As a mechanic, you are probably interested in fixing things and improving their function. From fettling with a car engine to fixing heavy machinery, there are always new things that pop up out of the blue that can challenge your abilities. Therefore it is only normal to consider ways that you can improve your skills. As new technologies emerge, it is always a good idea to hone your skills so that you can stand out from the crowd. This post will cover six practical tips that allow you to become the best at your chosen trade.
1. Ask For Help When You Need It
Asking for help is usually at the bottom of most trades people's lists when they are stuck. Many will prefer to learn themselves or wing it. While the former is an admirable trait, the latter is a terrible idea that can cause more problems than it solves. Thus, asking for help is the logical thing to do. There is no shame in this, and if you are adamant about improving your abilities as a mechanic, you should leave the notion that it is shameful at the door.
Nevertheless, if you are determined to teach yourself rather than asking for help, there is a plethora of information available on the web. The mechanical gurus over at https://www.mechanicwiz.com/ has loads of guides covering various tasks that you might want to learn. In addition, YouTube has many educational videos from professionals that cover many subjects. These are great resources, and you can often ask questions in the comments regarding specific issues you might be facing.
2. Always Take Up Offers Of Training
Never turn down a training session when you are presented with one. Depending on where you work, you might find yourself with the chance to attend classes or specialist training on new methods and techniques. When these arise, you should be the first to put your name down for them (and not so you get a day off work!). Larger companies usually offer these more often than smaller ones, but you should always keep your eyes open. Moreover, even if you are self-employed, you can generally find out about training sessions by following industry newsletters or speaking with your fellow mechanics.
3. Don't Take Shortcuts
Be honest with yourself. Have you ever said, "that'll do," and called it a day? This happens to the best and sometimes is the only way to get home in time to see your family. That is fair enough. Nevertheless, it would be best if you attempted to ignore these thoughts when they entered your mind. Your skills will rapidly deteriorate if you take shortcuts to get the job done quickly. Once this happens, there is no easy way back to your old level apart from working even harder. Therefore, you will spend more time and effort in the long run by not doing things correctly the first time around.
4. Offer Help To New Mechanics
According to Einstein: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.". This is true for everything in life, from theoretical physics to car engines. The point is that only those who genuinely know their art can teach others. Therefore, whenever you are working with apprentices or newly minted mechanics, and you can see they need help, you should be the one who provides it. This will not only refresh your knowledge, thus increasing your abilities, but it is a nice thing to do. It goes back to the first point about asking for help, some people are unable to ask for help, but they need it nonetheless. If you can pass on your knowledge, you will improve it further and help someone in the process. However, there are certain methods to giving advice you should follow.
5. Invest in the Tools You Need
A good mechanic never blames their tools. If you find yourself constantly borrowing other mechanics' tools, it may be time to invest in the ones you use most frequently . Yes, this will involve spending your own money, but the time and effort you save will be beneficial (not to mention you won't be thought of as a penny-pincher). Purchasing your own tools is all good and well if you are your own boss, but what if you are an employee at a garage? If this is the case and you are constantly finding yourself without the correct gear, don't worry about bringing it up with your boss. If they are unwilling to help you out, it might be time to find a place that is.
6. Keep Your Work Area Clean And Tidy
Cleanliness is next to godliness! Maintaining a clean workspace is essential for being the best. This will allow you to be more efficient and show others that you mean business.
A mechanic's job is often thought to be dirty and greasy; however, this is an unfair assessment. Nevertheless, it is up to the mechanics themselves to dispel this stereotype by becoming the best you can be.
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