When a problem shows up in our car, we immediately tend to take our vehicle to the car service with our trusted mechanic. That might seem like the right thing to do, and a lot of people will advise you to do so. However, nowadays that automobiles have multiple electronic components, you can ask for the advice of an auto electrician. And you might be wondering what is the difference between a car mechanic and an auto electrician?
That is a common question, and we are here today to answer it. As its name says, an auto electrician will be specialised in the electrical components of your vehicle. Auto electricians are used to running tests on the cars, focusing on fault finding and doing installations of electrical accessories and air conditioning diagnose. On the other hand, a mechanic would be focused on repairing mechanical components of your vehicle, still, they have little knowledge of electronic items too.
So, let’s learn their differences in detail.
Mechanics Focus On
- Engine Servicing And Repair
Any driver should be familiar with the dashboard lights that turn on when something is out of place. If your engine light turns on, then you’ll need to take your vehicle to the mechanic. There they will run a computerised diagnosis to know which mechanic component in your engine is failing.
In case that you hear vibrating or knocking noises coming from your engine, a check-up from the mechanic would be needed. An auto electrician won’t be able to service or repair any situation with your engine. Someone that knows how to manipulate and replace the mechanical component would be required for this task.
- Transmission Problems
Your transmission is the one in charge of moving the power from the engine to your wheels. Both automatic and manual vehicles have a transmission and it’s common to face problems with this component. For instance, if you’re not able to change the gear, you hear whining or humming noises or your car grinds or shakes, then you likely have a problem with the transmission.
A mechanic should be the one that needs to do any reparations on your transmission. If you realise that your car is doing any of the previous things we described, then take it to your trusted mechanic.
- Suspension System
Your suspension system is the one in charge of keeping your tyres in contact with the road, absorbing vibrations and movement provoked from your vehicle's displacement. When you constantly drive over potholes, hit bumps or accidentally crash into the curb, your suspension system will be subject to wear and tear. This is normal. However, over time it will require maintenance.
The maintenance and repair of this mechanic component should be left to the professional mechanic.
Auto Electricians Focus On
- Car Air Conditioning
Your air conditioning is a matter that an electrician should be taken care of. They are trained to diagnose and repair any problem that might show up with this electronic component. If you notice that your air conditioning system is not heating or cooling, as usual, a visit to the electrician would be required.
As said earlier, mechanics do have some knowledge of the electrical components of your vehicle. But you should leave these reparations to the professional that has more knowledge on this matter.
- Ignition
Having problems with your ignition system can be a nightmare. Trying to use your vehicle and realising that it’s not starting at all is horrible. This system is full of electronic components that an electrician can repair in case needed.
So, if you have no sound coming from the starter motor, a stalled engine or the key won’t turn, then you need to take your car with the auto electrician.
- Lights
We know that this seems like an obvious electronic component. But if any of your lights are not turning on and replacing the bulb doesn’t fix the problem, then an electrician is needed. He/she will need to check the wiring and find what’s going on with your lighting system.
So, avoid taking your vehicle to the mechanic regarding this problem. Your trusted electrician will be able to solve any issue with your lighting system without problem.
- Factory Wiring
We all have heard of electronic components on the car, like the radio or headlights, that suddenly stop working for no apparent reason. That can mean that your factory wiring is failing, and you need some reparations. Therefore, an electrician would be needed to look at your electric wiring.
Intense weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures can be the reasons for electronic components getting damaged.
As said earlier, there are some scenarios where a mechanic would be needed and others where an auto electrician would be the right one to call. Still, the best solution would be to find a workshop that has both working on cars. That way, you won’t have to be taking your vehicle to different places - everything can be fixed in the same spot.
Also, read here: Benefits of Regularly Servicing Your Car
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