Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Human Advantage 63%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.3 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Also Known As: Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic, Boat Engine Installer, Boat Engine Mechanic, Boat Mechanic, Bus Engine Mechanic, Bus Garage Mechanic, Bus Mechanic +70 more
Core Tasks
- Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
- Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
- Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
- Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
- Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
- Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
- Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
- Install or repair accessories.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
- Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
- Align front ends and suspension systems.
- Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
Supplemental Tasks (3)
- Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
- Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
- Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (18)
Tools & Equipment (116)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists You are here
Zone 4
Transportation Inspectors 74% match
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