Diesel Mechanic Training Requirements for Beginners

Starting your diesel mechanic training can be a daunting task. It's best if you start with a basic understanding of the job description, what responsibilities you will be expected to perform, and of course, what mandatory skills you will need to become a diesel mechanic.

If you take a couple minutes to search around for a description of a diesel mechanic, you will quickly find several descriptions, which will vary based on the type of vehicles you are applying to work on, but typically it lines up like this:

A person that is trained to maintain, troubleshoot and repair any vehicle that uses the diesel motor as its power source.

You will need to provide top quality service solutions in all sorts of situations that require a diesel mechanic. You will need to have the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot common problems that arise from situations and equipment that rely on mechanical and electrical systems. You will be required to know how to properly use any tools that are needed to complete any troubleshooting or repairs on these systems as well. You will need to be able to think critically, and have a keen sense for diagnosing problems on these vehicles. With the labor required, being in the best physical shape you can be will also help, when it comes to the routine fixing and overhauling of these vehicles.

Because of the long history of the diesel engine as being structurally sound and delivering solid performance, the popularity of this motor to haul the world's goods means a constant demand for those mechanics properly trained to maintain and repair them. The commercial industry relies heavily on these vehicles, and you can look forward to working with various styles of vehicles from buses to tractors, and even marine vehicles that use this motor. Because of all of this, the excellent job market does reward the top mechanics with excellent pay and many ways to to increase these opportunities through further learning and certification.

Most diesel mechanics find themselves working with medium to heavy trucks, which weigh in excess of 26,000 pounds. These vehicles require a special endorsement to operate, and it would be to your advantage to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate these vehicles. The companies who are taking responsible for the repair and maintenance on these vehicles will most likely require their employees to earn their CDL. Think about it this way, you will have to drive it at some point, to both confirm repair requests and to ensure the proper repairs have fixed the problem in the first place. Road tests are going to be about the only way to do this on a regular and consistent basis.

Some of the basic job responsibilities will demand that you are able to follow a standard checklist on all jobs, to ensure the proper level of maintenance and that you are performing the correct repairs. You will also need to have good written communication abilities to make sure you properly document and report the vehicles state pre and post repair.

Expect to need to have the ability to use hand-held code readers and notebook computers to assist you in diagnosing and repairing these vehicles. There are some highly sophisticated electronics on a diesel vehicle, and knowing how to properly read and understand the data that you will get from these scanners and computers is a highly sought after skill.

As a big part of your diesel mechanic training, you will be given many opportunities to improve your ability to perform many of the most basic and common checkups and maintenance routines on all of the common systems found on these vehicles. You will learn the expected protocols to ensure top-notch repairs of these systems, and you will develop a working knowledge of the brake, engine, steering and transmission systems they employ. To further your education after you complete your schooling, it is highly recommended that you take the necessary steps to become certified from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These certifications help your reputation and will show your employer and customers that you are committed to delivering top quality repairs and performance.

Many of the tasks you are going to be responsible for will require that you have knowledge on how to use common hand tools, like wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers. Some of these tasks will require that you be able to use a wide variety of power tools, and even some machining equipment, such as lathes, grinding machines and you will definitely need to be able to weld. Fabrication is another skill you will learn as you will find yourself with a need to have to make repairs on the fly, with little to no replacement parts available to you. Some of the responsibilities you will need these tools for include inspecting and repairing the heavy duty brake systems found on these vehicles, aligning tires and any necessary engine maintenance and repair required as well.

I just have one last bit of advice for you to keep in mind here as well before I wrap this up. When you think of yourself as a diesel mechanic, you might picture tools, vehicles, and spending time by yourself working on the repairs you are tasked with. However, you are going to find yourself surrounded by other individuals, with various backgrounds, who you will need to communicate and work with. Having a good sense and skill for using written and verbal communication will go a long way to help create an enjoyable work environment for yourself and your coworkers. Being able to effectively talk with your clients, customers and coworkers is a valuable skill to have, and will only help to build a better reputation for yourself and for your company.

Keep in mind that some of the best resources to help you on your path to becoming a diesel mechanic can be found by talking to your local community college and/or technical school, as well as visiting some of the local dealers or shops in your area to get more information. Additionally, you may find more information on the web useful, and a great place to start would be DieselMechanicTrainingHQ.