Life is not a race!!! It’s about the adventure and experience. Take it from a 45 year old. The sooner you realize that , money is not important as you think it is.

My biggest advise to technicians coming in or starting is to make sure that you are at a place where they know what your goals and aspirations are and help you work towards them. At the same time you get yourself through those modules at the dealership along with ASEs and they’ll want to invest in you. Once you start getting certified, make sure you are getting compensated for it. Toolboxes have wheels for a reason. Unfortunately it’s the nature of the business to get the tech and pay them less to make more profit, your knowledge and experience comes with an ever increasing price tag. With that being said I’ve always had to leave a place or threaten to leave to get an increase in pay. Play the game for you and your family and always keep chasing that growth and better opportunity! Thanks for reading

I'm on the lube rack right now at a dealer. Whenever there's major downtime I ask the line techs if I can give a hand and learn a couple things. Getting the hands on experience under the supervision of someone who knows the ins and outs of the flat rate work is something I'd suggest doing when given the chance. Sitting around when there's no work won't bring you any more opportunities at the dealership.

One thing I will say, don't ever regret experience good or bad; because it gives us a full spectrum perspective.

50 years in our family owned shop with my dad for 25 of those years. I didn't mind spending good money on tools, but I never bought a new tool box. I would get a trade in from the Snap On truck, something in good shape that was 5-7 years old. My feeling was the tools bring money in, but the box was only good for sending money out. Retired now, I loved what I did for a living. Alot of people go through life and never like what they do for work, I was lucky to find what I loved and never regretted my choice.

It's ok my friend.. you got a good heart.. things you do for people will never be forgotten from Above. I used to work in auto mechanic for two years and I thought it was cool job that people respect us for repairing their cars... But at the end of the day, I was paid only 12 dollar an hour.. so I quit that job and went to become a driver for disability people which paid me more.. and I also did doordash... I know mechanic are cool job and a lot of good guys like you out there by they never paid us enough ... I developed a friendship with guys I worked at the shop, we had fun. But at the end of the day, I never get paid enough. I hope you do side repair to make more money. Good and honest mechanic are always needed... But the skills at learned at the shop is valuable.. now I can repair my own car.

What up Brother! Thank you for the video! Hope you had a nice week & thank God it is Friday! Have a nice Halloween weekend! Stay up & keep them videos coming!

The most important thing when you work as a dealership tech is make sure the person dispatching the work tickets are doing it fairly. If not, leave and find another shop to work at or something that pays hourly.

seriously awesome advice. thank you for the insight! I know I'd love to see it if you made a video about how to get into the diesel fleet field from the ground up

Great content as always. I’m 21 and I been at my current job for 4 years but I’m the field for 5 and work at an independent small shop and do everything from oil changes to tranny and engine rebuilds (working on getting my ase) and what helps the most is always learning new things wether from KZfaq channels like this one or also anybody that records themself professionally taking apart engines and transmissions or doing diag and then practicing on my own helps the most. And also it took my a while but accepting the mistakes will be made is huge especially starting off and it’s totally okay as long as you try to find a solution to your problem not just scratching your head. So thanks for your tips and content been watching your channel for like 3-4 years now!

I buy snap on tools only when others break. The vast majority of tools I buy are midrange until I need the best. Great video.

Great video as usual, but I will say as a relatively new tech I don’t know if I would recommend fleet starting out because while in school I was a fleet tech and did not learn much since most of the time we were sitting around waiting for parts and the company was not in a rush to get their trucks back. Definitely fleet is awesome when you’ve been there, done that as a tech but starting out may not be the best idea, just my experience.

Even after 35-40 yrs removed from this industry, from my recollection, you are so spot-on with what you talk about in your videos. Good on you!

I'm with Nikko on the fleet change sooner and the other comments on finding a company that can help you meet your stated personal goals. In our public utility shop in SC we offer the training, good safe working conditions, great benefits and all the tools we use are purchased by the company. A lot of Snap On over the last year or so, we get an industrial discount. All in all a pretty good deal, makes us feel appreciated for what we do. We say in fleet "without us, they walk".

Good video man👍

1 year just being an auto technician from oil changes to brakes & rotors hopefully soon getting some training on front suspension

Awesome content and thanks for schooling us Boss.

Great Topic Broski 😊🍻

I like watching your videos because I’m able to tell myself where I’m at and what is my next step. Btw I don’t blame you for being greedy. At the end of the day every one around you is not going to pay your bills or feed your family. You gotta do what you gotta do! I also plan on leaving my job due to finding out other people are getting paid more but the crappy part is the company is working with me to go to school but I also feel I may be let go because of this. Anyway, I just have a lot in mind and I have to look forward and be positive. Thanks for your honesty

I love being an automotive technician. I worked commercial HVAC for 3 years before becoming a mechanic and the training I received doing HVAC really paid off not only being able to easily troubleshoot automotive HVAC problems but being able to easily navigate wiring diagrams to find problems. I look forward to going to work almost every day which I rarely did working commercial HVAC.

I haven’t been in the field that long, it’ll be a year come February… I start the new year at Toyota, from watching you I decided to get back into it and not give up.

I have so much Gravy at work. I make sure no one around me slips on the gravy

Great Tips!

I have been applying to lots of auto shops and had no luck until a Honda dealership hired me as a lube tech, I’m finally in! So far it has been great got a lot to learn and the pace is something to get used to!

I’m a Caterpillar mechanic working on heavy equipment and I love it

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

Worked 5 years at Sears Auto as a tech 4, worked at a engine shop for 6 months while working at Sears. Went to truck driving school for my cdl then to diesel mechanics school in 2011, worked for free in the hospital learning as a biomedical tech. rather than go to school. My high school was for aircraft mechanics and flying Cessna' s. Been working at the airlines since 2006. Union, hourly, 401k. Changing engines, taxing planes, fixing lavatories, every system on the plane you name it I fix. Not a fan of commission. So going to community college and tech school as a automotive, diesel and aircraft tech; I enjoy all the fields, my back up plan is a train mechanic or fleet diesel tech. Auto techs need hourly pay bc when the economy goes bad they suffer. I have failed my Ase test too many times.. I have about 12; customer service, x1 exhaust, parts consultant, and the rest in auto and diesel which expire 2024 but my aircraft certification never expires. Since working at a small commuter airline since 2006 and moving to a major in 2013 I'm over 50 a hour and I'm eligible for time and a half and double time and it's always available. My Huge Matco and snap on tool box sits I my garage, I spent way too much on tools in auto, aviation is not like that. I work midnights, I grew up poor catching the bus working at Meijer, Kmart, mc Donalds, and Wendy's my favorite, washing dishes, busing tables, you name it I did it. For the young generation go to school!!! Be versatile, as a technician use your skills to branch out into similar fields. Money Is not everhing!! As a. Step parent my money goes quick but my job is fun all day everyday and that's what's most important. I enjoy working on cars and motorcycles as a hobby rather than a career. Any advice or guidance just ask, I can guide you into the right direction based on my experience.

About expensive tool regrets: I bought a Titanium 10 mm wrench for myself on X-Mas because it's the most common size wrench that I used then, and it is AWESOME! (It's still the best 10mm wrench that I have) That 1 wrench made me happy every time I touched it knowing their was no better/lighter wrench in the world! So next X-Mas I bought myself 12mm, 13mm, and 14mm wrenches, and am now SET for my happy-wrenching future, and will someday pass the tools on to the future generation. The best part about working with Titanium tools is that you know that tools don't get any lighter, nor the work easier than with them. Also love laboring with a Titanium Hammer & 3 Crowbars now too! Try out a Ti 10mm wrench for yourself this X-Mas and see how awesomely light and strong they are!

Your so right about SMART tool buying but also really depends on your Tool Truck Dealer. I eventually diversified with an independent Tool Truck dealer that uses MTN (mobile tool network) and offers near limitless interest free tool accounts depending on ones weekly payment. Tools that get beat up have to be good though. Easy lifetime warranties are important on hand tools. Snap-on sockets are not really worth it, well most aren't. The only high-end sockets I would recommend would be impact swivel sockets, universal joints, impact long lock extensions, and ONLY Snap-on hard handle flex head ratchets and Snapon Atech torque wrenches (tried and true). Koken Tools USA (my opinion the best out there) are prefered for all special socket needs and far cheaper than Snapon (universals-Swivel impact rated) and they won't wear/distort/or get loose). Power tools should be IR (best bang for the pneumatic buck) Milwaukee electrics are almost as good as snap-on at a fraction of the price, and Hilti is amazing but up their in price. Dewalts new USA built line is outpacing Milwaukee in quality and performance but lacks 5year coverage. One plus to buying Snap-on power tools is they are ALL rebuildable at a huge discount if you rebuild them yourself (so longterm they end up paying for themselves if you are kind to your tools and keep them clean). I just rebuilt my 3/8" long neck snapon "Brute" ratchet, ratchet gear and pin lock snapped from over torquing and since it was 4 years of heavy use I replaced the circuit board for the lithium battery input cause the pins were worn and contact was loose. In all it cost me $72.50 with a warranty discount of 25% from my tool truck. 4 years of extreme heavy use on a Snapon cordless ratchet that originally cost $340 Dry body. Their Tool boxes though are bit overpriced. Granted having a 72" box with a whopping 30" plus of depth is awesome but not at the tune of $16k especially when you'll need a side locker and hutch that bumps the price up to a total of $27-30k. I sacrificed depth down to 26.5" and went with ICON and saved $18k(that pays for DIAG equipment and subscriptions)

You have very good points that I also agree with. 4 out of the 5 dealers I worked for were huge candidates for a union. Management was so far off the tracks it was unmoral. They would always promise the world when I was hired and within a couple years I wasn't happy. I stayed at my first dealership for 15 years. If it wasn't for an ownership change (and therefore a culture change) I would likely still be there as a 30+ year employee. Tools/toolboxes are a good point to raise. Tool dealers are an easy way to acquire what you want as well as lots of debt. Fortunately for me, a very good buddy was and still is a Snap On dealer lol. There are alternatives however. Some things are still the best on the Snap On side IMO, but that's something you have to decide on your own. And I do agree with your diagnostics observation. However, you experienced what I did too. The more you know, the less gravy you seem to get. In some scenarios there is no gravy in sight, just straight time (if you're lucky) diagnostics. Like you said, these experiences will help you best when you leave for a fleet opportunity, or in my case working in northern Alberta in the oil patch. Something I should have pursued many years earlier. Being treated fairly at the dealership level is not a common theme!! I took a different route in the end. Driving a tow truck for AAA is now my retirement gig. 4 days on 4 days off and tons of paid time off. My automotive experience helps me daily and I don't have to worry about gravy. I'm my own boss!! Good luck to you and start padding that pension plan lol.

Been a heavy equipment technician for 13 years now. Lots of regrets, lots of ups and downs. But I’m finally where I want to be working for Caterpillar in SC. Great environment, best pay hands down and no stress

By any chance, you could make a video for diy mechanics at home? What tools/box to buy etc.

I agree on taking more diagnostic work because alot of techs these day's have no diagnostic skill and they get stuck while I flow. I been in the business 18 years BMW#. As far as your friend's that are making alot of hours based on what rate?

I’m on the oil rack at my job and I’m greedy and pretty fast pace I’m doing induction and injector service brake flushes coolant flushes tpms diags and tires and alignment I’ve been working at Toyota since march I get allot of hate from the other techs for flagging around 14-16 hours a day

I am about done altogether..... just not enough money in it where i am at. Plenty of other stuff to be doing.

I’ve had a very strange journey to get where I am now. I was working as an optician while going to college. Never was real happy, just dragging along. I ended up working a company called Pirtek. They did onsite hydraulic hose replacement. I became a field tech there and knew next to nothing. They financed my tools for me (I had none). I still remember seeing a set of crowsfeet and had no clue what they were, much less how to use them. I worked my ass off and became one of the top earning techs in the nation (was told I was #1 in the southern region). After 5 years, I left there and went to a rental company to learn more mechanic stuff vs just doing hoses. Got laid off after less than a year due to Covid. Went to a forklift company as a mobile PM tech. My friend got me to apply with the school district and I ended going there for 2 years doing school buses. Just left a few months ago and now work on trash trucks with the city (bit long, I know and I’m sorry). Make sure where’ve you work is willing to invest in you to become better. Not just the company, but your coworkers as well. Be happy where you’re at and learn everything you can. One problem I have is since I came to it a bit late and I never had any formal training (school) or apprenticeship, I just picked up everything I know along the way. Fortunately, I’ve had great coworkers, most of which were more than happy to share knowledge and tips to succeed. Whatever job you get, take and learn from it. Don’t just replace that sensor, learn why you’re doing it. Learn how they know it needs to be replaced. Basically, learn how to be a mechanic and not just a parts changer. A little bit of this overlaps what you say and I agree with most all of it. Like I said, I had a very unorthodox journey to get to where I am (with a bit of luck as well). But I truly believe that if I did it the “proper way” (starting as a helper, lube tech, apprentice, etc), I would be not only better, but a more confident tech as well.

I like your videos and I’m an inspiring to be mechanic and I wanna ask can you take an ase certification with any high school completion

I am about to turn 20 and have been working at an independent shop since 17 I recently got 1 ase cert and started doing more serious work In the last year (I am considered a b tech) anyways I decided to move into a dealership bmw actually and I start tomorrow. I will be a fast service tech for at least a year so I am taking a step down from what I was doing but I think that I will move up quick and in the long run it will be worth it.

shy of 6 months at a dealership, first shop i've worked at. Started in the lube rack, was only in the lube rack for less than 3 months, and then got moved in as an apprentice. Definitely worked my ass off though, pulled in more hours every pay period except for the 1st pay period. Finished the 1st set of online training they wanted us to complete, always had a positive attitude, showed up early, worked more weekends than everyone else, never kissed ass just let my work ethic speak for itself and it payed off. I did already have my Automotive certificate from Community College which made me look a more serious. Been apprentice for 3 months and it's been great, just trying to get better at diag, and getting faster in general so I can eventually go flat rate.

I’ve been a technician for around 6 years I started working on light duty at a small independent shop then the pandemic came and I ended up having some tools stolen at that independent shop. I’m a fleet mechanic now for a municipality so I deal with a lot of diesels and equipment. If I had to do it over again I would have went straight to diesel school instead of regular automotive school.

My advice, If another tech needs your help drop what your doing and help them. Build bridges don’t burn them because you might need to cross that bridge one day.

Hey you saw my first comment on me having no experience and wanting to apply at my local dealership etc.but what is a fleet?

I worked for Nissan for almost two years and my biggest regret is, not buy a tool box cash money cuz now I owe Matco 6,000 dollars and I gotta pay that back, they second one is to stay longer at my store and gain more experience than moving but it was cuz I couldn’t find a better place to live and the third one was allowing my emotions get in the way of my decision to my career, and last l wasn’t being consistent with getting my ASE certification I pass my electric test and able to go to a electric pass hopefully when I get this job at the Nissan dealership at Tampa I be more consistent this time, thanks for this video.

You graduated from the T Ten program with certification or with as degree as well? Would it be possible to become fleet through TTen?

6 years. Dont mind working in parts department. The regret I have is not going to the tech field. Waisted a lot of years on other departments including parts kinda sucks. As an advice, go to the field that you would love to be in and dont waist your time on other departments. Also, invest your time and money on tools. Tools and knowledge will come in handy

I’ve been turning wrenches for 8 years. Currently I’m a fleet tech for my city’s Ambulance service.

Hey man, so I was a technician for a few dealerships(mainly doing lube tech, tires, brakes, suspension work and basic tune ups like spark plugs, belts and hoses) back in 2012-2013 time frame. Since that time I’ve been in the military and recently transitioned back into the civilian world. I’ve been wanting to become a technician again, should I apply to be a lube tech again and start from the bottom or apply for something higher? I’ve worked on buddies cars while I was in the military so I still know my way around a vehicle, I just wouldn’t say that I’m confident when it comes to diagnosing electrical problems or heavy jobs like engine rebuilds or anything of that nature.

I wasted so much years of my teens doing what teen do and i drop out of college twice cause I didn’t feel like it was my thing. I always love car and always help fixing my friends cars. I wasted enough time of my early 20s. Now i want to go back and have a auto tech as my future career. Little nervous and just forgot what to pick now. I am in late 20s rn, would you recommend going straight to dealership and work as apprentices to gain experience even though pay is not the best or would you recommend taking 2 year degree in auto tech through college. Weird thing is i brought all a1-a8 textbook to study to pass theory test but just reading and learning it doesn’t help much at all. I tried and harder to understand through book than in person working on it. Any tips for me my guy!! Sorry for this long para ❤

What do you think about becoming a service advisor/ manager

I regret working for a dealer. If you are very good at diag I suggest you not work a dealer. Once they find out that’s what you’re good at that’s all you’re getting. Dealership bumped up my pay to one of the highest in the dealership but only gave me the hardest cars. Result was me making less than the guy next to me changing brake pads.

True about all of this.

great advice for entry techs. now there's so many more tool options than the tool trucks nowadays. for me I had a lot of Craftsman tools early on but there was also Sears everywhere so it was super easy to warranty broken tools so Craftsman's almost not an option now for easy warranty replacements especially at the price point and don't be afraid to get some things from Harbor Freight. I wish I would have learned about buying tools from Amazon about 5 years earlier I didn't start getting tools from Amazon until 2013 then realizing twice as much for the same tool on the tool truck but I was able to make payments so if you just save money and buy online you're going to have more tools in the end for the same amount of money spent. Don't feel bad about taking too long to going to Fleet Service a lot of people have warned me that it the learning curve is a lot slower going directly into Fleet you got to spend a couple of years at a dealership or in a general service environment. start learning some processes and then you go into Fleet Service with some knowledge and experience cuz you're going to soften the learning curve of the heavier vehicles and the diesel stuff. I'm glad you touched on the driving record spending most of my career in California that has hurt a lot of younger techs progression. It's okay to get lower level tool boxes like he said US general even some of the mid-level Husky boxes they're going to do everything you needed to do for the price. It's more important to have the tools than a fancy box they go in I've worked with multiple techs that have these badass tool boxes but need to borrow tools all the time.

I have 5 to 6 but mostly lube tech now I am at vw as flat rate

25 plus years in the field now at a utility company. Don't into debt on the tool truck Take everything that comes your way it will make you miles ahead of the others Don't be the cool guy in the shop head down and stay out of the drama The best advice is find a utility or heavy equipment company union retirement

yo yo yo

I feel ya on the greedy part. You have a good soul but it's easy to get screwed by "the system"

😂😂 buying Snap-on and Cornwell tools. I love my fine-tooth snap-on ratchets, but now that I've gotten out the field, they're just sitting in my garage.

I’m a vw master tech from the uk I’ve been in the job 17 years

Not sure if it’s regret but I wish I got my bachelors instead honestly. This field is rough.

I work in the water treatment field as a maintenance technician and my biggest regret was not finding it sooner

10 years. I was a heavy duty diesel tech and auto tech. My biggest regret, being a mechanic.

I wish I would've studied diesel. Diesel opens up way more doors.

Master certified kia tech, grab those tough diagnostic cars forsure

Been in the industry as an entry level tech for a year, got an offer from Tesla to join their technician program that pays for you to go to school for a year, currently working as a fleet tech for a rental car company, should I take the position with Tesla? Considering the current situation with Elon and their stock prices I’m not sure if it would be worth it.. but the idea of school being paid for sounds nice

I just started going into the mechanic field. I am 20 years old.

Bro I work at a Asian shop with a bunch of old Asian dudes and they constantly remind me to stay off the tool truck and save money lmfao. And after watching them do heavy line work with a cart of mixed”midrange” tools I believe them.

What did he mean by the 2nd to last regret talking about fleet?? What was that I’m curious

The good or kind deeds you did will be remembered by above. A kind heart is worth more than gold & money

New techs stay off the tool trucks for big purchases please! Get a harbor freight cart or box. Stick with other tool brands like Proto, Wera, Wiha, Icon, PB Swiss, Grey Pneumatic, Astro Pneumatic Tools, CTA makes great flip sockets for rotations on messed lug nuts, stick with air tools before you go cordless with Milwaukee for your first year much much cheaper in the long run but Ingersoll Rand is a great air tool brand it's a bit expensive but it pays for itself. Work smarter not harder and don't put yourself in debt.

Being a tech at a dealership you really only have to buy tools suited to one particular make covering the range of models and years they service. But being a tech that services ALL makes and models is an expensive endeavor in tool ownership. And that is where you need to be careful on your tool choices. I'm battling that now, total tool haul value to cover almost everything will range from est 15k to 40k (not including storage). Be careful with Amazon purchases to save a quick buck. Because when those tools break you're either beat or your downtime is extremely long trying to claim tool warranty. In other words you're beat. If you're lucky enough to have an Independent Tool truck vendor build a good rep with them especially if they use MTN. A good rep will grant you interest free direct Tool accounts and easy claim warranties. Downtime on broke tools will be minimal or non existent. "make your choice and choose wisely"

buying snap-on is like buying handguns. use them once in a blue moon and you can't sell them without taking major loss.

Commenting for the algorithm

7 years Smog Technician. I love it . Allways keep your skills sharp and be passionate about what you do . Remember why you got into this business in the first place . Lastly do not forget to teach and share info . Some of us learn every single day . I look forward to being taught new things . 👍

I don't want to sound like a jerk but your 1st regret Slightly triggers me especially hearing you later on said you have lunch certifications and being Toyota master certified. But I would have to agree with you I think personally any personally any person who is new to the industry should should be willing to take excessively complicated jobs.. Because as you gain more experience you are expected to be able to be a good technician and a good technician truly means to be good at diagnosing. There's a lot of really good texts out there who jump around from dealership to dealership to shop to shop to shop they work on Ford's for 1 to 2 years work on Chevy's for 2 to 3 years work on Honda's and bounce around independent shops eventually eventually as the years passed they have the diagnostic skills to be able to work on the wide range of vehicles and make good money. One thing I think a lot of young people should do is learn as much as you can or as much as management will let you and instead of waiting the clock find a new job this line of work is never ending. Shops NEED good techs so don't be afraid to bounce around...

Not a mechanic but decently good with diesel powered vehicles, I share the same regret I had access to very brilliant teachers growing up and anything electrical is basically pixie magic as far as I’m concerned 😂

I regret buying matco tools in general

Yoyoyo🤘🤘

Your right on the “selfish” part because those people won’t pay for your bills in the future

4years In and I seriously regret buying an expensive tool box, TOOLS MAKE YOU MONEY tool boxes don't. Always remember that, buy the affordable toolsand use them till they break. Once you get that experience in invest in the expensive tools later on. And always take care of your body you cannot do anything if your body feels like shit. Take care of yourself seriously guys.

I have one person at my shop that gets all that gravy and the reason why is bc his wife is service writer

make a video how to be a good mechanic

I'm the youngest guy on the working floor in my union diesel fleet shop I'm 28 and I have been here going on 6 years

Should I pay 30,000 to an institute to teach me, I would take classes for a year and I also will start working in a mechanic shop

I had a guy at my dealer that got a dui and my boss had to let him go

Yoo yooo yooooooo!

10 years in. Full time diagnostic technician. Learn as much electrical diagnostics and repair as possible.

yooo yooo yoooo!!!!

4 years vw, 1month with audi

My top regret as being a mechanic #1. Being a mechanic . LoL 😂

I buy all Harbor Freight, if I can get it there. Spent about 1/10th what so many dumb techs have. Granted the truck comes to you....but still.

I wished that dealerships would do away with the flag hours

“You go to work to make money not friends”.Good luck with that.

25 years I've had enough good skill to help urself but cars r a major headache

15 years as a tech please new techs don't get neck deep into debt on the tool trucks. Buy what you need and that's it crippling debt among early techs is common. Buy the cheap stuff if you wear it out or break it Buy the better version.

Peace ✌️ out hobart

I have some really fucked up stories about when I worked for toyota. You should consider doing live streams and bring in current and former techs to bullshit and tell stories

11 year diesel mechanic … your qualified .. humans made it, your human you can make it and fix it

I've got 2 DUI's going in to school...should I bail???....

The best mechanics were the street ones learned everything from others or just was born with a talent and gift to fix cars

I dunno you can’t choose the time for fleet I tried since for BNSF and no matter my credentials over the road, earth moving and light duty this game is locked to family or Illuminati can’t regret high table decisions