How can an auto electrician help me?
An auto electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, identification of faults and repair of electrical wiring and computer-based equipment in motor vehicles and related equipment, such as caravans, trailers, earthmoving, agricultural and mining equipment and marine applications. As increasing numbers of modern vehicles are fitted with more and more complex technological innovations, the general vehicle mechanic may not have the required skills to repair problems in this highly specialized area. This is where an auto electrician is needed.
What exactly does an auto electrician do?
Auto electricians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all vehicle electrical systems and components. These include ignition, fuel injection and engine management systems, anti-lock braking, battery, wiring and charging systems, heating and air conditioning systems, lighting and indicators.
If you want to ‘pimp your ride’ by installing additional components in your vehicle, such as a superior sound system, CD-player, rear- or forward-vision cameras and sensors, or even additional lights and anti-theft systems, an auto electrician is your go-to specialist.
Some of the diagnostic and maintenance responsibilities of an auto electrician include, amongst others :
- locating the source of electrical problems from a ‘check-engine’ light to a faulty window motor by performing vehicle diagnostics using tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, OBD and manufacturer-specific scan-tools;
- through the use of diagnostics, identify problems in various areas such as electronic steering, ABS brake systems and airbag systems;
- testing and repairing electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, as well as electronic fuel pumps;
- diagnosing and replacing faulty alternators, starter motors and batteries and set engine timing;
- installing new vehicle wiring systems or repairing and replacing faulty wiring or electrical systems;
- diagnosing and resolving electrical issues;
- servicing and repairing electrical automotive parts and electrical systems on agricultural vehicles.
An auto electrician must have certain natural attributes as well as specific training in order to fulfill his responsibilities, such as :
- a technical or electrical diploma or equivalent qualification;
- extensive knowledge of modern vehicular electrical systems;
- the ability to work standing or in a crouched position for long periods;
- being able to work in confined spaces;
- complex problem-solving skills;
- good communication skills;
- proven work experience as an auto electrician;
- ability to operate electrical diagnostic equipment;
- be technically knowledgeable in the use of the necessary equipment and machinery to do the job.
How to find the right auto electrician for your needs
Check their online ratings and customer reviews
Auto electricians are most easily found through dealer workshops or in independent service centers. Experienced, skilled and knowledgeable auto electricians may also work independently, offering their services to vehicle owners or vehicle service centres. They may also be contacted through advertisements in motoring magazines and publications, newspapers and the Yellow Pages. They may even put out flyers at certain times, offering special deals for a set period. Searching the internet is not a guaranteed method of locating auto electricians at this point, but sites such as Uptasker are extremely useful resources if you choose to go this route. Uptasker lists geographically, making it easier to find the right supplier in your area, as well as providing online ratings and customer reviews, which are the best ways of assessing the reputation and reliability of any supplier. Auto electricians do not have the need to host their own websites due to the unique technical nature of their work, which does not lend itself to complex web advertisements. The best method, by far, of finding a good auto electrician is by word of mouth, as most service centres, dealers and private vehicle owners have their own preferred technicians or on-site specialists.
