Mesothelioma Patient Lawrence Potter

Mechanics work on cars, trucks, and SUVs. They maintain, inspect, and make repairs to these vehicles according to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Most mechanics perform routine maintenance like changing engine oil, inspecting and changing belts, air conditioning maintenance, and rotating and balancing tires. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says more than 60 percent of auto mechanics work in repair shops or in car dealerships.

Asbestos is still used on brake linings and clutches in some vehicles. Most American car companies no longer do this, but according to the March 2014 Best Practices by the Environmental Protection Agency, the practice still exists. The average age for Americans cars jumped to an all-time high of 11.4 years in 2013 according to Edmunds.com.