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What Does an Auto Electrician Do?


An Auto Electrician inspecting a vehicle.

What Does an Auto Electrician Do?


Vehicles have come a long way since 1885, when Karl Benz developed the first petrol-powered automobile. From top-of-the-line safety features to self-driving technology, cars have evolved to have features that make them true engineering and technological marvels. These days, even heavy-duty vehicles meant for industries like mining and construction are getting more and more advanced.

With all the complex components of a modern vehicle, however, comes the tricky aspect of maintenance. As such, auto electrician jobs in Austalia have become more important. Indeed, when it comes to the upkeep of powerful vehicles that are used in heavy industries, auto electrician jobs become even more critical. These machines work differently from everyday passenger vehicles, which means they also need a different kind of expertise when they require maintenance or repair. 

It’s true that there are certain electrical jobs that vehicle owners can learn how to do on their own. For more complex diagnoses and repairs, however, getting the services of an auto electrician is critical to ensure that no other parts of your vehicle would be compromised.

What Are the Duties of an Auto Electrician?

Auto electricians, simply put, are electricians specialising in the electrical systems and components of all types of vehicles. You might expect an auto electrician to work only on passenger cars, but they can also work on trucks, farming vehicles, and construction vehicles among many others; they just need the appropriate training. Auto electricians may work in vehicle dealerships, third-party service centres, or as an independent service provider.

The scope of an auto electrician’s job is extensive, covering ignition and fuel injection systems, heating and air-conditioning, navigation, lighting, dashboard indicators, braking systems, and engine management, among many others. For construction and mining vehicles, auto electricians also take care of the electronic components behind moving arms, blades, and the like. In short, an auto electrician works with everything in the vehicle that runs using computer-controlled systems and electricity.

With the help of various equipment, auto electricians test and identify service faults and malfunctions in the vehicles. From there, they will perform necessary steps to address these faults and malfunctions. This can include dismantling and removing the affected components and installing the new ones. They also handle the ordering of such components, after advising the vehicle owner or operator of the necessary actions to fix the vehicle. If replacing parts is not necessary, auto electricians are capable of performing repairs. In heavy industries, auto electricians also typically preside over equipment shutdowns, which are necessary for performing upgrades and maintenance on critical equipment

Another key role of auto electricians is to make adjustments to the vehicle’s engine systems so that the vehicle delivers top-notch performance. If the vehicle isn’t performing as well as before but there aren’t any mechanical problems, an auto electrician can step in. There might be something that needs tweaking in its electronic systems.

How Much Does an Auto Electrician Make in Australia?

On average, an auto electrician makes about $75,000 per year, or about $1,050 to $1,500 per week. Typical work hours are about 40 to 45 hours per week. Do note that the pay rate can climb considerably, depending on one’s skill level and years of experience. Auto electricians who work in mining and construction sites may also earn more, due to various benefits offered to compensate for the risky work environment. 

The basic skills training period can last up to 4 years. Additional skills training, especially those related to the usage of computerised diagnostic equipment, is a huge advantage. As an auto electrician, you may also want to familiarise yourself with basic auto mechanical knowledge to supplement your services. For individual tradesmen, it’s a definite plus to have insurance coverage.

Being an auto electrician is a challenging but exciting job. With the continuous developments in the industry, you’ll never run out of space to expand your knowledge and grow your skillset.

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