Will AI Replace Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?

Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Estimate costs of vehicle repair.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Align vehicles' front ends.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain cleanliness of work area.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Repair or rebuild transmissions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, and friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.