Being a Diesel Mechanic is a great career choice that will enable you to develop a skill that will be in demand for life. In this trade however, skill alone is not enough. With the advancements in technology, investing in high-quality tools and diagnostic software will have a profound impact on a Diesel Mechanic’s career.
Having the right tools will impact efficiency, job satisfaction, and earning potential. These are a few points to consider when investing in your next tool:
Enhanced Efficiency & Productivity:
If you’ve ever been a mechanic or tried doing mechanical work, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in the middle of a job without the right tool. Or maybe you had a cheaper tool that gave out when you needed it the most. Regardless, investing in high-grade tools will ensure you’re able to work effectively without the stress of having to repair a Diesel Vehicle the improper way which could result in bigger repairs or an unhappy customer.
In addition to quality hand and air tools, having a reputable diagnostic tool will save you tons of time when you’re not exactly sure what’s wrong. Since 2007, the introduction of the after-treatment system has been an adjustment for the Diesel Industry. This system is particular and requires a qualified Diesel Mechanic to ensure that system is set up for the right duty cycle whether your vehicles are stop and go (like refuse trucks/school buses) or cruising down the interstate for 100s or 1000s of miles. This can only be done by hooking up to the Diesel Vehicles ECM and adjusting the parameters accordingly. Without the right diagnostic tools, you may find yourself spending time looking at the wrong things. Diagnostic software allows you to read the datapoints sent by the various truck systems which will give you a head start on what might be wrong. Mechanics with knowledge of this are always sought after and this trend continues to increase warranting higher pay rates for this skillset.
Improved Accuracy and Quality of Work:
In this trade, precision is critical. Minor errors in a Diesel Mechanic’s work can lead to catastrophic failures immediately or down the road. High-Quality tools minimize this risk and ensure the repairs are completed with accuracy so that reworks or catastrophic failures are eliminated or reduced and your reputation doesn’t take a hit. You may have heard the saying “measure twice, cut once” and the same goes for the Diesel Mechanic trade so invest in quality tools to enhance the reliability of your work.
Increased Job Satisfaction and Professional Growth:
Most Diesel Mechanics when getting started in the trade learn how to do oil changes, change tires, and complete brake repairs. However, this is the baseline for any Diesel Mechanic and there are additional repairs/diagnostics that employers and customers seek. With over 36 years of experience placing Diesel Mechanics across North America, Mechanics Hub realizes that employers are not always looking for someone to only conduct PMs (preventative maintenance) but a qualified tech who can also solve the complex issues that no one else can.
Proficiency with advanced diagnostics will make you invaluable to your employer and add to your confidence as a Diesel Mechanic. We see that Mechanics with this know-how are typically selected for internal growth opportunities, company paid training, and/or leadership roles. Not to mention that diagnostics are not as hard on the body and may extend your career and ability to stay in the trade.
Reduced Costs Over Time:
Although the initial investment may be more than an off-brand comparable, you usually get what you pay for. Consider buying a quality tool once, that lasts for life and doesn’t leave you stranded on a job vs. buying the cheaper tool and having to replace it every few years or being stranded because the tool gave out on a repair it was “supposed” to handle. Diesel Trucks and Parts are not cheap and unfortunately the tools aren’t either, however, if you’re in the trade for the long haul and have the budget, get something quality and reliable that you only have to buy once.
Competitive Advantage:
When a new local opportunity pops for a Diesel Mechanic that offers competitive pay and other great perks, it’s safe to assume you won’t be the only one interested in taking that job. Consider the reality that if your skillset is the same as the guy next to you, your toolbox may be the determining factor in who gets the job. Having a robust toolset with diagnostic software brings additional value to your application and will never be looked at as a negative.
Safety and Compliance:
Accidents happen and there is always a chance of injury when a Diesel Mechanic being. High-Quality tools minimize the risk of injury as they are designed to meet and exceed the very strict safety standards set out by manufacturers. Quality diagnostic software also allows you to ensure you are compliant with your state regulations preventing legal issues down the road.
In sum, there’s a variety of reasons to invest in quality tools and your tools will have a direct impact on the trajectory of your career as a Diesel Mechanic. Mechanics with quality tools enjoy job satisfaction and greater earning potential which sets the foundation for a progressive career. If you’re serious about being a Diesel Mechanic or need help on tool recommendations or finding employers who can help build your toolset, contact Mechanics Hub and connect with one of our dedicated Diesel Industry professionals for free.
