More automotive specialist trades
Adding to automotive trades (methods 431–445), these specialists serve garages and fleet owners who need specific repairs.
What these methods share
- Skills: technical training and experience matter more than equipment.
- Honesty: explain faults and show replaced parts.
- Partnerships: garages refer specialist work.
965. Auto glass replacement
What it is: Replacing and repairing windscreens and vehicle windows. How it works: Source glass → fit → seal → test.
| Skills | Glass fitting |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, adhesives, glass supplier |
| Where to find work | Motorists, insurers, fleets |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Train under a fitter; partner with insurers and garages. Pros: Insurance work. Cons & risks: Breakage risk. Scam warning: Use quality glass and adhesives. Kenya notes: Insurers pay for windscreen claims.
966. Vehicle air-conditioning repair
What it is: Servicing and repairing car AC systems. How it works: Diagnose → recharge or repair → test.
| Skills | AC systems, diagnostics |
| Cost & equipment | Recharge machine, tools |
| Where to find work | Motorists, fleets, matatu owners |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Train in refrigeration and auto AC. Pros: Hot regions need AC. Cons & risks: Equipment costs. Scam warning: Handle refrigerants properly. Kenya notes: Mombasa and other hot towns have strong demand.
967. Exhaust and silencer fabrication
What it is: Repairing and fabricating exhaust pipes and silencers. How it works: Inspect → cut and weld → fit.
| Skills | Welding, fabrication |
| Cost & equipment | Welding equipment, pipe bender |
| Where to find work | Motorists, matatus, trucks |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Learn on the job at an exhaust shop. Pros: Steady demand. Cons & risks: Noise and fumes. Scam warning: Don't remove required emissions parts. Kenya notes: NTSA inspections check excessive noise and smoke.
968. Diesel injection specialist
What it is: Testing and repairing diesel injectors and pumps. How it works: Remove → test on bench → repair or calibrate → refit.
| Skills | Diesel systems, calibration |
| Cost & equipment | Test bench, tools |
| Where to find work | Trucks, matatus, tractors, generators |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Medium to high |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Train with an injection specialist; invest in test equipment gradually. Pros: Specialist, well-paid work. Cons & risks: Expensive equipment. Scam warning: Use genuine parts where needed and explain options. Kenya notes: Diesel fleets and tractors need injection specialists.
Summary
- Automotive specialists include auto glass, AC repair, exhaust fabrication and diesel injection.
- Training and honest explanations build trust.
- Follow emissions and safety rules.
Check yourself
Which authority inspects vehicles for noise and smoke? (acronym)
Show answer
ntsa
Which specialist calibrates diesel injectors? (two words: diesel ___ specialist)
Show answer
injection
Who often pays for windscreen replacement claims? (one word)
Show answer
insurers