Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Maintenance Assistant

💰 $30,000 - $45,000

Fleet MaintenanceAutomotiveMechanicalTransportationEntry Level

🎯 Role Definition

The Vehicle Maintenance Assistant is responsible for assisting certified technicians and mechanics in maintaining a safe, reliable, and roadworthy fleet. This role performs routine service tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid checks, and basic mechanical adjustments, documents maintenance activities in fleet management systems, maintains parts inventory, and enforces shop safety standards. The ideal candidate demonstrates mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn diagnostic procedures and preventive maintenance protocols.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automotive Technician Apprentice
  • Service Helper / Garage Attendant
  • Vocational/Technical School Graduate (Automotive)

Advancement To:

  • Automotive Technician / Mechanic
  • Fleet Maintenance Technician
  • Lead Vehicle Maintenance Technician
  • Fleet Supervisor / Maintenance Manager (with experience and certifications)

Lateral Moves:

  • Parts Room Specialist
  • Service Advisor / Dispatch Coordinator
  • Vehicle Inspector / DOT Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, documenting defects and safety concerns in the fleet management software and escalating safety-critical issues to senior technicians or supervisors.
  • Conduct routine preventive maintenance tasks including oil and filter changes, fluid top-offs (coolant, brake, transmission, power steering), and lubrication according to manufacturer and fleet maintenance schedules.
  • Remove, inspect, repair, and reinstall brake components (pads, shoes, rotors, calipers) under supervision, and report any anomalies requiring advanced mechanical work.
  • Rotate, balance, and mount tires; inspect tire pressure and tread wear; perform tire patching or replacement as needed and maintain accurate tire service records.
  • Assist with battery testing, replacement, and charging system checks using multimeters and battery testers; clean battery terminals and ensure secure mounting.
  • Support engine diagnostic work by connecting and reading OBD-II/diagnostic trouble codes, logging findings, and assisting senior technicians with troubleshooting electrical and engine performance issues.
  • Change transmission and differential fluids, inspect seals and gaskets for leaks, and report leaks or damage to drivetrain components for repair.
  • Inspect and service HVAC systems (heating and air conditioning) including refrigerant checks, filter replacement, blower motor tests, and cabin comfort troubleshooting within authorized tasks.
  • Perform basic belt, hose, and clamp inspections and replacements; verify proper routing and tension and document replacements with part numbers and odometer readings.
  • Assist with light electrical repairs such as replacing bulbs, fuses, switches, and connectors; perform wiring visual inspections and secure loose harnesses.
  • Support steering and suspension maintenance activities by replacing shocks, struts, tie rods, and performing visual checks for worn bushings and mounts under guidance.
  • Conduct safety equipment checks (lights, reflectors, seat belts, mirrors, warning devices) and maintain compliance with DOT and company regulations for commercial vehicles.
  • Prepare vehicles for scheduled service appointments by organizing work orders, staging tools and parts, and performing pre-service checks to optimize shop throughput.
  • Accurately complete and file maintenance logs, service reports, repair orders, and parts usage records in digital maintenance management systems (CMMS) or paper records as required.
  • Maintain an organized parts inventory including stock rotation, bin labeling, requisitioning of parts, and assisting with cycle counts to reduce downtime and control parts costs.
  • Safely operate vehicle lifts, jacks, wheel chocks, and shop equipment following shop safety procedures; perform shop housekeeping to keep bays clear and tools stored properly.
  • Clean and detail vehicles post-service including removing debris, vacuuming, cleaning windows, and restoring vehicles to client-ready condition per fleet standards.
  • Assist in towing, roadside assistance, and vehicle recovery operations when needed, following company protocols and safety procedures for loading and securing vehicles.
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures and assist in routine shop maintenance tasks such as oil disposal, fluid recycling, and hazardous materials handling in compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Support parts ordering and vendor communication by providing accurate part descriptions, OEM numbers, and urgency to purchasing staff or supervisors.
  • Participate in on-the-job training, safety meetings, and cross-training programs to improve mechanical skills, diagnostic capabilities, and familiarity with fleet-specific equipment.
  • Monitor and report recurring faults or chronic vehicle issues to the maintenance lead to support root cause analysis and reduce repeat repairs.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with data entry for maintenance schedules, work order updates, and parts inventory in the fleet management system to ensure accurate maintenance history.
  • Help prepare vehicles for inspections and audits, ensuring regulatory paperwork and inspection tags are current and accessible.
  • Support the rollout of preventive maintenance programs by coordinating vehicle downtime windows and communicating with drivers and dispatch.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process improvements to reduce service time and increase first-time fix rates.
  • Coordinate with external repair vendors, tow services, and parts suppliers for specialized repairs or warranty work when required.
  • Maintain tool control logs and request replacement tools or specialty equipment through the supervisor to support shop operations.
  • Assist with basic fabrication or welding prep (grinding, cleaning surfaces) under supervision and in accordance with shop certifications and safety requirements.
  • Provide front-line communication with drivers and fleet coordinators regarding vehicle status, estimated repair times, and recommended follow-up actions.
  • Support emergency response procedures for vehicle incidents by securing the scene, documenting damages, and assisting in basic roadside stabilization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in performing preventive maintenance tasks: oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and lubrication per manufacturer specifications.
  • Familiarity with OBD-II diagnostic tools, multimeters, battery testers, and basic engine code interpretation to assist technicians in troubleshooting.
  • Ability to perform tire service including mounting, balancing, rotation, pressure adjustment, and basic repair of inner tubes or punctures.
  • Basic brake system knowledge: pad/shoe replacement, rotor inspection, brake fluid level checks, and ability to recognize ABS light indications.
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle lifts, jacks, hoists, wheel chocks, and safe jacking procedures.
  • Basic electrical skills: fuse/bulb replacement, connector inspection, continuity testing, and routing simple wiring repairs under supervision.
  • Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or fleet maintenance software to log work orders and parts used.
  • Knowledge of DOT compliance standards, vehicle inspection criteria, and preventive maintenance schedules for commercial fleets.
  • Competence in parts identification, inventory control, and processing purchase requests or return authorizations.
  • Familiarity with safety procedures including lockout/tagout, proper handling of hazardous materials, spill response, and PPE usage.
  • Basic HVAC service skills such as cabin filter replacement, refrigerant level awareness, and diagnostics for heating/cooling complaints.
  • Basic fabrication and hand tool proficiency: grinding, cutting, drilling, torqueing fasteners, and reading simple mechanical schematics.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a systematic approach to inspections and documentation to ensure vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Good communication skills to clearly report findings to technicians, supervisors, drivers, and procurement teams.
  • Team-oriented mindset with willingness to assist senior technicians, share workload, and participate in cross-training.
  • Problem-solving orientation and eagerness to learn new diagnostic techniques, tools, and repair procedures.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle multiple vehicles and service requests in a busy shop environment.
  • Reliability and punctuality, with the ability to respond to after-hours emergencies or scheduled overtime as needed.
  • Customer-service focus when interacting with drivers, fleet managers, and external vendors.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to perform repetitive tasks, lift parts, and work in varied weather conditions when performing roadside service.
  • Safety-first attitude to ensure personal, team, and public safety during all maintenance and recovery operations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; vocational training or certificate in automotive technology preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma from an accredited automotive technical program (ASE-related coursework preferred).
  • Coursework or certification in fleet maintenance, diesel fundamentals (if fleet includes medium-duty vehicles), or OSHA safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Mechanics / Heavy Vehicle Technology
  • Mechanical or Industrial Maintenance
  • Fleet Management Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of hands-on experience in automotive maintenance, shop helper roles, or vocational internships.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years assisting automotive or fleet technicians, with documented experience in preventive maintenance, basic diagnostics, and parts handling.
  • ASE Student or Entry-Level certifications, DOT inspection training, and a valid driver's license (CDL preferred for some fleets) considered a plus.
  • Experience with fleet maintenance software (e.g., Fleetio, ManagerPlus, Chevin) and familiarity with digital work orders is highly desirable.
Explore More Careers