It’s a well-known fact in the auto-repair world that summer is the busiest time of the year. As the weather heats up and families start going on road-trips, more and more drivers bring their vehicles into the shop for maintenance.
Service advisors are an integral part of running your shop.
Not only do they have to greet every customer and learn what they need, but they also need to connect a lot of moving parts, whether that means sending repair orders to guests, making sure they’re getting approved, coordinating with technicians, or literally tracking down parts for repairs. that service advisors keep a cool head.
Making sure every job makes it through the repair process without fault while providing guests with kind and diligent service can be tough, but there are tools and habits that can make the job a breeze.
Here are a few actionable tactics you can start using immediately at your shop so service advisors can stay brisk in spite of the heat.
Get to Know Your Guests & Their Vehicles
When it comes to guests, the mileage may vary. Some guests are easier to work with than others. Some will throw you the keys and approve whatever work needs to be done. Others will only approve a small amount of work and call every few minutes to check on the job.
Service advisors may not be able to directly change how guests behave, but we are able to know what to expect. Customer notes are a great way for service advisors to know the attitudes, behaviors, and preferences of each individual guest. Taking detailed notes and checking them before or during a customer interaction can make it easier to work with even with the most difficult clients.
Leverage Your Shop's Information
In addition to customer notes, some shop management solutions offer customer metrics and other tools that help service advisors know even more about their customers.
1. Use Lifetime Stats: Percent Close Ratio
Shop management systems like Tekmetric can actually show you the lifetime stats of a customer, including how much they’ve spent at your garage and the percent of repairs they close on. Knowing the guest’s percent close ratio can help you know how much time you should spend attempting to sell a customer on jobs, especially when the shop gets busy.
2. Shared Customer History
CARFAX vehicle reports can also tell you a lot about the customer. For instance, if it says that the customer brings their vehicle in every 5,000 miles, they probably care about keeping their vehicle maintained and are more likely to approve work.
Master Your Workflow
When it comes to service advising, you have to be able to flow quickly between talking to guests, assembling repair orders, authorizing repair orders, working with technicians, ordering parts, answering the phone, and receiving payments.
It’s a lot to keep track of! Leveraging a digital job-board, or shop dashboard is probably the best way for service advisors to keep track of all the responsibilities they have to juggle.
A good shop dashboard will show you the status of every vehicle in the repair order process and send alerts to technicians, parts suppliers, and even the guest when it’s their turn to take action.
Repair order sent? The guest should get an alert to approve.
Did the part arrive? The technician should be alerted so they can get to work.
If your guest is in a hurry, you may want to make a note on their job in the shop dashboard and set the right expectation.
By glancing at the dashboard and seeing that you have a number of cars being worked on, are waiting on several parts, and have more cars in the queue, you should be able to let the guest know that they’re going to have to wait at least a couple of hours.
But if things are less busy, you can leave a note so that the technicians can be mindful that the guest needs to be somewhere, especially if their notes indicate that they’re a loyal, well-paying customer.
The Secret Lies in Good Shop Management Procedures
Shop management systems are a fundamental tool for service advisors, and a good one will allow you to easily take customer notes, track the repair process, and be an excellent service advisor.
Especially this summer when there’s a pandemic, a shop management system with text and email repair order approval and text-to-pay options will make offering curbside service simple and easy.
Make sure that you have the tools to get the job done, and have trained your service advisors before the heat kicks in.
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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 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:
Enright Auto - for new tools and repair techniques
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:
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.
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.
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.
Thought Leadership
Automotive Mechanic Certifications: The Complete Guide
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.
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?
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.
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