The love of working on cars has inspired me to take a job as a mechanic. I was exposed to the field early on, as a farmer in my youth. We had to repair and maintain our farm equipment as efficiently and rapidly as possible, and I enjoyed the challenge. It made me realize that working as a mechanic was right for me.

I also had extensive experience with mechanical service as a technician in the Navy. I worked on aircraft engines, clearing the planes for service and also running teams of mechanics. I was again confronted with the daily challenge of working on jets and turbo props in a more proficient manner, and also working within a team structure.

After the Navy, I pursued a job as an automotive technician, and have been one ever since. For the past several years I have worked at Gaithersburg Mazda in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The job is a challenge of figuring out what is wrong with the car and making effective repairs. The field in general is rapidly changing in all areas, and I enjoy keeping up with the latest innovations and staying on top of the field.

Recently a friend and I restored and rebuilt a 1983 Mazda RX7 as a fun project. This included complete overhaul of the engine and transmission, and suspension work done with performance equipment. As a personal project, I have a street-prepped RX7 which I love to drive and work on.

One of my personal goals is to keep up with rapidly changing technology in the automotive field. Professionally, I would like to achieve enough expertise to go to the Mazda Master Tech competition in California.

It is actually called "high-speed recreational driving." It is my energy release which requires my full attention and skill of driving. It also shows me how stress can break a car's parts and how to find solutions to make effective repairs.

I am in a supervisor position, responsible for my team's work and I'm the go-between person. I personally diagnose and oversee all repairs to ensure quality work is being done. When needed, I talk to customers for their particular needs and concerns. Of course, meetings and paperwork also come with the job.

Master Technicians have demonstrated skill and knowledge required for the field. One must pass the ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, http://www.asecert.org/) tests to be a Mazda Master Technician, and in order to pass the test, one must complete specialized schooling as well as job experience. I am required to pass certain specialized tests and maintain my certifications through ASE.

Mechanics use computers for diagnostics. We use the Internet to communicate with the manufacturer or whatever tech support is being used. I had to take specialized classes to learn about the computer system; the one we use at work is unique and specialized for Mazda.

As a Mazda technician, I have corporate backing in helping to diagnose complicated problems and issues using up-to-date technology. The independent worker may have to find different avenues to access information, since they do not have the large company database and network. Also, most independent technicians work on a large variety of vehicles, both foreign and domestics, versus focusing on a dedicated model.

Working with the different skill levels of my coworkers. Also, I must keep the CSI (Customer Service Satisfaction Index) standards that are expected by our company.

I have had formal training, i.e. the Navy, Mazda Corporation, college courses and on-the-job training. Once or twice a year I attend classes for about a week at a training facility. These classes introduce me to the latest technology as it rapidly changes from year to year. We learn new diagnostic techniques with these classes including lab work with actual models. We can bench test both good and bad equipment to see how it affects the system. We are scored on our performance. It is a very good idea to take these classes as they increase my knowledge and skill level.

College and automotive trade schools are the best bets. This includes high school "shop" programs that can instill the enthusiasm to become a technician in the future.

Increasingly, automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor 2-year associate's degree programs at postsecondary schools around the country. These accredited programs usually offer alternating periods of attending classes full-time and working for the under an experienced technician at the sponsoring dealership.

General automotive technician, engine overhaul specialist, diagnostic technician (i.e. trend), transmission specialist, new hybrid specialist, diesel repair technician, the list goes on.

A logical, open mind is a necessity with this field. There must be a willingness to learn how to resolve problems, even with unconventional methods. Communication skills are mandatory. A positive attitude is essential.

I would say the average salary would be about $40,000-$70,000, depending on expertise and area of the country. Sometimes pay is based on piece work and sometimes it is based on salary. Pay is influenced also by the economy, holidays, and the time of the year.

The job market is evolving towards maintenance-free vehicles as much as possible. I do not use robotics in my job and do not foresee this technology replacing the human factor within 5 to 10 years.

Some of the best and biggest companies to work for include Ford, GM, Daimler-Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota.

The trends that are emerging require working knowledge of computers and demand good computer skills. Understanding how computers communicate with each other is essential. Also, a mechanical understanding is necessary.

Yes, this happens all the time which is a very irritating problem for the professional mechanic. Customer self-diagnosis usually does not fix cars and can cause further problems. I don't normally email too much about car things unless it is about car racing or to chat.

It is always a challenge and ever-changing from day to day. I am self motivated to be the best I can be. I feel this is a plus for anyone considering this field.