, is the person who not only repair vehicles, but understands how they work, all of the complexities, and is willing to learn if they do not understand these topics. They put their name on vehicles they worked on, and wont be afraid to answer questions when they arrive.

Remember this is my opinion, so no one get to personal on this topic; but what is everyone’s opinion?
I see the two job titles (for lack of a better term) exchanged quite a bit. My take on the whole topic is that the term ‘mechanic’ is for more unrefined skill sets. The quick lubes, hour tire places, hack shops come to mind when I hear mechanic. A technician, at least to me, is the person who not only repair vehicles, but understands how they work, all of the complexities, and is willing to learn if they do not understand these topics. They put their name on vehicles they worked on, and wont be afraid to answer questions when they arrive.

Remember this is my opinion, so no one get to personal on this topic; but what is everyone’s opinion?

I got this off Linkedin.

Topic

[Bruce]

The terms are the same, at least around here they are. Ever heard of lube technicians or general service technicians?

[jeep72]

I think they both are the same.I got that post off of Linkin website.Just want to see what ever one here thinks about it.
B)

[W00DBar0n]

same thing. its newer term that makes us sound more professional.
our parts people are parts technician now.

[Dave]

A technician to me is someone who has been to classes to learn manufacturers way of fixing cars and mechanics are guys that learned how to fix cars by fixing cars.

Also I hear the term mechanic more often in bigger/heavy duty equipment

When I hear the term technician I automatically think of inflated prices and people that don’t necessarily know any better than the garage down the street.

[dan]

Mechanic/Technitian, same difference… i could give a crap less about titles and what people think about them, i fix cars for a living… or used too anyway, i do the best that i can, if i where too work for a garage i would have no control over the prices they would charge for the services i may provide… if you would have a issue with my lack of ability too fix a vehicle thats too bad, if you don’t like the fact that most of my knowledge was obtained from going too a tech school thats too bad, find a shop that will hire me so i can get some hands on experience if you have a issue with that, and good luck with that!

if someone called me a technician, thats ok with me, someone calls me a mechanic, thats ok too, either is fine with me beacuse too me its the same thing, a guy that fixes something usually automotive related, i could care less, no sense in coughing up a hair ball like my cat just did.

[Author]

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