Difference Between an Auto Mechanic and an Auto Electrician

If you are a car owner, then you must have come across the terms auto mechanic and auto electrician. Most people use these words interchangeably and they think that both are the same, but that’s not true. Although both of them are associated with the diagnosis and repair of your vehicle, there’s a lot of difference in the way they both work and their job responsibilities. Let’s go through this guide that has been curated to identify critical differences between the two professionals.

Who is an Auto Mechanic and who is an Auto Electrician?

Auto mechanics work on the internal systems of your car, carry a thorough analysis of its systems, and identify the repairs that need to be done on them. Once they conduct the required repairs, they again conduct the same tests and analysis to ensure that the issues have been resolved and the vehicle is back to its smooth working condition.

On the other hand, an auto electrician is responsible for working on the electrical components, systems, and parts of vehicles. They test the wirings of the vehicle and search for any faults in them. Once they identify the underlying issue, they conduct the necessary repairs and ensure that everything is now working efficiently.

Job Responsibilities

Since an auto mechanic is responsible for taking care of the mechanical parts of your vehicle, their job responsibilities include the following:

• Replacing and rotating tires
• Checking and changing engine oil
• Fluid checks
• Inspecting primary mechanical parts of the vehicle
• Cleaning filters
• Replacing brake and brake pads
• Repairing or replacing any faulty auto parts
• Routine car servicing
• Ensuring fuel efficiency
• Removing defective auto parts and replacing with new ones
• Finding a source of problems with the vehicle
• Working on the exterior parts and body components of the vehicle, such as headlights and panels
• Conducting cosmetic repairs, such as respraying, finishing, etc.

As far as auto electricians are concerned, they are responsible for handling electrical systems of your vehicle. They are responsible for making sure that all the following systems of your car stay in the optimum position and working condition:

• The automatic transmission system of your vehicle 
• Ignition system and starters
• Electric doors, windows, and mirrors
• Alarms
• Immobilizers
• GPS systems and tracking devices
• Air conditioning
• Stereo and CD player
• Parking warning systems
• Cruise control
• Airbags and seats
• Reversing cameras 
• Light bulbs and LEDs
• Anti-theft system
• Fuel injection system
• Alternators

Qualifications

An auto mechanic requires an appropriate degree or certificate of training to repair vehicles. They should also have excellent communication skills so that they can explain the issues to the car owners and their strategy to fix them. They should also have a confident and pleasing personality so that the car owners can feel comfortable while handing over their car to them.

As far as an auto electrician is concerned, he or she needs to complete an apprenticeship and obtain a license to start working in the industry. These professionals need to have specialized tools, equipment, machines, and technical knowledge to fix any electrical issues in the vehicles. Their job includes a wide range of welding and soldering works.

Types

Depending on the job they do, both auto mechanics and auto electricians can be divided into different categories. An auto mechanic can be a service technician, a diagnostic technician, a body repair technician, a vehicle finisher, or a vehicle inspector. While an auto electrician can be a mobile expert who visits places to carry out the required jobs, or a workshop expert who works from his or her own workshop.

Now that you have understood the differences between an auto mechanic and an auto electrician, identify the type of problem your car is having and take it to the right professional to get it fixed.