5 Things Shop Owners Can Do to Prepare for Tax Season

|

January 16, 2023

|

Read time: 3 min

Have you submitted your taxes yet, or are you struggling to get your records in order and submit everything on time? Wherever you are in your tax prep process, you need to pull together a plan and act fast or you may have to pay penalties.

Sometimes, even hearing the word taxes can be scary, but unfortunately, taxes are one fear we don’t get to avoid indefinitely. Auto repair shop Tax Day is the same day as everyone else’s Tax Day, and things just get more complicated if you don’t file on time. The clock is running out on your time to file without an extension this year, and even filing for an extension comes with its own deadline.

But if you tackle the process with knowledge and empowerment, doing business taxes and sales tax on car repairs at the shop doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here are five tips that can help you have a better auto repair shop tax season.

Disclosure: the information in this article is not to be taken as formal tax or legal advice. Individual business circumstances vary, and you should always consult with a CPA and tax attorney.

1. Send Out Your 1099s and W-2s

The people you do business with, whether they’re full-time employees or subcontractors, need tax forms sent to them. Anyone under full or part-time non-contract employment with your business will need a W2.

However, 1099s need to go out to anyone who provides services to your business who is not an employee, such as:

  • Your landlord
  • Accountants
  • Subcontractors

Stay on top of deadlines

1099s and W-2s are due on January 31st of each tax year. Sending them to the relevant parties should be your first priority at the start of each year. Make sure you order your forms, if needed, in December so you can have them in time. They can take up to two weeks to arrive!

Your CPA can also handle this task. You’ll need to send them your payroll reports for each employee and subcontractor, so make sure that your records are up to date before you ring up your CPA.

All of your employees, including yourself if your business is an S corp, will need a W-2 form which contains total wages and reports the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld.

Make sure you have submitted the appropriate amounts to the correct tax agency. If you are behind, have your CPA help you get caught up and in compliance immediately.

Being behind on payroll tax and sales tax obligations can put your shop out of business.

2. Get Your Books In Order

Day-to-day life as a business owner is hectic. Sometimes, you are so focused on the nuts and bolts that you don’t have time for detailed paperwork and your books end up in a mess. You’ve got a box of receipts and spreadsheets filled with outdated information. What now?

You still have time to make a plan, talk to your CPA, and get those books in order.

Your CPA will need all of your records such as loans, payroll, profits, and major purchases in order to help you do your tax filing. You’ll need to make sure your books are up to date and accurate.  With a system like Tekmetric, you can view real-time reports on business performance and download and send these to your CPA to save precious time if you’re running behind. Some reports you can find in Tekmetric include:

  • Sales Tax Reports
  • Profits Reports
  • Accounts Payable Reports
  • Accounts Receivable Reports

You can use these reports to streamline your record-gathering process and make sure no details fall through the cracks. Little mistakes can mean lost deductions, so make sure you share as much information as you can with your CPA.

You’ll thank yourself later for investing your time in updating your books.

As you get your books in order, here are some questions to consider.

Do You Need to File for an Extension?

Talk to your CPA about the deadlines and obligations for your particular business, as it can vary depending on how your business is set up. That way, you can get on the right track toward compliance.

Remember: if you file a request for an extension, that is only for the paperwork, not the taxes due. Taxes must be paid by Tax Day to avoid penalties and fees, though you might still have to pay certain fees if you skipped quarterly taxes in 2021.

Add these dates to your calendar:

  • March 15, 2022 is the deadline for extending tax filings to September 15, 2022 for partnership and S corporations
  • April 18, 2022 is the deadline to apply for a tax extension to October 17, 2022 for sole proprietorships, C corporations, and single-owner LLCs.

Are You an S Corp?

Under IRS rules, an S corporation must pay a reasonable amount of money to its officers in exchange for provided services. This money is treated as employee wages for tax purposes and not as distributions. If you’re an S corporation owner, make sure you compensate yourself correctly to stay in compliance.

Have You Considered Retirement and Profit-Sharing Plans?

Do you have a retirement plan set up for yourself or your employees?

If you have a profitable shop, it might be worth looking into a profit-sharing or cash balance plan. These contributions need to be made by March 15 (or September 15 if you have applied for an extension).

Are You Complying With Reporting Rules for Cash-Based or Accrual-Based Tax Payers?

Under federal law, cash-based and accrual-based tax payers follow very different rules for reporting.

If this is news to you, you should check out the IRS’s guide, Accounting Periods and Methods.

Are Your Day-to-Day Transactions Current?

Make sure that your day-to-day transactions are all up to date and have been entered and categorized.

This includes:

  • Payroll
  • Sales
  • Received payments
  • Bill payments
  • Credit card purchases
  • Any other transactions

Tekmetric simplifies this process by giving shop owners a wealth of downloadable reports they can quickly save as CSV files.

What About Assets and Depreciation?

Don’t forget your assets! For example, if you finance a lift, it should be categorized as an asset so that you can claim the tax advantage. Other tangible assets you previously purchased will also need to be inventoried in order for them to be depreciated properly.

Your CPA will be able to calculate the depreciation on your shop equipment, which is an important tax deduction that you could miss out on. So, plan accordingly!

Have You Been Doing Bank Reconciliations Monthly?

Take time to catch up on your bank reconciliations. Each month, you should be comparing your books to your bank statements to make sure that every transaction is accounted for. If you don’t, you could miss out on important deductions for business expenses.

3. Gather All Tax Documents

Now that you’ve gotten all your books updated and organized, it’s time to compile everything together to send to your CPA. Tax season is an incredibly busy time for every accounting firm, so you will need to stay in contact with your CPA.

If you still haven’t talked to your CPA this year, make sure to call your CPA to start getting everything in order. Make sure you include digital copies or scans of all of your documents, especially receipts that will be used for deductions.

Shop management software like Tekmetric can radically simplify and speed up the process of getting the documentation you need.

With real-time reports that show you how your business is performing, you can see your income, inventory, profit and loss statements, and other necessary information—without spending hours upon hours calculating everything by yourself (or putting your CPA in that unlucky position)!

Though you will have to pay any taxes owed on time, you may be able to file for an extension if you are still waiting on certain transactions or documents.

Your CPA will need all of your:

  • Income and expense records/asset reports
  • Inventory total and financial business reports from the year
  • Previous year’s tax returns
  • Payroll data
  • Stock or bond information
  • EIN or SSN number

Other documents you will need to gather include:

  • Payroll and subcontractor documents: W2s, 1099s, etc.
  • Cryptocurrency transactions
  • Child tax credit letters
  • Gambling bets and wins
  • Investments
  • COVID-related information: stimulus checks, PPP loans, employee retention credits, etc.
  • Income statement
  • Balance sheet
  • Bank and credit card statements
  • Partnership agreements
  • Accounting documents
  • Asset purchase details
  • Depreciation schedule

4.Run a Tax Projection

No one wants to be caught by surprise when it’s tax time. You can forecast your tax situation right now by running a tax projection. Tools like TurboTax can help you run a tax projection, but it’s also helpful to sit down and run a tax projection with your CPA.

If you are in a spot where your books aren’t in order, the main thing your CPA will focus on is to mitigate losses.

Don’t be surprised if your projection includes a number of charges for failing to meet various IRS and state requirements. In the future, however, working with these partners earlier in the year can help you stay ahead of the game and better prepare for business growth.

When running a tax projection, you should include income taxes, sales taxes, payroll taxes, and capital gains taxes in your calculations.

Information You Need for Your Tax Projection

To run a complete tax projection, provide your CPA with:

  • Your business income for this tax year: If you’re not sure, you can start with what you reported last year and make an estimate. If your books are up to date, you may just need to run a report.
  • Your business expenses for the year: You can use the same method as before to determine expenses, but also consider any big purchases you made this year.
  • Your personal taxes (depending on how your business is organized): If so, you will need to include personal income, deductions, credits, exemptions, and any withholding of federal income taxes from your personal income. In the same way as you estimated your business income and expenses, you can use information from prior tax returns.
  • If you sold any real property: This is defined as land and anything attached to it. For example, if you closed a location and sold the shop, you will need to include this information as well, as it could be taxed differently than your other income.

There are numerous tax calculators online that you may be able to use. But if you have Tekmetric at your shop, you can pull reports that have automatically calculated a lot of figures for you, like your annual Gross Profit and purchases.

Even if you don’t have a system like Tekmetric, now is the perfect time for you and your team to consider implementing one to help you out moving forward.

Remember, even if you file for an extension, you will need to pay this estimated tax amount, so don’t put off making your projection. And again, we need to stress how important it is to talk to a CPA.

5. Foundations for Next Year

Now that you know what to do and can get everything in your accountant’s hands, you probably feel relieved.

Bookkeeping and tax preparation can be complicated and confusing. Set yourself up for a less stressful tax time by making a follow-up appointment with your CPA to review everything and prepare for next year.

Having a plan and structure in place can alleviate a lot of stress and allow you to focus on what’s important: the success of your auto repair shop.

You and your CPA can discuss various events that may need future planning, such as:

  • Setting up additional locations
  • Selling your shop
  • Renovating your current shop
  • Buying large equipment like lifts
  • Investing in training programs for your technicians and service advisors

On your journey toward growth and better bookkeeping practices, you should consider implementing shop management software as well. Having a tool that can track your numbers in real time will keep you on top of your books all year and help you track where you are making progress or need to make adjustments in your course.

Eric Joern (CPA and CM&AA) is a Partner at Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. He specializes in helping business owners in the auto repair industry file their taxes so they can stay in compliance with the law. Joern comes from a family of small business owners and is passionate about helping small businesses grow their profits.

For tax questions, email him at ejoern@kaizencpas.com.

FAQ

similar articles

Whether you're just getting started in the world of auto mechanics or you're a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, having the right books in your toolkit can make a world of difference.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best 10 books for anyone looking to master automotive repair—five books for beginners and five for professionals. Whether you're diving into DIY oil changes, understanding electrical systems, or prepping for ASE certification, these books can help you become the car mechanic others rely on.

Top mechanic books for beginners.

Top 5 Mechanic Books for Beginners

1. Auto Repair For Dummies by Deanna Sclar

Deanna Sclar, a trusted name in car books, breaks down automotive repair in a clear, engaging way. Topics include basics like changing oil, identifying car parts, and performing simple diagnostics. Updated editions also include guidance on hybrid and electric vehicles.

This book is great for high school students, DIY car owners, and anyone who wants to enhance their car repair knowledge. It teaches vehicle maintenance fundamentals and gives you the confidence to handle everyday car repair tasks.

This book is available in paperback and audiobook format on Amazon and Goodreads.

2. How Cars Work by Tom Newton

“How Cars Work” is an illustrated mechanics book designed to make complex automotive technology digestible. It covers everything from internal combustion engines to carburetors using simple diagrams and descriptions.

Ideal for visual learners and those completely new to auto mechanics. This is a great first book for beginners, high school students, and anyone wanting a strong visual foundation. This book is available at Amazon, Goodreads, and Walmart.

3. Service Repair Manuals

Service repair manuals offer detailed, step-by-step instructions specific to various makes and models. Whether you're working on a Chevy or a lawn mower, there's likely a repair manual for it.

These manuals walk you through every procedure—from basic maintenance to full rebuilds—making them excellent for DIY mechanics. The manuals are great for car owners who want to perform their own maintenance and repairs, especially oil changes and part replacements.

4. Auto Repair and maintenance for Beginners by Dave Stribling

This is a more recent release that blends practical guidance with a conversational tone. It’s designed for car owners who want to understand what’s under the hood without going back to school.

It breaks down diagnostics, basic electrical systems, and essential car repair projects with clarity and confidence. DIYers, automotive technology students, and anyone just entering the field will benefit from this resource. This book is available on Amazon and Target.

5. ASE Study Material

While not a traditional repair resource, these ASE guides cover specific topics you may be interested in. In addition, these resources can also help you study for your ASE exams/certification. These study guides cover everything from refrigerant to engine diagnostics.

These resources are great for beginners looking to become ASE certified or just want to deepen their technical knowledge of car repair. You can find these ASE resources on the ASE website.

Top 5 Mechanic Books for Professionals

1. Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach by Jack Erjavec & Rob Thompson

Used in technical schools and ASE training programs, this comprehensive study guide covers every vehicle system in detail. From brakes to diagnostics and internal combustion engines, it’s a powerhouse of professional knowledge.

Excellent for instructors, professional auto mechanics, and shop technicians. It’s also used as a curriculum base in many accredited auto mechanic programs. This book can be found on Amazon and Goodreads.

2. Engine Repair (A1) – ASE Test Prep Study Guide by Delmar Cengage

If you’re serious about becoming ASE certified, this study guide is one of the best tools to prep with. It’s focused on the A1 Engine Repair certification exam and is updated with the latest questions and procedures.

It contains practice questions, answer keys, and step-by-step breakdowns of engine troubleshooting and repairs. Mechanics pursuing ASE certification and current techs looking to refresh their credentials will benefit from this book.

3. Bosch Automotive Handbook

This is not your average repair manual. The Bosch Automotive Handbook is a dense, technical reference filled with precise definitions, formulas, and design principles behind modern vehicle systems, including electrical systems and diagnostics.

A must-have for those working on diagnostics or developing automotive systems. Not ideal for beginners, but invaluable for seasoned pros. This book is available on Amazon.

4. Advanced Automotive Fault Diagnosis by Tom Denton

Tom Denton is a trusted author in the world of automotive technology. This book focuses on advanced diagnostics using real-world case studies and troubleshooting processes.

It covers OBD systems, scan tools, sensor data interpretation, and diagnostics strategies used in modern repair shops. ASE certified professionals, diagnostic techs, and repair shop leads will appreciate this book. This book is available at Walmart and Amazon.

5. Motorcycle Basics Techbook by Matthew Coombs (Haynes)

Auto mechanics often expand into motorcycles. This Haynes book explores motorcycle maintenance and repair with the same detail they bring to their car repair manuals.

Great for mechanics who want to branch into motorcycle repair or work at specialized repair shops. This book is available on Amazon and Thriftbooks.

Other Mechanic Resources

While books are still relevant, many mechanics have transitioned to other resources like YouTube videos and podcasts. Here are some of our favorites.

YouTube

YouTube is a gold mine for car repair veterans and DIYers alike. Some of our favorite channels include:

Reddit

Reddit can be another powerful resource for new techniques plus an online community to answer questions you may have. Some of the best subreddits include:

Podcasts

Podcasts can be entertaining and an easy way to learn while working or driving. Some of our favorites include:

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good book isn’t just about reading—it’s about building your skills, your confidence, and your future in the automotive industry. Whether you’re just learning how cars work or studying classical mechanics principles, there’s a resource here that can guide you. The best mechanics know that their education never stops.

10 Best Automotive Mechanic Books (2025 Guide)

April 23, 2025

Read time: 3 min

read more

In the ever-evolving automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve means constantly learning and growing. For automotive service technicians, certifications aren’t just credentials—they’re powerful tools that open doors to better job opportunities, increased pay, and credibility with customers and employers alike.

Whether you're just starting out or already working in auto repair, understanding the most common types of mechanic certification can help you create a successful, long-lasting career. This guide will break down the most recognized certifications, how to attain them, and why they matter for every auto mechanic who wants to stand out.

Image showing the various type of mechanic certifications.

Types of mechanic certifications

Mechanic certifications come in many forms, each tailored to different specializations and career goals. The most common types include:

1. ASE Certifications

Issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), these certifications are the gold standard for automotive mechanics. They cover a wide range of specialties, from engine repair to electronic systems and air conditioning.

ASE certification is considered the most prestigious and widely accepted credential in the automotive world.

More about ASE

Founded in 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence sets the benchmark for automotive service technicians. ASE offers over 50 different certification tests in categories like:

  • Engine Repair
  • Brake Systems
  • Air Conditioning and Heating
  • Suspension and Steering
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Engine Performance
  • Manual and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  • Light Truck and Diesel Engines

Master technicians

There’s also a separate path for master technician status, which is achieved by passing all certifications in the required testing areas for that series. For example, technicians certified in tests A1 through A8 are Master automobile technicians.

Master technician status is not for life. You must keep each one of those certifications current to maintain master technician status. If you lose master technician status due to the lapse of one or more required certifications, it can be reinstated by taking and passing the recertification tests.

How long does it take to become ASE certified?

To become ASE certified, expect to spend anywhere from 1–3 years, depending on your work experience and whether you’re currently enrolled in training programs. Each certification test typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and can be scheduled at a local test center.

Being ASE certified shows you’ve mastered the skills needed for the job. It’s a badge of excellence recognized by employers, repair shops, and even customers looking for reliable service.

2. Student certifications

Geared toward high school and post-secondary students in automotive technology programs, these ASE certifications offer a head start in proving foundational knowledge.

What are student certifications?

Student certifications validate entry-level knowledge in core areas of vehicle repair and maintenance. These don’t require work experience and serve as a stepping stone to full ASE status.

Programs approved by the ASE Education Foundation often include student certification exams as part of their curriculum. These are excellent options for students at auto mechanic schools or in a community college training program.

Student certifications are valid for two years and help you build confidence before entering the workforce as an entry-level technician.

3. Manufacturer certifications

These certifications are specific to vehicle manufacturers and offered by companies like Ford, Toyota, GM, and others. Often, auto technicians working in dealerships will pursue these to show mastery of brand-specific systems.

For repair technicians who want to specialize in a particular brand, manufacturer certifications are essential.

Manufacturer training programs

  • Toyota T-TEN
  • Ford ASSET
  • GM ASEP
  • Honda PACT
  • BMW STEP

These accredited programs often partner with dealerships to offer real-world, hands-on experience while you earn your credential. These programs can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months and typically require completion of automotive technology coursework alongside on-the-job work experience at a brand-affiliated repair center.

Why they matter

Manufacturer-certified auto technicians often have a faster path to high-paying roles within dealership networks and brand-specific repair shops. These certifications also prepare you to service increasingly complex vehicle systems, especially as brands continue to innovate with hybrid and electric vehicles.

4. Specialty certifications

You’ll also find credentials related to diesel engines, heavy truck systems, collision repair, and even hybrid/electric vehicles.

Each of these certification types plays a unique role in an automotive technician’s career path, and in many cases, earning more than one will make you significantly more marketable in repair shops and beyond.

Depending on your interests, you may also want to pursue:

  • A/C Refrigerant Certification - Necessary if you want to be able to to buy refrigerant and work on air conditioning service.
  • Diesel Mechanics Certification – Focused on diesel engines used in commercial fleets and heavy truck applications.
  • Collision Repair Certification – Great for auto mechanics looking to work in body shops.
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Certification – A growing field with high demand.

Each of these certifications typically requires completion of a specialized training course and a passing score on certification exams. These programs may be part of a broader certificate program or offered as a standalone credential.

Tek-Tip: Another way to get ahead as a young technician is to be experienced with auto repair shop software so your employer doesn't have to teach you how to use their system.

Benefits of mechanic certifications

Getting certified is one of the most direct ways to turn your hands-on experience into a long-term career asset. Mechanic certifications do more than look good on a resume—they deliver real-world advantages. Here are some of the benefits of completing automotive certifications:

  • Increased Pay: Certified mechanics typically earn higher wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified automotive mechanics can earn higher hourly rates, especially in competitive markets.
  • Job Security: The more certifications you have, the more valuable you are to auto repair businesses.
  • Professional Credibility: Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality and standards, building trust with customers and employers.
  • Career Advancement: Certified automotive service technicians are more likely to advance to roles such as shop foreman, master technician, or service manager.
  • Mobility: Certifications make it easier to move between different types of employers—whether that’s independent repair shops, starting a mobile mechanic business, dealerships, or specialty service centers.

What does the certification process look like?

Most mechanic certifications follow a similar pathway but always refer to the specific instructions for your program.

Step 1: Enroll

Start by enrolling in an automotive technology program. These are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and accredited auto mechanic schools. Many programs are supported by the ASE Education Foundation, ensuring alignment with real-world industry standards.

Look for certificate programs or associate degrees that offer hands-on training. Financial aid is often available for eligible students.

Step 2: Gain work experience

Work experience is critical for most certifications. For ASE certification, for example, you need at least two years of on-the-job experience—or one year plus a diploma from an accredited program. You’ll need to show that you’ve worked on everything from brake systems and axles to manual drive train repairs and electrical systems.

Step 3: Pass certification tests

Most mechanic certifications require passing written or computer-based certification exams. These are typically held at a certified test center. The exams cover a variety of topics depending on the specialty, including engine performance, electronic systems, and automatic transmission repair.

Tek-Tip: Some auto shops/employers will pay your test fees for you.

Step 4: Maintain certification

Many certifications require recertification every five years. Staying current ensures you’re up to date with the latest automotive repair techniques, tools, and systems.

Final thoughts

Becoming a certified mechanic takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. From better job prospects to increased credibility, mechanic certifications help you build a successful, respected career in automotive repair.

Invest in your future. Get trained, get certified, and become a leader in the ever-growing world of automotive repair.

Automotive Mechanic Certifications: The Complete Guide

April 8, 2025

Read time: 3 min

read more

Mechanic interviews are challenging for both the employer and candidate because the right candidate has to be a fit in personality and technical ability. Plus, the numerous certification types, manufacturer nuances, and shop needs make it even more challenging.

This guide can be used to help repair shops/dealerships ask the right questions and also help technicians be prepared for questions they will likely encounter. Below you will find the most common car mechanic interview questions broken down by mechanic and service advisor level plus tips to ace your next interview.

Top mechanic job interview questions

While every auto repair shop differs in how they run their job interview process, these are some of the most common questions you can expect. Ranging from technical questions to customer service, be prepared to answer these common questions before your next interview.

An image highlighting the top job interview questions for mechanics.

General interview questions for car mechanics

These common questions cover basic automotive repair experience and relevant work history.

  • Tell me about yourself and your experience as an automotive technician.
  • Why do you want to work for our company/shop?
  • How do you stay up to date with new automotive technologies and repair techniques?
  • What certifications do you currently hold (ASE, manufacturer-specific, etc.)?
  • Are you comfortable working weekends, evenings, or overtime if needed?

Technical interview questions for mechanics

These technical interview questions cover more specific hand-on experience and tools/equipment.

  • Which repairs are you best at?
  • How much would you estimate your tool inventory to be worth?
  • What steps do you take when diagnosing a check engine light?
  • What tools and diagnostic equipment are you most familiar with?
  • Have you worked with hybrid or electric vehicles?
  • Do you believe in factory recommended vehicle maintenance intervals?
  • How comfortable are you with OEM scan/diagnostic tools?

Experience & situational questions for mechanics

These questions help employers understand how you would handle various shop situations and also helps them understand your communication skills.

  • Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline?
  • How do you deal with angry customers?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple vehicles to work on?
  • What would you do if you made a mistake on a repair? How do you handle accountability?
  • What do you do if you encounter a vehicle with an issue you've never seen before?

Additional questions to expect

  • Are you comfortable serving those in need once a month?
  • Are you comfortable doing a DVI on the majority of vehicles you touch?
  • How do you handle a high-pressure environment when the shop is busy?
  • How do you handle a situation where you're unsure about how to fix a problem?
  • Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

Top interview questions for service advisors

While the interview questions for service advisors will be similar to mechanics, there will be small differences. Typically, service advisors will be more customer facing and shops will tailor their questions to focus more on customer service and communication style.

General interview questions for service advisors

  • Are you comfortable selling repair services?
  • Are you comfortable working on a commission based salary structure?
  • Who do you believe has the best after market products?
  • Which shop management software is your favorite?
  • How do you deal with a customer saying that you are more expensive than their last shop?
  • How do you win back angry customers?
  • How do you handle over the phone quotes?

Technical interview questions for service advisors

  • What are your greatest strengths as a service advisor?
  • Who do you trust for moving electrical parts?
  • How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment?
  • Are you comfortable meeting sales goals and upselling services?
  • How do you stay up to date with new automotive technology and service trends?
  • How do you handle stress during busy hours?

Experience & situational questions for service advisors

  • How do you explain complex vehicle repairs to a customer who doesn’t understand cars?
  • What steps do you take to build trust with customers?
  • Have you ever had to deal with a miscommunication between a technician and a customer? How did you resolve it?
  • Can you describe a time when you turned a dissatisfied customer into a repeat customer?
  • How do you handle multiple customers needing assistance at the same time?

Additional questions to expect

  • How do you explain the importance of routine maintenance to a customer?
  • What experience do you have with automotive service software or point-of-sale systems?
  • How do you prioritize repair orders and schedule work efficiently?
  • How do you explain repair estimates to customers?
  • How would you respond to 1-star reviews?

Job interview tips for mechanics

  • Research: Not all shops are created equal so make sure to research before applying to make sure they are a good fit. You can also look at online reviews to see what their customers are saying.
  • Preparation: Use the commonly used questions above to help you prepare for the interview. Practice how you would answer each question and ways you can present yourself well.
  • Attire: You have 7 seconds to make your first impression and attire is a big part of that. Dress to showcase your professionalism and experience.
  • Highlight your experience/certifications: Showcasing your certifications and experience can go a long way to in making sure you land the job.
  • Ask thoughtful questions: Some interviewers will allow you to ask questions during the conversation. Make sure you have a few questions to ask that help you learn more about the shop.
  • Follow up: if you haven’t heard back from the shop and you are still interested, give them a call and remind them of your interest in the position.

Final thoughts

Interviews are challenging in any industry but mechanic interviews can be even more challenging with the shortage of talent available. This guide will help you either prepare for your next interview or provide you with common questions to ask your next hire. Lastly, always hire for culture fit and talent second. Culture problems are a lot harder to correct than technical car knowledge.

Top Interview Questions for Automotive Mechanics

March 25, 2025

Read time: 3 min

read more