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Master Mechanic Admits Technician Mistakes

A master mechanic reveals the mistakes he made as an apprentice technician that are not just lessons in auto repair, but life lessons as well…even for the non-mechanic.

In the past we’ve learned about some of the risks of trusting an automotive technician with the maintenance and repair of your car. And when things do go wrong with a repair or service, it is easy (and human nature) to think despairingly of another’s intellect, level of education, and even his questionable genetic parenthood.

However, one important point is that at times like this it is harder to remember that everyone is more or less human, and we all make mistakes from time to time and do not always necessarily deserve the ridicule and/or anger when something does go wrong.

Mechanic Admits He Has Made Mistakes

In a recent Lance Mechanics YouTube channel, the host―an experienced Master Mechanic―shares some of the flubs he has made in the past while learning his tradecraft in the early years of being an automotive technician.

In it you will hear some examples that anyone who has ever worked on cars can remember either having done or almost done, that led to a repair gone bad and perhaps even caused serious engine damage.

Common mistakes include:

  • Not realizing all bolts to a part are not always identical in length and mixing them up with disastrous consequences.
  • Over- or under-torquing bolts during an engine assembly.
  • Double-gasketing an oil filter.
  • Pouring the wrong fluids into the wrong fluid fill port.

Related article: Just Rolled In Car Customer Fails

Follow along with the host in this quick video that is both informative and entertaining. Just in case you do not have time to watch the video, a summary of the life lessons follows the video and hopefully will encourage you to go back and watch this useful video.

Career defining mistakes of a Master mechanic

 

Important Life Lessons to Learn from the Video

  1. We all make mistakes, it is how you handle it, defines you and how others see you. In other words: Be honest. Own up to your mistakes
  2. Don’t just double-check, triple check or more when you have the slightest doubt whether you did something correctly.
  3. If you are not sure how to do something, always ask someone for help before committing to a potential problem down the road.
  4. Whether you are the offended mechanic or the offended customer, be forgiving. You will get closer to a solution quicker if you just take the time and patience to evaluate what went wrong and how best to remedy a repair or maintenance problem.

For additional news related to mishaps in the garage, here are three articles for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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Image source: Deposit Photos