Bus and Truck Mechanics


Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics > Bus and Truck Mechanics > Overview
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Bus and Truck Mechanics

Bus and Truck Mechanics - Overview

Bus and truck mechanics maintain and repair diesel engines.

Bus and truck mechanics work on several types of vehicles with diesel engines. This includes:

  • Buses
  • Trucks
  • Bulldozers
  • Cranes

Some bus and truck mechanics maintain vehicles. They change oil, check batteries, adjust brakes, and grease parts. They also clean or replace parts. They inspect and adjust vehicles' safety and protective features and check for loose bolts.

Bus and truck mechanics repair vehicles that are not working properly. They read job orders to learn what work needs to be done on vehicles. They follow the factory guidelines for upgrading parts or tuning engines.

They sometimes use hand-held computers to determine which part of the vehicle is causing the problem. They attach computers to parts and read the gauges to identify problems. They often take engines apart to fix problems.

Bus and truck mechanics use power tools to weld exhaust systems, to grind brakes, or to hoist heavy engines. They also use hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

Some mechanics work on all parts of busses or trucks. Mechanics may also specialize in a particular area, such as pumps, generators, brakes, or transmissions.

Mechanics keep shop machinery functioning. They maintain and repair pumps, compressors, and other shop machines.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.