The Right Way to Ask For Help as a NEW Mechanic

Today we look at asking for help and asking questions as a new mechanic. This may seem like a SIMPLE topic, but its one that many new mechanics struggle with. How can you ask for help in a way that you will actually get it? This is my advice and strategy for getting that help that all new mechanics really need.

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Disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[HumbleMechanic]

What other things do you see new techs struggle with?

[Dbbsbg]

This is a video that every apprentice at a workshop should see.

[Gizmetti]

Great video. I'm 32 and decided to start learning about cars. I've always wanted to fix them but had a bad experience in my teens with a mechanic shop basically treating me like a lesser human for wanting to learn so I never bothered to pursue it. Until the quarantine hit and I bought myself a used a car with the intention of seeing if I could fix everything wrong with it. I've spent hundreds of hours watching videos like these on your channel and others and reading service manuals. Within 3 months of learning how to "wrench", I've change my own oil, installed a long hose air intake, installed a tesla style radio, replaced all the interior bulbs with LEDs, installed a rearview camera, replaced my air cabin filter, replaced the plastic under shroud with a sturdy aluminum one and I'm going to change my LSD and transfer case fluid this weekend with a new exhaust coming soon. With all of that I began noticing I was becoming more aware of problems. I heard a small grind on my wheels and checked it. Noticed my pads were slightly touching my rear rotor. That's something I would not have even noticed before. It's never too late to learn and content creators like this make it possible. Cheers!

[NathanCelica]

your timing is spot on! starting tomorrow as a mechanic at a dealership :-)

[bryannunez]

9:04 - 9:22 the most accurate thing that I have heard on the insutry.

[miketeeveedub]

I found most techs are willing to help each other out, even in a flat rate shop. The idea is everyone needs to helps each other sometimes as a favor, but mostly for the benefit of the customer. If there are techs unwilling to participate in that co-operative culture, then they are a hindrance more then a help. There are limits of course - no one wants to handhold a newbie-tech. But in the end it should balance out.

There's nothing more soul-draining then to work in a shop where everyone is compartmentalized and will not step out of their zone to help a co-worker. I'm speaking from experience. Throw out some resumes of you find yourselves in that environment - it's not worth working there.

[royson]

Not a single wrench was turned in this video but still so much valuable information! Great advice!

[NeverMetTheGuy]

When I needed help, I referred to a LOT of your videos.

After rebuilding and simpleton cleaning the dash, I took it to the welder and because it was an 'older' car, they didn't mask ANYTHING, and now I'm stuck pulling the dash again.

[dicknodnfs]

I remember when I started in my coatings career, I was told to ask questions about whatever the issue. And the way I have trained new people in our industry is on their very first day I always start with this.You can ask me anything, big or little, ask me anything. Becoming a mentor to a newbie, or many in my case, you want to help them solve problems on their own and over time they will ask fewer questions because they will learn how to weigh what is expected and grow to to be the best professional they can be, and nurture a budding career. And when a customer says you solved a problem for them, it's not just fulfilling, it's proof you have listened, learned and applied proven techniques for self improvement.

[franklane]

Its a good thing to pass on what you have learned and how someone approaches you with their problem definitely reflects the response they get from you.Also everyday that you can learn something new is a good day for you.On errors made, I was told many moons ago “if someone tells you they never made a mistake well then they never made anything.Thanks for all your time in recording, editing and uploading the videos.

[pitterchi]

Great Video! This advise works for so many other industries... Probably all of them.

[twdk]

This video sums up pretty much what I tell my new team members when they join, so I just added it to our training plan... I work in the software industry and this is applicable.

[jamdc]

this is more of a life lesson than a specific "ask for help to a mechanic" kind of advice, thx Charles, very appreciated

[baileyphillips]

Great video Charles, wish all the mentors/teachers/leads that many of us have encountered, had the same mentality as you do. I think you nailed it on the head once again!

[tompeterson]

Humble, and definitely conscientious, Mechanic!! Great video, again, Charles.

[IVIarksmanx]

Thank God for your channel. Ran across it. Said screw it it won't help I've been online til 4am for a month. I checked it again and clicked. Dude. You really get it. The real questions.

[qaewsrdtfcgzvhbujnkim]

This video is so true, and not only about mechanics. I work in software engineering and can totally relate. Great stuff, great advice!

[codysautodiagnosticsprogra]

Absolutely spot on advice Charles. Keep up the positivity for our future is key.

[brihal]

Solid advice. Not a tech, but my brother was. I know that everyone always asks him their car questions. I HATE asking him a car question, but I know if I do, I will come prepared with everything that I've already done to remedy the problem.

Great video, forwarding it to a friend of mine that's a lead at a Honda dealer. Keep 'em coming brother!

[arranrampton]

This is excellent advice for anyone learning a new trade, and very eloquently said as well. Good job!