How to Run a Successful Auto Repair Shop (5 Step Guide)

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May 22, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

When thinking about how to run an auto repair shop, we might start by thinking about a well-managed football team. The different players know what they’re responsible for, show up to accomplish their jobs, put their best effort into everything they do, and perform their best as a team. Players have each others’ backs both on the field and off the field. They can think on the fly, and move as a unit toward the end zone.

How do your players work together? When mechanic shops assemble the right team, devise the right strategy, and run the right plays, they can win, too. Service advisors can stay informed about what’s going on with every repair order at any given moment in time, switch easily between tasks even when the shop is busy, and provide excellent customer service. Technicians are able to focus on their work and spend more time turning wrenches. And customers? They’ll get their cars back fast and drive away with a good impression of your shop.

Shop owners who think more deeply about how to manage a mechanic shop are rewarded for their efforts. Well-managed shops see exponential returns. Stellar team performance leads to customer satisfaction and repeat business. The more successful your shop, the more you can invest back into your team, continuing the cycle of success for all involved.

Leading an Auto Repair Shop: Getting Started

Effectively leading an auto repair shop means focusing on:

  1. Recruitment and hiring
  2. Management
  3. Team motivation
  4. Employee pay
  5. Mentorship
  6. Work-life balance for everyone on the team

If you’re a long-time shop owner who has been helping people get back on the road again for a while now, you may have nodded your head while reading that list—management challenges are common for every thriving shop, and this article may still be a good refresher on how to improve management at your shop.

If you’re just starting out as a shop owner, try not to get stressed out reading that list. We know it’s a lot, and you don’t have to tackle everything at once. In fact, we recommend taking things step by step. Focus on the basics in each management area and refine things along the way. For example, you don’t need to create a top-notch employee mentorship program right out of the gate. In the early days, you should spend more time on recruitment and hiring, just like a football team that knows it needs to upgrade its scouting and drafting process before it can build a great roster.

As for you, the coach: No first-time football coach walks onto the field with every play they’ll ever run already drawn up. They have to learn about all of their players, the culture of the organization, and how to best motivate their team members. Only then can the coach put the gears in motion for the team to grow as a group and smoothly work together, while building everyone up.

Ok, coach! Here are the management plays on how to run a mechanic shop that you should prioritize when you’re first getting started. Let’s huddle up and look over the “How to manage a mechanic shop” playbook.

1. Coach Your Team Members to Get Customers Up and Running Fast

The day your first customer walks through the door, you want your team to be prepared to quickly get that customer’s repair set up. Coach your service advisors and team members on:

  • Creating repair orders: Service advisors need to be able to create repair orders that anyone on the team can quickly access.
  • Running inspections: Your mechanics need a straightforward process for running accurate vehicle inspections.
  • Putting together and sharing estimates: Your service advisors need a simple way to take the tech team’s findings, create easy-to-follow estimates, and share those estimates with customers.
  • Receiving customer authorizations: Service advisors need a clear-cut way to get customers’ repair authorizations so they can then communicate that to technicians, and technicians can begin work.

When you coach your team on the fundamentals, they’ll be able to get customers back on the road as soon as possible.

The Play: Digital Vehicle Inspections and Estimates

Digital vehicle inspections and estimates are a touchdown with customers. Tekmetric’s DVIs put technicians ahead of the game; they can clearly communicate inspection findings by entering key details, attaching photos and videos of their findings, and indicating the severity of each finding via a color-coded system.

Then, service advisors can build estimates that precisely detail the costs and show customers exactly what work needs to get done, and why. Once a service advisor sends an estimate, Tekmetric will add the label “Pending Authorization” to the relevant repair order. Tekmetric gives customers the ability to digitally authorize repair work right from their smartphones, so your technicians can get to work ASAP.

DVIs and estimates score points with customers by showing them that your process is transparent and trustworthy.

2. Power Frictionless Collaboration On Your Team

Can your team execute plays on the field? To win the game each day, your team members need to work in formation—understanding expectations, clearly communicating, and giving each other necessary updates. Your service advisors and technicians have to huddle together, tackle their responsibilities, and get vehicles back to customers fast.

Many auto repair teams collaborate in “analog” ways. For example, service advisors might jot down technicians’ “to-dos” on a whiteboard. Or, they might leave their workstations to nudge technicians for repair status updates. These “analog” methods are relatively easy to set up, but over time, they can lead to some challenges for your team. How? It interrupts your team members’ flow states in the middle of the game.

Put yourself in their cleats. If you started your career in the Auto Repair Industry as a mechanic, you probably valued being able to completely focus on the task at hand, whether it was an oil change or a more complicated repair. If one of your service advisor teammates walked up to you to ask you how much longer the repair would take, you’d have to stop what you’re doing, give them the update (and possibly entertain the conversation going on a tangent), and then resettle into your work. You had to regain your focus again and may have had to stay at work longer than you expected.

As far as your service advisor teammate, they lost time and focus, too! After all, they had to leave their workstation to see what was up with you in the back of the shop. A customer might have walked up to their desk and got stuck waiting. That wait probably didn’t bode well for business!

When you give your employees the right equipment, they won’t have to keep starting and stopping their tasks. They can check-in and communicate at their own pace from wherever they are in the shop. They can pass the ball back and forth as needed and intercept tasks amidst the flow of the shop.

The Play: The Job Board and Tech Board

Tekmetric’s Job Board and the Tech Board equip your team members with the ultimate clarity on who’s responsible for what, how far along repairs are, and more—all while removing the need for extraneous exchanges.

The Job Board has two views and breaks down the repair process into three key categories: Estimates, Work-In-Progress, and Completed. Each repair order can be viewed in a column or a list depending on the preferences of your service advisors.

Here are some of the key details every service advisor at your shop can get via one screen:

  • Color-coded labels that indicate which repair orders are still pending customer authorization, have not yet started, are in-progress, need parts ordered, are ready to post, and more
  • Repair order notes
  • Promised time out
  • How far along each repair order is
  • The technician associated with each repair order
  • Whether the customer for each repair order is waiting at the shop or dropped off their vehicle and left (via icons)

With this information, service advisors can keep work flowing.

Tekmetric also makes it easy for service advisors to manage technicians’ workloads. The Tech Board has one column on the left side that lists out all repair orders that need a technician assigned. The remaining columns show what individual technicians have on their plates. With one glance, service advisors can see which repairs need to be assigned and which technicians have the availability to take on those repairs. If a repair order is too big for one technician, or if different technicians have specialized knowledge that can help finish a job, service advisors can split up the work within a repair order. When mechanics look at the Tech Board, they’ll know exactly what they’re responsible for.

With the Job Board and Tech Board, you won’t have to fret about how to run an auto repair shop. Your shop and your team will run like a well-oiled machine!

3. Practice Great Customer Communication With Your Team

When customers walk into your shop, the faster someone from your team greets them, the better. According to a 2021 study by J.D. Power, customer satisfaction scores “decline when customers wait more than three minutes before they’re acknowledged.”

Good customer communication should exist throughout every stage of the repair process. For instance, when customers leave your shop during repairs, have your service advisors give them regular updates. When they come to pick up their vehicles and pay, give them a stress-free check-out process.

It’s on you as the leader of your team to train your players on the essentials of great customer service, like:

  • Greeting customers and checking them in
  • Responding quickly if a customer asks to speak to a higher-up
  • Addressing customers’ frequently asked questions
  • Updating customers on the status of their repairs  
  • Processing customers’ payments and checking them out with minimal hassles

If you were previously a service advisor or technician, speak to your team members about your own experiences and lessons learned having interacted with customers in the past! Your experience in the shop can pay off for the next generation of Auto Repair Professional all-stars.

Need more extensive coaching for your team? You may want to consider hiring an external coach, enrolling your employees in a specialized course, or upgrading their customer communication equipment. There’s an abundance of coaching programs out there focused on all aspects of how to run an auto repair shop.

The Play: Run the Ball Downfield with Tekmessage and Tekmerchant

Tekmessage and Tekmerchant simply the customer communication and checkout processes for your team and your customers.

As we saw with the Job Board, service advisors can quickly see how far along each repair is. Once they have that information, service advisors can then use Tekmetric’s true two-way texting tool, Tekmessage, to update customers. Service advisors can message customers directly from Tekmetric, and the resulting message will show up on customers’ smartphones just like a regular text message. Customers will even be able to respond to that text message just like any other text.

Eventually, when the repair is completed, service advisors can message customers that it’s time to check out. Tekmetric offers a tool, Tekmerchant, for a text-to-pay check-out process. Service advisors can text or email customers their invoices, and customers can pay from wherever they are, using their smartphones, tablets, or computers. They don’t have to wait in line at your shop to hand over their credit card for processing. Instead, they can pay on their own time! If they want to pay while catching the last few minutes of the fourth quarter on a TV in the waiting area, they can do that.

Tekmessage and Tekmerchant aren’t going to interact with your customers for you. Your service advisors still have to exhibit excellent customer service in their interactions. But these two tools facilitate and train their ability to give excellent customer service by minimizing and even eliminating common complications such as dropped calls and broken credit card machines. Combine Tekmessage and Tekmerchant with the world-class customer service you’re already providing, and you’ll jumpstart even more business!

4. Mentor Your Employees to Reach Their Full Potential

No shop owner learns to run a successful shop on their own. Along the way, they got advice from other shop owners and might have even had a mentor by joining an industry coaching group or even forming a connection with a former boss or someone else in the industry.  No matter what form that mentorship took, it helped those shop owners level up and consistently become better at what they do.

You can do the same for your team, empowering them to take greater leaps in their careers. When employees feel supported at work, they’re likely to stay, improving your shop’s employee retention. Long-time employees know your shop well; they’re accustomed to how things run. When it comes to figuring out how to run an auto repair shop, they don’t need as much direction on the field as newer team members.

Keeping team members longer also builds strong camaraderie, creating a cohesive team spirit at your shop. Newer team members start to pick up tricks from employees who have been around a while on how to make the day run smoothly. And, when your team gets along and works together efficiently, you can have peace of mind and turn your focus to making big picture decisions about your shop.

A large part of being a good mentor or coach involves giving useful, actionable feedback to your employees that helps them strengthen their skills and shore up any weaknesses. For example, if you notice that one of your service advisors is hitting super high sales numbers, you can praise them and encourage them to share their tips with their team members. If you notice that one of your technicians is taking slightly longer to complete repairs than their peers, you can pair them up with the fastest technician on your team so they can speed up.

The Play: Give Effective Feedback With Real-Time Reports

Tekmetric measures key areas of your team’s performance, compiling that data into real-time employee reports:

  • The Realtime Service Writer Report shows you the repair order sales and hours associated with each service advisor on your team.
  • The Realtime Technician Report shows you the repair order sales and hours associated with each technician on your team.
  • The Technician Hours Report shows you each technician’s total billed time, total actual time, and car count. Most importantly, this report shows you the total efficiency of each technician and the total efficiency of your tech team.

Each of these reports are customizable by time period. For example, you can review your tech team’s efficiency over the last month or last quarter to build the most effective possible game plan for completing repair work. Got a technician with a lower efficiency score? Pair them up with other mechanics who know how to complete quality work at a fast pace.

Remember to remain empathetic when you’re giving each team member feedback and showing them their stats. Deliver the feedback in a professional manner. Along with pointing out what needs improvement, you should also point out what the employee is doing well. Research has shown that the highest performing teams have a 5.6 to 1 ratio of positive to negative feedback comments.

5. Check In

One of the best practices for how to manage a mechanic shop doesn’t involve any fancy tools or processes. It just comes down to checking in with your team members to see how they’re doing.

You can ask employees, “Hey, how are you?” when you cross paths with them at the shop, regularly host one-on-ones, and organize weekly team huddles. We recommend doing a combination of these types of check-in activities to gauge how your employees are doing. You never know what’s happening with people, and it can be hard for employees to put on their game face when there’s trouble at home. For instance, if you ask an employee, “Hey, how are you doing?” in passing, they might not feel comfortable telling you, “Well, my dog got an ear infection and I’m stressed out” or “My mortgage application got rejected.” In contrast, they might feel comfortable telling you those things in a one-on-one meeting.

Granted, not every employee will be open about what’s going on with them, and that’s ok! You shouldn’t pressure them. What you should do is show them with your actions that if they do want to tell you what’s going on, they can freely do so.

Check-ins will also help you increase employee engagement, growing your shop. When employees feel like they “belong” at work, they’re three-and-a-half times “more likely to contribute to their fullest potential.”

These regular updates will help create a healthier work environment for everyone at your shop, one with mutual respect and understanding. Your team members will know that you’re not just barking plays from the sidelines—you’re taking an active interest in them as individuals.

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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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