Whether you agree with their policies or not, the state of South Carolina eliminated their vehicle inspection requirements back in 1995. Similar to many other states, there is no need for a vehicle owner to have their car or truck inspected every other year, nor do they have smog testing, also known as emissions testing. For someone in search of an automotive technician job, it might seem as if this would put a damper on their job options, but it is actually an opportunity.
Because drivers need to purchase new and used vehicles, they also need the advice of a knowledgeable expert. This is why anyone interested in auto technician jobs or mechanic jobs will want to consider a career as a certified mobile vehicle inspector in South Carolina.
Getting started as a certified mobile vehicle inspector in South Carolina
The Automotive Service Association is a national organization of repair shops pushing for states to restore the inspection programs as a way of boosting independent repair shops. Until that time, consumers in each state need the help of certified technicians and mechanics who can provide them with a pre-purchase inspection. This is that opportunity for those with the proper training.
What is that training? It can vary. If you are someone just beginning to explore career options in auto mechanic jobs, you may already know that you will have to have your high school diploma or a GED as the most basic qualification. After that, you will also need to get some sort of vocational or technical training.
This training can come from colleges and training centers, and can advance you to specific manufacturer's training programs. In them, you get certificates or even an associate's degree in automotive service technologies. To become a fully certified mechanic, you will need to take many courses, and you would also want to consider becoming ASE certified.
Training and certification for mobile vehicle inspectors
When you do your auto mechanic training, you will have many hours of hands-on work, and this may allow you to get certification in certain areas of repair. There are eight specific areas in the ASE program, and if you do all of them, you become a Master Mechanic.
You would have to know about issues like engine restoration, steering, brake systems, heating and air condition, electrical systems, and more. You can also use a technical institute such as UTI Universal Technical Institute for this training. At the end of the program, you will be able to service, repair and inspect domestic and foreign vehicles for potential buyers. The training takes 51 weeks, but it also counts towards Master Mechanic certification.
When you are interested in automotive technician jobs in South Carolina, you can become a certified mobile vehicle inspector if you have training as official as ASE certification and/or technical training as a Master Mechanic. With this knowledge, you can use computer diagnostics of all major systems, perform comprehensive mechanical checks, assess the suspension, brakes and steering, and give the kind of insightful report that a South Carolina buyer would really need and value.
If this sounds appealing to you, begin discovering what you need to start become certified through the programs mentioned here.
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
