A Diesel Mechanic, or Diesel Service Technician, inspects, diagnoses and repairs diesel-powered vehicles and machines, like trucks, forklifts and trailers. Their main duties include running diagnostic tests on vehicles, replacing the vehicles’ engine, transmission, steering mechanism or braking system and test driving the vehicle to determine if they properly fixed the maintenance issue.
A Diesel Mechanic should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Diesel Mechanic should be able to execute:
- Consulting the customer and reading work orders to evaluate the tasks required
- Preparing work plans after fully scoping out the issues
- Running diagnostic tests on diesel engines and interpreting the results to offer suitable solutions
- Inspecting vehicle systems, including suspensions, steering and exhausts
- Repairing or replacing vehicle transmissions, brakes, engines and other associated parts
- Conducting field visits in the case of an emergency or sudden breakdown
A competitive Diesel Mechanic will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Advanced knowledge of a vehicle, its electrical system and the mechanisms of a diesel engine
- In-depth knowledge of diesel engine components and operational mechanisms
- Superior knowledge of maintenance tools and repair equipment
- Comfortable using mechanical and electrical power tools
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Keen attention to detail
