Big Mistakes New Mechanics Make

Continuing on the New Mechanic series, we talk about mistakes. Noah joins us today to talk about some things he has seen as common mistakes new techs make. Noah is a newer mechanic and has some very fresh experience with being new, and moving from the quick lube department to a line technician.

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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.

[joshalvarez]

My favorite adage is buy cheap. Whatever breaks is what you use most. Upgrade that and spend more on that.

[kazager]

I started with Craftsman everything. I bought premium tools when: 1-what I needed wasn't made by anyone but SnapOn/Mac 2-if I had to borrow someone elses twice 3-when the cheap one broke/wore out (not good enough for the task).

[callen]

As an apprentice forgot the word “no.” Ive seen so many apprentices say no to jobs. As an apprentice you are literally getting paid to learn. So you’ve got the time to learn how systems work. To often apprentices want to learn “the shortcut” but not how and why you can shortcut some things.

[EllsAutoCare]

I struggled with fear as an apprentice. I was scared of literally everything! I didn't want the other guys to think I was dumb, I didn't want to brake anything or diagnosis anything wrong, even down to not wanting to use the wrong tool. 🤷‍♂️

I know a little lame right?

But now it's my biggest blessing, its caused me to be more thorough in my approach!
I do things in stages, the least aggressive first.
It just really built my confidence!


But I still have "cool tools" that I paid stupid money for because they were "cool" thay I haven't used in over 10 years 🤦‍♂️😂🤣

[TilcTac]

I’m in tech school right now, and I definitely need to work on my attitude. I’ve been at a bad spot in my home life and I’m generally too hard on myself when I make mistakes or don’t know something. Thanks for the tips guys! ✊

[sarunasbriedis]

I started to work on cars, because i couldn't afford to go to the garage. Now 10 years later i love it.

[krystophm]

I recently filled up a box full of the extra tools I've collected over the last 20 years. Then gave it to a friend of mine who is now starting out in a local shop in town.

[lockednloaded]

Good to see my buddy noah doing good in the automotive world. I remember when he told me he wanted to work on cars for a living. One of the hardest worker/ learner I know of. Thank you @HumbleMechanic for highlighting this guy. Take care Noah

[nicknasser]

I was one that jumped into the tool payments right away. But I really did step back and think it through. I knew I was at a point in my life where it made the most sense to jump in and get some nicer things. My mentor did advise me against it, but I did ask him for a list of what I should actually get. He also gave me 2 rules to follow, if you borrow it from another tech 3 times in a short period of time then buy it, and then compare how much time it saves you to it's cost. To be clear it did work out for me, I had everything paid off by the time I was ready to go and buy a house.

[lekonarodrick]

We struggle in africa cos of lack people like these to guide us, even in my training center

[benjaminfreiman]

I work as a nurse and find almost everything you both share to be very relatable — great advice!

[HypnoticSuggestion]

Not a mechanic and no plans to be one but I learn a lot from these videos and especially the group on FB. I've had I think 3 issues fixed nearly instantly since 2016, by asking in the group. Flippin amazing.

[lucascarson]

I am so glad you guys are warning new techs about the tool trucks they are horrible traps.

[twisted]

I have been a mechanic for over 30 years now. I agree 100% with what these guys are saying. You don't need top brand tools to start out with. You just need tools that will get the job done. Some of my most favorite tools are either cheap ones or hand me downs. Yes I said hand me downs. I still have and use daily some tools that my grandfather gave me.
Every year cars and technology changes. You have to stay up on top of those changes, and most of the time you have to say up on it on your own dime. Sure the dealer or shop might send you to a class or pay for your certs, but you have to do it on your own time and dime (off hours and pay for your own gas to get to the class).
Every repair is a new challenge. Even if you have done it a million times before. There is that one car that is going to be difficult. Just be ready and accept it when it happens. You can't work (putt) angry
And just like every repair job has a flow chart of operations. Your process needs to be a flow chart as well.
If you can't enjoy what you are doing, and enjoy the people around you. Then this type of job isn't for you. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and your own mistakes to be able to fully enjoy this job.

[billnelson]

Great basics. Thank you guys.
I own a shop and have been learning for 15 years. Attitude and process is so important. And really makes the difference!

[canadianus]

Completely agree with you guys! Process has been drilled into us at Benz. Love the channel Charles! Hope your staying safe during COVID. Cheers from Canada 🍻

[danielalexander]

I would change one thing about this. When you brought up checking a circuit. Let say a module is not responding to the scan tool. Don't test at every inline connector, jump directly to the module to see if you have power and ground. Because in order to check every inline connector you more then likely have to gut half the car. If you don't have power or ground that's when you start checking at connectors.

[rickh]

Tools are enablers. I’m not a technician, very much a weekend warrior looking after my E36x1/E46x3s which, if I didn’t, would be bankrupting to own. My ethos is that if I do a job, I “pay myself” with a tool and gradually I have developed quite a tool chest. Some not so useful it’s fair to say, tools that came about because after I did a job I found a tool to make it easier next time. Today, I’ve replaced a roof on my shed using a drill & impact driver that I already had; having these enabled me to do the task so adding value to the purchase. I now have quite a saving to put towards a tool so it’s time to think about what to get that will have value and enable the next task which may not be automotive. Another thing is that having the correct tool is not only easier but so much safer - so that can be something like safety gloves.

[scrapingpennies]

this video has really helped me step back and fix a few things that I had been doing, especially the tool truck part, thank you!!

[JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Great Discussion Topic Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter. Valuable information that most of us had to learn through HKU. 🍻😎🤙