How Automotive Scheduling Software Can Help You Say Yes to More Customers

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January 20, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

How organized is your shop’s schedule? When you look at it, is it easy to see gaps? Is it cluttered or organized?

Appointment scheduling should be a quick, simple process that gives you and your team more time to focus on customers and their vehicles.

Automotive scheduling software gives auto repair shops the ability to bridge the gap between saying “yes” to customers, while not overwhelming their team. Although “saying yes” is a simple concept, the ability to not turn people away will have a lasting impact on your customers.

Humans are not computers. As much as we try to keep up, the impact that smart software has on our day-to-day workloads is impalpable. What may take us hours to create, log, and plan can take computers minutes, if not seconds.

Although you have the ability to plan exactly what repairs need to be done, automotive scheduling software can help you coordinate times, notes, and schedules faster than it would take with a whiteboard or pen and paper. Implementing software into your shop’s scheduling routine can significantly improve your team’s capacity.

As your repair orders (RO) start to stack up, your team will need reliable scheduling software that can keep up with your shop’s growth.

How Saying “Yes” Grows Business

According to Hubspot Research, 93% of customers are more likely to return to companies that offer excellent customer service. Let’s look at a pretty common scenario: a customer’s car breaks down just as they're headed to work, or their one mode of transportation that gets them to and from their kid’s school isn’t starting. If they walk into your shop, chances are a quick and easy fix is all they’re hoping to find. Ideally they would schedule an appointment in advance, but life doesn’t always work out that way.

The ability to say “yes” to your customers when they bring their car in, or phone the shop, is ideal. Practicing a “yes” mindset means accepting the reality that many drivers don’t have time to schedule repairs in advance, and finding a solution to help each and every guest. Inversely, if you're turning customers away, that leads to more idle time and lost revenue.

Although a, “Yes, we’ll take care of it right away” isn’t always possible due to additional work going on, it’s still comforting for driver’s to receive a simple, “We’ll get it on the calendar.” And once the customer receives the appointment confirmation on their end, they’ll be able to set that worry aside, and focus on the rest of their day.

If your shop doesn’t have the ability to say yes to every viable customer, chances are there isn’t a scheduling software in place that allows your service advisor to check into the day, week, or even month’s tasks.

Automotive scheduling software helps your team prioritize their RO’s in such a way that allows for additional walk-ins.

Benefits of Automotive Scheduling Software

The benefits of automotive scheduling software fall under three categories: service, efficiency, and focus. Tending to each of these categories is crucial in any business, especially in the auto repair industry. Automotive scheduling software will enhance your team’s ability to control the flow of work at the shop and maximize efficiency.

Rather than spending your days at the shop wondering what’s going on with so and so’s vehicle, you can simply check the status of their car under the schedule. Because automotive scheduling software enhances the service, efficiency, and focus of your shop, it will provide a shorter turnaround span on ROs. And the less amount of time it takes for your team to work on getting a car in and out, the more time you can focus on maintaining and fostering customer loyalty.

1. An Improved Customer Service Experience

First impressions have a major impact in this industry. According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, customer satisfaction is heavily dependent on quality work done promptly, explained clearly, for a fair price, and delivered with excellent customer service.

The study involved 8,148 vehicle owners and was conducted between July and October of 2020. A key finding in this study was that, “Among customers who said they waited three minutes or more—which ranged from 27% to 39%—satisfaction scores declined as much as 219 points.”

Automotive scheduling software grants service advisors the ability to quickly greet customers thanks to its easy navigation system. Rather than spending time trying to find the right button or detail, service advisors should feel like they have a clear picture of what each day entails in your shop: which technician is at each car, the parts that are ordered for ROs or canned jobs, and, of course, which customer is returning or stepping foot in your shop for the first time.

2. A Smooth Start Leads to an Efficient Repair Process

Starting off on the right foot will greatly impact the rest of the repair process. Our motto here is less chaos, more structure. Auto scheduling software helps your team focus on efficiency and consistency.

Having an organized, user-friendly scheduling system for your shop takes away risks such as double-booking. The system you choose for your shop will show each customer, each repair—whether that be a simple oil change or something more complicated like replacing a transmission—as you book it and when you book it, which not only saves your service advisors time, but also saves them from facing frustrated customers that have been unknowingly double-booked.

Along those lines, the ability to sync your software’s calendar on any smart device allows you to maintain your shop’s workflow while away, and also provides your service advisors peace of mind if they ever need to step away from the front desk.

3. Focus on the Cars; Let the Calendar do the Scheduling

Carefully selecting the right scheduling system and software for your shop will allow your technicians to focus on the cars, rather than spending additional time writing down the ROs. Entering ROs, Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs), customer notes, and running the CARFAX report can all be done within minutes using the same auto repair scheduling software.

Gaining this extra time will provide peace of mind to every team member; they’ll know where they need to be, and what RO they’re assigned to, as well as any upcoming repairs. Optimizing your staff’s productivity means improving your shop’s average repair orders (AROs) and making room for new customers.

Features to Look For in Automotive Scheduling Software

A big part of transforming your shop is not only finding the right team and location but also finding the right scheduling strategies and systems that keep your shop afloat and your team sane. Automotive scheduling software can have different approaches to service, efficiency, and focus depending on which program you decide to go with.

Many modern day shops, whether independently owned or part of a chain, will be “shopping” for the same set of features that will significantly improve their shop’s environment. This includes, but is not limited to, an intuitive user experience, an easy way to set/adjust/automate appointments, and that each appointment has all necessary information presented, including vehicle, customer information, declined jobs, and customer history.

Here are five questions shop owners can ask themselves when searching for the right auto repair scheduling software:  

  1. Is it cloud-based?
  2. Does it tie into other systems? (What integrations does it have?)
  3. Does it offer streamlined customer communication tools?
  4. Does it offer trackable auto repair notes, customer notes, etc.?
  5. Can I easily migrate data?

1. Intuitive User Experience

What features do you look for when using digital platforms such as your phone or computer calendar? Whether for personal planning or work tasks, the fewer tabs to navigate through or buttons to click, the better. The quicker you can schedule an appointment, the faster you can move on.

This holds true for your shop’s scheduling software. If it’s easy to train your service advisors to use, and your technicians are able to find the RO’s that are assigned to them, then you can ensure everyone will be on the same page—or in this case, interface.

Additionally, if the scheduling software you choose has a calendar feature, it will give your team the ability to color code their calendars to their liking. Whether you color code for technicians, the type of work, or type of appointment is completely up to you.

A scheduling software worth its salt will also give your shop the ability to view the agenda for the day, the workweek, or a month overview. You’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on in your shop and when.

2. Set and Adjust Appointments

The perks of scheduling software is that you can create appointments for customers with minimal information; all you need is a name and a phone number to reserve their appointment time.

Only gathering the most important information at first prevents your team from being held back from entering a ton of information when they could be simply focusing on their customer and their vehicle. You can always gather any additional information later on when you’re checking out the customer.

3. Customer Notes

The ability to easily create and access customer profile pages will strengthen the relationship between your service writers and customers.

Look for a scheduling software with customer pages that quickly and easily display pertinent information about the vehicle and its service history, which allows service advisors to quickly determine what work needs to be done, and in turn, ensures that the processes of intaking and assigning work are done faster.

An efficient customer notes interface should lead to fewer wasted minutes, more captured revenue, and more loyal customers.

4. Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs)  

Along with easily accessing notes about your customer, you should also be able pull up any previous DVI’s for any specific customer. The benefit of conducting a DVI each time a customer visits the shop is that it paints a clear picture of what exactly is going on with their vehicle. For example, if their car’s brake fluid was marked as yellow (may require attention soon), the technician will know to check it during the customer’s next visit.  

5. Integrations

Modern shop management software should integrate with additional industry-leading resources so that shops can function as smoothly as possible. It is likely that your shop already has digital tools in place that you’ve become acquainted with, like CARFAX vehicle history reports, for example. If that’s the case, look for an automotive scheduling software that integrates cleanly with the digital tools you already know and love.

Most shops today utilize a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, so an example of an integration that you could look into would be the ability to sync the CRM data with your shop's scheduling software, or—taking it one step further—your shop’s calendar.

So if a customer creates an appointment on the shop’s website through the CRM, then that appointment should sync over to your shop’s calendar.  

Now that you know what features to look for in automotive scheduling software, let's go over how Tekmetric and its features can transform your shop.

Tekmetric’s Appointment Calendar

Tekmetric’s automotive repair scheduling software—better yet, the whole interface—makes saying “yes” easy by having the correct information on hand when creating any service appointment. You can easily edit or make changes by navigating to the appointment.

Ten Benefits of Tekmetric’s Appointment Calendar:

1. Manage your shop’s workflow with ease

Being a shop owner is a lot of work, and stepping away from time to time is important; but having the ability to stay connected while being physically away from your shop is always an added benefit. Tekmetric’s appointment calendar helps you manage the workflow of your technicians from any smart device.

2. Make it easier for service writers to manage schedules

Tekmetric’s interactive calendar lets you customize colors based off of employees, or jobs, as well as set specific time ranges for each RO.

3. Strengthen the relationship between clients and service writers

Tekmetric’s robust customer profile pages show new-comers and repeat customers that you know them and their car well, which in turn provides a more impactful experience and builds customer loyalty.

4. Help your team efficiently handle high-level scheduling

Tekmetric’s appointment calendar can assist your shop to the point where your service advisors are planning the week’s calendar based on jobs that are coming in the door. Tekmetric gives your team the ability to fill the calendar up with jobs, all while looking at what specific technicians will be there that day, week, or even month.

5. Drum up repeat customers and word of mouth

Ask yourself this: why do you set a reservation at a restaurant of your particular choice? Your answer is likely something along the lines of 1) you know and love that restaurant and have received optimal customer service or 2) you’ve heard it from a trusted source, aka word-of-mouth.

This is exactly the case for auto repair shops. Customers will keep coming back if the experience went smoothly, including both the customer service aspect and scheduling aspect, and they are likely to tell their friends and family, too.

6. Set a variety of appointments.

Not only can Tekmetric help your service advisors set up simple appointments, but it can also help them schedule follow-up appointments and block off specific days or times for a special event—whether that be a holiday, customer appreciation day, you name it. One of Tekmetric’s integrations that is incredibly beneficial to your shop is that if you use CRM’s that are integrated with Tekmetric, like Mechanic Advisor, your shop’s calendar will automatically sync to your appointment calendar.

7. Provide a sense of ease across the whole shop

Think back to common challenges you’ve experienced in the shop like when a customer shows up last minute. With Tekmetric, you can gauge your workload by skimming the calendar. Several varying appointment types? Tekmetric’s color coding makes it easy to scan, prioritize, and gain a general overview of what is being done and why. Say bye to stress, and hello to modernization.

8. Waste less time on tedious tasks

You no longer need to worry about manually sending confirmations and reminders to your customers. Tekmetric’s calendar feature connects all of your customers’ information, including previous notes, their vehicle history, and their preferred method of communication with a variety of integrated CRMs such as My Shop Manager, Mechanic Advisor, and Kukui. Whether it be by email or phone, these CRMs can use Tekmetric’s information to automatically send your customers a confirmation or an appointment reminder to their preferred method of communication.

9. Replace never-ending paperwork and file cabinets with data-syncing capabilities

Each appointment is fully synced and securely saved in Tekmetric’s cloud-based software.

10. Make the overall experience for both customers and your team easier

Tekmetric’s easy navigation compiles all customer notes, client management, scheduling, RO’s, DVI’s all in one space where everything is easy to search and find.

Backed by Proof

Auto repair scheduling software helps your shop waste less time and add more revenue. The proof is in the pudding; let’s say your shop has a labor rate of $120 per hour. If that’s the case, every minute that a tech isn’t working on a car, that costs the shop $2 per minute in lost revenue.

Now, at first glance, $2 per minute doesn’t seem like a lot. But in a month’s span, if a shop is open for an average of 24 business days for 10 hours a day, that’s 240 hours, 14,400 minutes, or $28,800 in lost revenue.

So what seems like a minor ineffeciency can add up quickly over time. Conversely, you will be adding revenue by saying yes to more customers, which in turn, may become lifelong customers and tell their friends and family about your shop.

FAQ

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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

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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

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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

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