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Automotive Technician

Stable

Skilled Trades

Diagnoses and repairs vehicles at workshops and dealerships. SKM certification and brand-specific (and increasingly EV/hybrid) training raise pay; steady demand nationwide regardless of economic cycle.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Electrical EngineeringGeneral

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  2. 2Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  3. 3Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  4. 4Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  5. 5Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  6. 6Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
  7. 7Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  8. 8Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  9. 9Align vehicles' front ends.
  10. 10Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
  11. 11Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
  12. 12Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  13. 13Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
  14. 14Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
  15. 15Maintain cleanliness of work area.
  16. 16Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
  17. 17Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
  18. 18Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
  19. 19Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
  20. 20Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
  21. 21Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
  22. 22Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
  23. 23Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  24. 24Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
  25. 25Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
  26. 26Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
  27. 27Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
  28. 28Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Framer
  • A/C Tech
  • Brakeman
  • Detailer
  • Frameman
  • Mechanic
  • Auto Tech
  • Lube Tech
  • Shop Tech
  • Tire Tech

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. Typical entry

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationPost-secondary certificate

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Mechanical Engineering StudiesDraws directly on Mechanical — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Mechanical — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Mechanical — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Mechanical96%

    Mechanical Engineering StudiesPhysicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Customer and Personal Service66%
  • Computers and Electronics65%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Engineering and Technology60%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language59%

    English

  • Transportation56%

Skills to build

Hands-on focusSafety disciplineReliability

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedAlmost never
  • Outdoors, in all weatherOften
  • Noisy environmentEvery day
  • Time spent sittingAlmost none

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

4%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

TalentCorp and ILMIA's Critical Occupations List — evidence of a real hiring shortage in Malaysia right now.

Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Repairers · Shortage indicators met: 1/11

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

Entry

Private
RM1,800 – RM2,500

Mid-career

Private
RM2,800 – RM5,000

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Stable

Steady, reliable demand: a consistent number of openings.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

Add my grades

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

TVET

Hands-on trades with strong employability: ILP, ADTEC, kolej vokasional, GiatMARA.

1–3 years

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

International Pre-U

A-Levels, AUSMAT, IB and more. The flexible premium route, local or overseas.

1–2 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Source: Indeed Malaysia · as of Jan 2026

Check the salary figures yourself:Indeed Malaysia

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue