If you want to learn auto mechanic by yourself using free resources found on the web, you absolutely need to see what’s available to you on YouTube. YouTube is one of the best platform to learn how to make, create, fix, modify or repair almost everything. But with the amount of videos added everyday, it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re just starting out so we created this post to help you get a head start with that.
The Humble Mechanic
In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to say that this one may be a little biased because I’ve been a big fan of The Humble Mechanics a long time before writing these lines.
He’s the absolute expert on anything Volkswagen-related and because I think that Volks are probably the shittiest cars to work on (this is a personal opinion :P), you can assume he really knows his stuff. His videos are always on point whether it’s tools and products reviews or complete engine swaps you can follow along. He’s a real-life hard-working mechanic and it really shows.
Make sure you check out his podcast where he answers a lot of questions from his viewers and he gives a lot of good advice for aspiring mechanics. Everything is explained in a funny and laid back style that doesn’t make you feel like you are listening to your High School History class teacher .
I also have to point out that I really like how he’s dedicated to only bring helpful stuff to his viewers. I’m personally sick of all those auto mechanic website covered with ads and where every blog post is anything but another click-bait to bring you to another landing page for whatever product they are selling. No ads on the website, no corporate posts, just valuable stuff for you to enjoy!
Just like what we try to do with TheMechanicDoctor.com… That’s probably why he’s on top of this list.
Chrisfix
You may well know this one already because he’s been one of the top automotive YouTuber for some time now. In fact, he’s one of the few we look up to when we make our own YouTube videos.
This channel has something for you no matter where you are on the auto mechanic learning curve. From brakes replacement, fixing flat tires and fluids replacement for beginners to diagnosing and replacing fuel pumps and completely stripping a car apart for more advanced auto mechanics. Whether you’re looking for suspension, steering or electrical systems tutorials, he’s got it all!
Also make sure you check out his new “How to build a drift car” series. We all watched thousand of drift car builds videos created by professional drift teams but at the end of the video you’re always left thinking: “Yeah, that would be useful if I had a 100,000$ to bank on a drift car!”. It’s pretty refreshing to see someone creating a video for us, regular folks!
Mighty Car Mods
These guys are Australians… What more is there to say?
I don’t know what’s in Australia’s water that make Aussies so funny but if you like to have fun while learning this is the YouTube channel for you!
It’s not so much for beginners though but you will sure learn what you can and what you can’t do while modifying cars. These guys work on weird but awesome projects. Just take a look at their “Subarute”, a WRX pick-up!
Their “How-to” videos cover anything from installing racing harness, upgrading coils and injectors, performing brake conversion to supercharging a Mini Cooper, installing Nos, and building a cheap but effective turbo setup.
I guess I like these guys some much because they somewhat come from the same place as we do and think a lot like we think. They began making videos in their garage to help other people and wanted to have fun while doing it. They sure have a budget a lot bigger than ours now but they started at the bottom of the ladder and worked their way up to the top!
Make sure you check these guys out! You won’t regret it!
Engineering Explained
This channel is for all of you who would want to delve a little deeper on how cars work. As the name implies, it’s more engineering-oriented than the previous ones. Jason Fenske, the creator of the channel, is a mechanical engineer and will help you better understand the inner workings of an engine and all the systems you need to know to be a good auto mechanic.
It’s packed with many various car maintenance tutorials and other tips & tricks videos. That alone should be a good enough reason to subscribe right now but what makes this channel so special is all the other answers you can find to question you didn’t even know you had yet like:
- How Global Rallycross Supercars Hit 60 MPH in 1.9 Seconds
- Can A Tire Have High Grip And Low Rolling Resistance?
- What Is The Fastest 0-60 Time Possible?
- Are CVTs The Best (Fastest) Transmissions?
- How To Launch A FWD Car – Design Considerations
- How Wireless Charging Works On The BMW i8
- Do Rotary Engines Have VTEC?
- and many more…
Jason’s YouTube channel has been one of my favorite for quite some time now and I bet it will become one of yours too!
BleepinJeep
This one is for all of you off-roaders and Jeep maniacs out there!
This channel is just packed with various maintenance tutorials and other more specific “How-to” videos for Jeeps. The videos are neatly arranged in playlists making it easy to find information on specific system like brakes, cooling, electronics or drivetrain.
I particularly appreciate the “how to remove stuff at the salvage yard” videos. Being a mechanic myself, I’m used to work with a full toolbox and while the car is on a rack. Removing a transmission with the truck on the ground and a limited set of tools can be really challenging and these videos really helped with tips & tricks I can use on my next junk yard trip.
Also worth mentioning, this channel provides a lot of tutorials on welding, which you absolutely need to learn if you want to be a real off-roader… or if you want to own an old Jeep. Man, do these trucks tend to rust to the bone!
Anyway, full of useful stuff right there! Go check it out!
South Main Auto Repair
Personally, I really like the “smaller” auto mechanic channels on YouTube. I hate how some of the “bigger” channels, after becoming “big” and earning their 10 000th subscriber or so, often move away from the instructional and useful stuff to make videos where they start to give life advice, create biased reviews on any given products companies shower them with or just rant on everything and anything unrelated to their niche and acting like they are some kind of “influencers” or something (that “influencer” thing… so funny and sad at the same time… anyway).
Well, Eric O’s channel is not one of them. He’s the owner of a small repair shop in New York and creates awesome car maintenance instructional videos and still does after reaching the 50 000 subscribers mark . He’s a regular mechanic working in a regular shop on regular cars. That’s what makes him special and why you can really relate to him.
No big branding, no ranting, no pushy sales tactics, just the important stuff!
I don’t know why but I really like that guy!
Anyway, South Main Auto Repair’s channel is full of practical tutorials on everything an auto mechanic has to perform on a daily basis. If you want to learn how to become a good auto mechanic, this is an absolute must-see!
Ratchets And Wrenches
This is another channel packed with various auto mechanic and auto body repair tutorials like all the others on this list but what really got me hooked though is the couple of videos I haven’t found on many other channels.
- Can You Hotwire a car Like in the Movies
- How to Use a Manual Tire Changer
- How to Properly Test and Diagnose a Bad Fuel Pump
- What You Can Learn From a Spark Plug – Plus How to Test Them With a Basic Multimeter
- How to Balance a Tire Yourself – Using a Bubble Balancer
You can find tutorials on how to replace a bad fuel pump on ten thousand channels on YouTube but not nearly half of them will teach you how to test it to see if it’s good or not. It’s also the first time I see a bubble balancer tutorial too! The Subaru Ej25 rebuild series is pretty neat too!
realfixesrealfast
This one is a channel I discovered recently and I liked it from the start. As an auto mechanic, work experience is your absolute best friend and these guys have lots of it and it shows. Just take a look at their engine rebuild videos or even better, their automatic transmission overhaul video. When someone opens an automatic transmission like that, you can be pretty sure they know what they’re talking about.
But I think that their most helpful videos are those on “What to do when things don’t go as planned” as:
- What to do when spark plug hole is busted
- Fuel gauge reads wrong after fuel pump is replaced
- Fuel tank straps won’t fit
If you plan on becoming an auto mechanic yourself, be warned that a lot of things don’t go as planned on an almost daily basis and knowing what to do when it happens will someday save your life… or at least make you look like a pro!
WeberAuto
If you want to learn more about the latest technologies, this is the channel you need to subscribe to. Most of the other channels on this list cover the cars we work on or drive every day and they will sure help you become a better mechanic today. I also get why someone would want to watch that 2jz engine swap tutorial for the sixth time but if you plan on becoming a real pro mechanic you need to stay up-to date with latest technologies.
You can just wait for the day an electric vehiclecomes through the garage door and hope for the best!
Here’s some examples of video you don’t want to miss:
- Chevrolet Volt 4ET50 Transaxle Components and Operation
- Ford Hybrid Transaxle Generations – (Toyota Prius P610, Chrysler Pacifica SI-EVT)
- World’s First 8 Speed Automatic Transmission
- 3rd Generation Toyota Hybrid (eCVT) Transaxles
Yeah, I know that’s mostly transmission stuff but there’s also a series of videos on how major car manufacturers handle hybrids and alternative fuels, an in-depth series on universal joints and many many more.
The Mechanic Doctor
Ah! Why not?
While we may not have as much subscribers, budget or even merely as much talent as any of these guys, we are full of nothing but good intentions, we are eager to learn more every day and we really like creating stuff to help amateur and pro mechanics.
Make sure you subscribe to our channel and we will love you forever for that!
That’s it!
Obviously, I can’t be aware of all the good auto mechanic YouTube channels out there so if you know one we may have missed, leave a comment below or send us an email to: [emailprotected]
I hope it helped!
As always, feel free to like, share and comment… it helps us a lot!
Cheers and have a nice day!
Related
FAQs
Can mechanics Be self taught? ›
In recent years, however, self-taught mechanics have become a dying breed thanks to ever-evolving technologies. These days, if you want to succeed in the automotive repair industry, you need the training and experience necessary to understand how to repair complex, high-tech systems.
How do I learn mechanics? ›- Tinker on an Old Clunker. Pop the hood and get your hands dirty! ...
- Meet Car Enthusiasts. Cars are a hobby for some people. ...
- Visit the Auto Parts Store. ...
- Watch Car Repair Tutorials. ...
- Pick Up a Car Manual. ...
- Take Classes to Become an Auto Mechanic.
Experienced and well-trained master mechanics can expect to make up to $100,000 per year, and some even more. However, most people become mechanics by opting for automotive technician training. This is because they already know cars and perhaps have experience working independently.
What is the fastest way to become a mechanic? ›- Do Some Homework. Career mechanics have physically demanding jobs. ...
- Complete a High School Education. ...
- Complete a Mechanic Training Program. ...
- Become Entry-Level Certified. ...
- Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship. ...
- Get Hired as a Mechanic. ...
- Become a Certified Professional Technician. ...
- Keep Learning.
People who know nothing about cars can become auto mechanics by completing a training program. Aspiring mechanics can take a non-degree program at a technical school, which typically takes 6-12 months. Students can also pursue an associate degree at a two-year or four-year college.
What are the 3 types of mechanics? ›Mechanics may be divided into three branches: statics, which deals with forces acting on and in a body at rest; kinematics, which describes the possible motions of a body or system of bodies; and kinetics, which attempts to explain or predict the motion that will occur in a given situation.
How hard is it to learn auto mechanics? ›With that said, it can be extremely tough to break into the auto repair field without a bare minimum level of education and job skills training. Obtaining your GED and enrolling in a trade school auto mechanic program can accelerate your career path.
What are the 4 types of mechanics? ›- Auto Servicing and Service Technicians. These are the people who work on your car or truck to keep it running smoothly. ...
- Engine, Brake, and Transmission Experts. ...
- Diagnostic Technicians. ...
- Body Repair Centers. ...
- Conclusion.
The highest-paid mechanic job is a mobile equipment mechanic. Mobile Equipment Mechanics earn an average salary of $72,190, which is $ 34.71 hourly.
What car mechanic makes the most money? ›- Maintenance manager. ...
- Mechanical project manager. ...
- Mechanical technician. ...
- Mechanic. ...
- Automotive technician. ...
- Repair manager. National average salary: $54,758 per year. ...
- Repair technician. National average salary: $56,047 per year. ...
- Maintenance supervisor. National average salary: $56,110 per year.
Is 25 too late to become a mechanic? ›
No age is too old to retain you to become a mechanic as long as you are in good health!. Of course, you need some wrenching abilities and skills, but cars and systems evolve so actively.
What is the best auto mechanic school? ›- University of Northwestern Ohio.
- Montana State University Northern.
- Ferris State University.
- Weber State University.
- Southern Adventist University.
- Utah Valley University.
- Brigham Young University-Idaho.
- Walla Walla University.
Some mechanics begin working in trainee positions right after a high school diploma; others will spend one or two years in post-school training. It can take two to five years for an automotive technician to gain the necessary skills for success.
What kind of math do auto mechanics use? ›Using Math at the Service Center
Tools and components routinely measure less than an inch, which makes it essential to have a firm grasp on basic arithmetic involving fractions. Most automotive technicians should also be able to conduct quick conversions between metric and imperial units.
Topping our list of the easiest cars to work on, the Jeep Wrangler, perhaps America's favorite vehicle, provides simple mechanics and a wide accessibility of parts. This may be in credit to its vast popularity across the nation.
Can you learn to be a mechanic with Car Mechanic Simulator? ›Fixing cars is a useful skill and you can start practicing and gaining knowledge with the Car Mechanic Simulator. Yes, simulator games may not let you try out the things you're doing in the games as you're not using your actual hands, nonetheless, you can pick up some valuable knowledge while playing.
What is a number 1 mechanic? ›Consider for example, a number one mechanic. They're responsible for the build of a Formula 1 car. There aren't many more jobs more responsible than this.
What websites do mechanics use? ›- Upcars Garage Harlow – UENI ready-made solution:
- R1 Motorcycles.
- Certified Master Tech.
- BA Auto Care.
- Car Care Council.
- Network Auto Body.
- Carstar.
- Radair.
Ben Foster: Steve McKenna.
What is the golden rule of mechanics? ›The “golden rule” of mechanics essentially states that whatever you lose in power you gain in displacement. We commonly use pulleys and ramps to lift things which would otherwise be too heavy for muscle alone.
What are hard skills in mechanics? ›
The most common hard skill for a mechanic is hand tools. 9.2% mechanics have this skill on their resume. The second most common hard skill for a mechanic is preventive maintenance appearing on 7.8% of resumes. The third most common is customer service on 7.5% of resumes.
What are the three C's mechanic? ›Most of you are probably familiar with the 3 Cs on your repair orders—Condition-Cause-Correction—which are necessary to complete a repair order correctly.
How do I become a certified mechanic without school? ›Obtain certification
ASE is open to aspiring auto mechanics with high school diplomas or GED's and relevant work experience. A certification through ASE is usually the industry standard for auto mechanics and provides valuable knowledge that may help you fulfill the additional licensing requirements of your state.
As of Feb 8, 2023, the average hourly pay for a CAR Mechanic in the United States is $21.67 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $30.77 and as low as $9.62, the majority of CAR Mechanic wages currently range between $16.83 (25th percentile) to $25.00 (75th percentile) across the United States.
How long does it take to learn basic mechanics? ›Some mechanics complete vocational programs in high school and can begin working in trainee positions right after graduation, while others may spend one or more years completing their training post-high school. It can take a mechanic two to five years to gain the education and skills necessary for success.
What are mechanics called now? ›Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
What is the basic law of mechanics? ›Which of the following is the basic law for mechanics? Explanation: The fundamental law for engineering mechanics is Newton's laws of motion.
What are 5 responsibilities of a mechanic? ›- Build and assemble machines or mechanical components according to requirements.
- Inspect machines, engines, transmissions etc. ...
- Conduct repairs aiming for maximum reliability.
- Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner.
- Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment and systems.
A lot of people think mechanics and technicians aren't very smart. In truth, mechanics and technicians have critical thinking skills and problem solving skills that are better than most people's. When a vehicle comes in with a noise or warning light, it's like a puzzle that we need to solve.
What car repair takes the longest? ›- Engine Replacement. Expected Repair Time: 7-21 days. “Replacing the engine of most vehicles is often a complex assignment for my technicians,” says Keith. ...
- Major Engine Repair. Expected Repair Time: 7-21 days. ...
- Transmission Replacement or Rebuild. Expected Repair Time: 7-14 days.
Are mechanics happy? ›
The career experts at Myplan.com surveyed its job-seekers and master auto mechanics scored #104 out of 300 jobs. Of mechanics surveyed, the majority said they were very happy. What is satisfying about working on vehicles?
What states pay mechanics the most? ›| Rank | State | Average Mechanic Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $59,010 |
| 2 | California | $58,210 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $58,112 |
| 4 | Washington | $57,967 |
- Patrol Officer.
- Executive Assistant.
- Flight Attendant.
- Sales Representative.
- Sound Engineering Technician.
- Electrician.
- Plumber.
Automotive technology is shifting rapidly, evolving with time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto repairing industry technicians equate to about $45,000 per year. A good auto repairing course can help to make a career in the automotive industry.
Do Mechanics make a good living? ›How Much Does an Auto Mechanic Make? Auto Mechanics made a median salary of $46,880 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $59,950 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $35,680.
Is there a high demand for auto mechanics? ›Nationally, demand for auto technicians nearly doubled in the past year — from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021, according to the TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit supported by auto industry groups. Last year, demand outpaced supply by nearly 3-to-1, and it is now estimated to be 5-to-1. J.
Is it hard to learn mechanic? ›With that said, it can be extremely tough to break into the auto repair field without a bare minimum level of education and job skills training. Obtaining your GED and enrolling in a trade school auto mechanic program can accelerate your career path.
Can you be a mechanic without qualifications? ›Although you don't need formal qualifications to become a mechanic, a lot of mechanics start off with an apprenticeship or some form of structured training, either full-time or while on the job.
How long does it take to learn mechanics? ›Some mechanics begin working in trainee positions right after a high school diploma; others will spend one or two years in post-school training. It can take two to five years for an automotive technician to gain the necessary skills for success.
What is the hardest type of mechanic? ›#1: Spark plugs
After all, they're so small and it seems like you just pluck the bad ones out and plug new ones in – how hard could it be? While the actual act of replacing a spark plug is easy, what's not that simple is accessing them in the first place.
Do mechanics need to be good math? ›
Using Math at the Service Center
Tools and components routinely measure less than an inch, which makes it essential to have a firm grasp on basic arithmetic involving fractions. Most automotive technicians should also be able to conduct quick conversions between metric and imperial units.
Mobile Equipment Mechanic is the highest-paid type of mechanic with an average salary of $72,190 and an average hourly rate of $34.71. The second highest-paying type of mechanic is industrial mechanic, with an average salary of $53,333.
Is 30 too old to become a mechanic? ›No age is too old to retain you to become a mechanic as long as you are in good health!. Of course, you need some wrenching abilities and skills, but cars and systems evolve so actively.
Do mechanics need to be smart? ›A lot of people think mechanics and technicians aren't very smart. In truth, mechanics and technicians have critical thinking skills and problem solving skills that are better than most people's. When a vehicle comes in with a noise or warning light, it's like a puzzle that we need to solve.