Well, that depends on the kind of mechanic you’re looking to be. If you need to know basic mechanic skills for your DIY tasks with the car, then you can just read articles and watch videos on how to do basic repair and maintenance like changing a tire, replacing the fuel pressure sensor or replacing the headlights.

On the other hand, if you want to be a professional who handles other people’s vehicles, you need to get an associate degree or a certificate in automotive technology. Getting an associate degree usually requires two years.