Will electric cars still need mechanics?
Electric vehicles need some of the same maintenance as internal combustion engine cars, like replacing transmission fluid and rotating the tires, but the majority of the service on EVs requires an understanding of computer programming more than nuts and bolts — meaning mechanics will need to be retrained.
Because electric vehicles require far less maintenance and repair than traditional combustion engines, the state predicts that nearly 32,000 auto mechanic jobs will be lost in California by 2040.
Electric cars (EVs) typically require less maintenance than vehicles with internal combustion engines. The electric motors that propel EVs have fewer moving parts than gas engines. Having fewer components means they need minimal maintenance. Drivers should always follow the maintenance guidance in the owner's manual.
By 2040, the state projects that nearly 32,000 auto mechanics jobs will be lost in California, since electric vehicles need far less maintenance and repair than conventional combustion engines.
Many drivers report reliability issues with their electric cars — but for the first time, the EV problem rate is lower than the non-EV problem rate. Battery issues, climate control, and in-car electronics are among the biggest problems in electric vehicles.
Repetitive motion injuries are common as well, especially when turning wrenches by hand instead of using air or power tools. Over time, auto repair techs may feel like the physical demands of the job are not worth the pay, benefits, and career growth opportunities offered in the automotive industry.
Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.
Some EV drivers are finding that their tires wear out more rapidly than they had with traditional internal combustion-driven vehicles—in some cases, 20 percent faster. The problem has multiple causes. Many EVs are heavier than regular cars of a similar size, which puts more load on the tires.
Generally, EV car batteries last from 10 to 20 years. Certain factors like heat, cold, or swift charging times can negatively affect that and reduce performance. Manufacturers have already included protective measures like thermal management systems and charging restrictions.
We quote from the Guardian: The US's transition to electric vehicles could require three times as much lithium as is currently produced for the entire global market, causing needless water shortages, Indigenous land grabs, and ecosystem destruction inside and outside its borders….
What does the future look like for a mechanic?
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 67,700 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Carpenters, masons and traders live from 45 to' 50. Bankers, editors, jewelers, mannfacturers, mechanics, painters, shoemakers and tailors average from 40 to 45. Machinists, musi cians, and printers live from 35 to 40, and clerks, operatives and teachers are the shortest lived of all being, only from 30 to 35.
Several forces have produced a long-term shortage of auto technicians, which has become especially acute during the pandemic. Dealers and auto repair shops are struggling to recruit and retain technicians and other service department workers.
Some may have been at least partly true in the past, but most have been proven false for some time now. In addition to the myths, there are some obvious reasons many car shoppers simply aren't yet buying into EVs, such as the high sticker price, range anxiety and the fear of battery degradation and potential fires.
If you drive an EV, you can officially say goodbye to oil changes, as electric cars do not use oil. They do, however, require brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid changes.
Electric cars with a thermal management system make use of coolant, just as they do in traditional passenger vehicles. Components like the drive motor and battery may be cooled/heated via liquid coolant. From time to time you may need to add coolant, replacing the same per the vehicle's maintenance schedule.
If you are considering becoming an auto mechanic, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year to pursue your passion. With the high rate of inflation in the US, fewer people are buying new cars, which means they must maintain or repair their existing vehicles.
- Transmission. ...
- Spark Plugs. ...
- Clutch. ...
- Replacing an Engine.
Another reason is difficult to avoid: vehicles just aren't worth that much. Most other skilled trades deal with valuable structures or machines, even people. Because we service something that depreciates so quickly, it sets up a relatively low threshold for what a vehicle owner will spend to repair it.
Tesla vehicles are unique. This has some drivers questioning, “Can my mechanic work on my Tesla?” Most repairs can be done by a local mechanic shop with the proper equipment. Some repairs and warranty work will need to be done at a Tesla dealership.
Can a mechanic fix a Tesla?
Tesla vehicles are unquestionably unique. Their unique nature has some drivers questioning, “Can I visit a local mechanic for Tesla services?” While some issues will require Tesla's in-house services, most can be completed by a local mechanic shop.
If your car requires attention, Tesla mobile technicians can complete most repairs wherever you park. If they can't fix your issue on the spot, they can often identify and pre-diagnose repairs for faster service when you arrive at a Tesla Service Center.
Most EVs come in an all-wheel drive variant, but even front- and rear-wheel drive EVs perform well on snow and ice when they're equipped with beefy winter tires.
Limited driving range, a lack of charging stations, and longer fill-up times mean that EV road trips are usually a bit more complicated and time-consuming than comparable journeys in gas vehicles. At their worst, EV road trips can be frustratingly long and stressful ordeals.
EV-specific tires could set you back between $150 to $300 per tire. Prices go up from there for some high-performance versions.
