Mechanics often have to work in awkward, cramped positions. Also, mechanics are often exposed to oil, grease, harsh chemicals, and cleaning products. It is very important that mechanics pay close attention to safety. Problems could include burns from hot engines, cuts from tools and sharp-edged parts and flying particles from electric grinders. A lot of the work done by Automobile Mechanics is very physical and hard on the body.
Most mechanics have to buy their own tools.
Mechanics with a specialty like those who work on foreign cars may spend even more on tools because foreign cars need metric tools. Union membership is different throughout the State. Some shops in California have union contracts with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, especially those of large bus or trucking companies. The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Automobile Mechanics in California will reach 84,350 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 18,370 over the number there were in 1993. There will also be an estimated 24,380 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation.