Since we opened our doors to offer the auto repair services required in the Lakeland area over 40 years ago, the automotive industry has existed in Canada for 113 years. Check out our list to learn some fascinating (and possibly bizarre) facts about the origins of auto repair and the automotive industry, if you aren’t already sitting in stunned silence.
Cars had already started to have an impact on society by the 1920s. The ability to commute to work was made possible by the construction of commuter-friendly roads, homes with garages and driveways, and new jobs that provided auto repair services.
When Mary Anderson was in New York City, she noticed that a streetcar driver needed to keep his window open in order to manually clean his windshield with a squeegee during a sleet storm. She was granted a patent but was unable to market her invention to automakers because they did not see its potential for profit. Windshield wipers started to appear on cars as standard equipment after her patent expired in 1920.
When Chevrolet first introduced the car radio in 1922 (and it cost $200! ), many government officials wanted to outlaw it right away. Why? Because officials believed it would cause too much driver distraction and accidents. Thankfully, the ban was lifted, and by 1963, radios were installed in more than 60% of cars.
In 1914, Ford announced their employees would be making $5. 00 per day, which was more than twice the going rate for a day’s work at the time. The workforce now belonged to the middle class and could afford to purchase the automobiles they were producing. Later, in order to keep their staff, other manufacturers were forced to adopt a similar strategy.
We can appreciate our beginnings by knowing the history of auto repair and the automotive industry. The auto industry is constantly evolving as new, creative collision repair methods are developed. JD Collision makes it a priority to stay informed so we can provide the most recent repair technology, getting you back on the road faster and safer.
Facts About Auto Mechanics You Don’t Know, But Should!
What tools do mechanics use?
Despite the wide range of engines, the majority of mechanics use essentially the same equipment. While some shops may provide their mechanics with the necessary tools, many also make their own tool purchases. Mechanics who service a variety of vehicles may need to buy additional equipment in addition to the standard list of engine repair tools, depending on the manufacturer of each vehicle.
Standard mechanic tools include:
Why are mechanic specialists needed?
Specialty mechanics are masters of a specific type of engine. Your lawnmower’s engine is different from the engine in your personal vehicle, and a boat’s engine is different from that in your lawnmower. Although all engines may function similarly and possibly even share some characteristics of their parts, not all engines are the same and may need specialized maintenance and repair skills. Specialty mechanics learn to fix engines in their chosen field.
Facts about eight mechanic specialties
If you want to work as a mechanic, you should think about the following eight specialties:
Heavy equipment or fleet mechanics’ main responsibilities include upkeep and repair of large machinery used in mining, construction, agriculture, and railroad transportation. The majority of heavy equipment mechanics work for government organizations, construction companies, mining companies, and equipment rental businesses. Their typical work tasks include:
Small engine mechanics, also known as equipment repair technicians, have a variety of motorized equipment that they inspect, maintain, and repair as their main responsibilities. The majority of small engine mechanics focus on a single type of engine, such as those used in motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, or outdoor power equipment. Small engine mechanics frequently work in power equipment repair shops, recreational vehicle dealerships, or are self-employed. General work tasks may include:
Primary responsibilities: Boats of all types are the focus of marine technicians or marine mechanics. The majority of marine mechanics are employed by marinas, boatyards, boat dealers, and service yards. Their typical work duties may include:
Diesel mechanics’ main responsibilities include maintaining, repairing, and inspecting vehicles with diesel engines. Among the vehicles that might need a diesel mechanic are buses, large trucks, fire trucks, and ambulances. Large trucking companies, repair shops, and municipalities all employ diesel mechanics. Specific work duties include:
Automotive mechanics’ main responsibilities include examining, maintaining, and repairing regular cars and light trucks. Some mechanics (like a transmission specialist) focus on a single component of a vehicle. Typically, automotive mechanics are self-employed or employed by an auto repair shop. Specific work tasks may include:
Auto body technicians’ main responsibilities include repairing and restoring vehicle frames, bodies, windows, and windshields. Typically, auto body mechanics are self-employed or employed by an auto body shop. In addition to the standard tools used by auto mechanics, auto body technicians also use heavy-duty hydraulic jacks, welding equipment, and painting guns. Specific work tasks may include:
Aircraft mechanics’ main responsibilities include keeping planes, helicopters, and other aircraft in a safe and flight-ready condition. Typically, auto mechanics work in hangars, aircraft repair facilities, or on an airport. Specific work duties may include:
