Hiring a Lube Technician
Lube technicians or lubrication technicians are employed by car dealerships, automotive repair shops or workshops, and auto mechanics and are responsible for performing routine vehicle maintenance. They lubricate vehicle engines and wheel bearings, replace air, oil, cabin, and fuel filters, inspect vehicles for performance-related problems, and perform oil changes. Lube techs play a critical role in auto workshops and are required to work in tandem with the rest of the team in a highly collaborative environment. They report to the mechanic supervisor or the lead service technician. The average salary that lube technicians make in the United States is $26,562. In addition, they can earn up to $4,187 overtime per year. They also receive benefits such as employee discounts, 401(k), paid time off, medical, dental insurance, vision and life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, and flexible schedules. Some employers also provide year-end bonuses and paid vacation days as additional perks. A lube technician's job can be the foundation for a career as an automotive mechanic or a technician (subject to proper training).
Responsibilities of a lube technician
Lube technicians can work either full-time or part-time with flexible work shifts, including weekend hours, that may include 12-hour workdays. The work of a lube tech starts with welcoming customers into the service area of the auto shop. Typical responsibilities include: undertaking routine maintenance and preventative maintenance work such as oil changes, joint lubrication, wiper blade replacement, brake pad replacements, tire inspection, and subsequent inflation, filter changes, etc. They also clean engine parts and remove dirt and grime buildup and apply lubricant to parts. The technicians are also responsible for inspecting electrical components such as horn and lights, ensuring that they are in the right working condition, and making recommendations for further service on vehicles based on these inspections. Their duties also include maintaining inventory and ordering supplies for car repair, detailing vehicles post service and keeping a service log, and moving vehicles around the shop floor. They also tend to basic customer service, maintain cleanliness in the work area, and ensure that safety practices and procedures get followed.
Requirements of a lube technician
Employers generally prefer candidates who are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also have a valid driver's license and should be able to pass a background verification that includes a drug screening. Candidates with technical training from an accredited auto mechanics program or with previous work history as a lube technician get preference. Most lube tech jobs provide paid training, in which they work closely with a supervisor or senior lube tech and are trained on the basic tasks of the role. Strong verbal communication skills are a must-have for the role as the job involves extensive teamwork and collaboration. Hiring managers also look for candidates with good customer service skills as customer interaction is a routine part of the job. Other essential prerequisites include time-management skills, the ability to stay on schedule, and the stamina to perform the physically demanding tasks that come with the job. Since lube technicians have to log information into digital systems and follow digital checklists for vehicle inspections, they must have basic computer knowledge. Finally, incumbents must know how to operate and drive multiple types of vehicles, including manual transmissions.
