Thomas R Talalaj Sr
Millville,NJ
Summary
Dynamic Auto Technician with extensive experience at Scott Honda of Vineland, excelling in advanced diagnostics and customer service. Proven track record of enhancing vehicle performance and achieving high customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving and teamwork. Skilled in engine repair and committed to maintaining safety and quality standards in all repairs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Auto Technician
Scott Honda of Vineland
06.2007 - 09.2025
- Assisted in diagnosing vehicle issues using diagnostic tools and equipment.
- Performed routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes and tire rotations.
- Learned safety protocols and best practices for working in a garage environment.
- Collaborated with senior technicians to understand repair processes and techniques.
- Helped maintain cleanliness and organization of work area and tools.
- Observed and supported the completion of complex repairs under supervision.
- Engaged in training sessions to enhance technical knowledge and skills.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Tested vehicle components and systems to identify issues.
- Contributed to team success by assisting with complex repairs and sharing knowledge with junior technicians.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate estimates for repair costs.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Boosted overall shop productivity by effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as diagnosing issues, repairing vehicles, and ordering parts.
- Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by quickly identifying root causes of vehicle issues to minimize repeat visits from clients.
- Enhanced vehicle performance by conducting thorough diagnostic tests and identifying necessary repairs.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues to ensure a seamless repair process from start to finish while minimizing disruption to other ongoing jobs in the shop.
- Upheld high ethical standards in every aspect of work, from client interactions to the quality of repairs performed.
- Delivered top-notch service by staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technological advancements, allowing for innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Improved shop efficiency by maintaining a clean, organized work area and proper inventory of parts and tools.
- Reduced downtime for customers by completing repairs within specified time frames and consistently meeting deadlines.
- Provided outstanding customer service through clear communication of repair recommendations, estimated costs, and anticipated timelines for completion.
- Ensured safety compliance by performing routine inspections on all vehicles in the shop.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining open lines of communication with colleagues and management regarding potential areas for improvement or need for assistance.
- Optimized vehicle longevity by performing routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, fluid checks, and filter changes.
- Established trust with clients through transparency about repair needs, costs, and potential future maintenance requirements.
- Maintained strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing on high-quality parts, benefiting both the shop and our customers.
- Achieved consistent positive feedback from customers for reliability, professionalism, and quality workmanship in their automotive repairs.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Kept equipment in good working order by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and maintaining supplies.
- Performed safety and emissions inspections.
- Maintained accurate records of time and materials required to perform repairs and service.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Analyzed and located malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems.
- Used specialized tools to detect leaks in gas and refrigerant systems.
- Trained and coached junior employees on procedures for completing various types of repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.
- Completed customer orders and warranty services according to manufacturer specifications.
- Serviced air conditioning systems, changed and topped off fluids and completed maintenance inspections.
- Checked brake systems and determined need of pad replacement, disc turning or other maintenance requirements.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
- Utilized special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines to align wheels, axles, frames and steering mechanisms of automobiles.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
- Inspected damaged vehicles to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
- Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
- Analyzed vehicle data using advanced diagnostic equipment.
- Explained estimates and determined repair timelines to manage customer expectations.
- Tore down, repaired and rebuilt faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems and linkages.
- Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Performed emissions tests according to standard procedures.
- Maintained awareness of vehicle market trends to assess customer demands and budgets.
- Retained accurate records of purchases, titles and sales.
- Delegated and supervised vehicle bodywork to body team for restoration and remediation.
- Implemented tracking systems to monitor parts inventory and transactions to reduce discrepancies.
Education
Associate of Arts - Automotive Technology
Pennco Tech
Bristol, PA03.1982
Skills
- Hazardous waste management
- Replacing parts
- Brake systems
- Tire services
- Electronic testing
- Engine repair
- Heating and air conditioning
- Suspension systems
- Computerized equipment
- Inspecting vehicles
- Advanced diagnostics
- Fluid services
- Vehicle inspections
- Battery services
- Exhaust systems
- Welding and fabrication
- Steering systems
- Driveability diagnostics
- Fuel systems
- System repairs
- Emissions control
- Alignment services
- Electrical systems
- Manual transmissions
- Hybrid systems
- Calibrating systems
- Performance tuning
- Restoration services
- Preventative maintenance
- Coolant flushes
- Automatic transmissions
- Gasket replacements
- Diesel engines
- Engine overhauls
- Transmission repair
- Valid Driver's license
- Operating air compressors
- Managing parts
- Strong work ethic
- Customer service
- Changing tires
- Changing oil
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Hand and power tools
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Replacing filters
- Parts replacement
- Troubleshooting skills
- Preventive maintenance services
- Team collaboration
- Electrical experience
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Transmissions
- Verbal and written communication
- Safety awareness
- Brake systems understanding
- Heavy lifting
- Engine rebuilds
- Installing equipment
- Relationship building
- Customer relations
- Flexible schedule
- Vehicle inspection
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Soldering skills
- Electrical repair procedures
- Maintaining records
- Estimating work
- Electrical failure repairs
- Coolant system control
- Computer diagnostics
- Purchasing parts and inventory
- Drivetrain and axle installation
- Hydraulic systems
- Maintenance scheduling
- Vehicle maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
- Physical stamina
- Issue resolution
- Preparing work orders
- Quality assurance
- Scheduled services
- Calibration
- Quality assurance inspections
- Service scheduling
- Rebuilding engines
- Inventory organizing
- Job scheduling
- Repair quotes
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Software updates
- Optimizing engine performance
- Inventory auditing
- Ordering supplies
- Vendor relations
- Supply ordering
- Mechanical aptitude
- Calibrating instruments
Certification
Honda dealership certification
Timeline
Auto Technician
Scott Honda of Vineland
06.2007 - 09.2025
Associate of Arts - Automotive Technology
Pennco Tech