7 TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL AUTO TECHNICIAN

Automotive technicians diagnose and solve problems, test parts and systems, and interact with customers on a daily basis. This can be an exciting career path with some opportunities for advancement. Just like any career, however, it comes with its own set of unique challenges that requires technicians to have a specific set of skills.

If you’re interested in becoming an automotive technician, it’s important to understand what it takes to succeed in the field. Here at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), we’ve found that some of the most successful technicians share similar traits that help them to do their job well.

Read along as we share seven common automotive mechanic skills so you can determine if this is the right career path for you.

Passionate

First and foremost, it’s important for automotive technicians to have a passion for cars. Many technicians develop this interest at a young age and pursue it throughout their teen and adult years, eventually turning it into a career.

Technicians work on and around cars all day, every day. Whether they’re using computerized diagnostic equipment to identify a problem, completing an oil change or explaining a repair to a customer, day-to-day life revolves around cars and the components that make them run.

For many technicians, their love for cars extends beyond a career — it’s a lifestyle. Automotive instructor Kevin Carrier is a perfect example of this. By day he’s an instructor at our campus in in Mooresville, North Carolina, and during his downtime he can be found tinkering in his garage with his car collection that includes his 1970 Chevelle and Honda Trail 70. The passion he has for the industry fuels both his career and his hobby.

Technical Aptitude

Today’s vehicles are more complex than ever! Just about everything from the transmission to the steering is controlled by a computer. In addition to being able to work with your hands, modern-day technicians must understand the electronics systems used to diagnose problems in vehicles of different makes and sizes. Today, the required skills for an automotive technician goes far beyond being able to turn a wrench — their work is much more intricate and complex.

Technicians who train using modern tools and technology understand the importance of continued education. The automotive industry will continue to evolve due to changes in technology, which means technicians must be forward-thinking. The most successful techs have an innate desire to learn and will invest in themselves to gain new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve.

Math Skills

Technicians use math daily while repairing automobiles. From determining the size of the wrench they need to loosen a bolt to calculating torque, horsepower, and engine size and displacement, it’s important for technicians to have familiarity with numbers.

Math skills are also an essential automotive mechanic skill because they help ensure precision and accuracy. Mechanics use measurements and conversions frequently, whether they're aligning tires, adjusting brake pressure or calibrating fuel ratios. Math even helps them troubleshoot electrical systems, calculate voltage and interpret diagnostic data from computer systems. A solid foundation in math allows techs to work more efficiently, minimizing errors and improving safety for themselves and their customers.

Persistence

Pursuing a career in the automotive industry requires great persistence. No matter how challenging a repair may be, a successful auto technician won’t give up until it’s complete. They won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!

Technicians understand the importance of their role, and they’ll do what it takes to get the job done, whether this involves calling on a trusted adviser or taking apart an engine to figure out what’s wrong. They have a can-do attitude and possess incredible problem-solving skills. New challenges bring variety, which is what many automotive technicians enjoy about their career.

Adaptability

The life of an automotive technician is anything but mundane. On any given day, you could be working on a variety of cars in a fast-paced environment. This career requires techs to adapt to their surroundings and always stay on their toes as they test, diagnose and repair vehicles.

In addition to the mechanical challenges each day brings, technicians must have the ability to connect with their customers and peers. Knowing how to interact with different personalities, even when challenges arise, is an automotive mechanic trait imperative to a successful career.

Professionalism

Demonstrating professionalism is important in any career, since it impacts the company’s reputation, morale and success. In the automotive industry, professionalism allows operations to run smoothly behind the scenes and in interactions with customers.

Having industry knowledge, being ASE certified, showing respect to coworkers and customers, taking pride in your work, and handling challenging situations calmly are all examples of showing professionalism in the workplace. Technicians who have these qualities are often the ones who receive recurring business, referrals from customers and catch the eyes of employers.

Additionally, technicians who show professionalism may be more likely to be considered for job advancement. According to Kurt Steger, General Manager of Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater, “There are general managers, vice presidents, and many people in our organization and other dealerships throughout the country that were at one point turning a wrench in a shop.”⁶ Showing professionalism can go a long way in this industry!

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are another crucial automotive technician trait. When first starting out in the field, technicians will often go through training or complete an apprenticeship to learn the ins and outs of the job. Having the ability to listen and build strong relationships with employers and mentors can help improve automotive technician skills and can lead to opportunities down the road.

On the job, technicians interact with co-workers, their leadership and customers every day. Effective communication is vital in all of these relationships, and without it a technician’s job can become much more difficult. Additionally, technicians who oversee a team must have strong leadership skills and the ability to train, encourage and motivate to bring out the strengths in others.

Train to Become an Automotive Technician

Becoming an automotive technician can open the door to a fulfilling and dynamic career. At UTI, you’ll gain hands-on training using current tools and technology, including those used to service hybrid and electric vehicles, preparing you for roles in the automotive industry in less than a year!⁷

Plus, UTI’s relationships with leading manufacturers offer students unique opportunities to build a specialized automotive mechanic skillsets. If you're passionate about cars and want to pursue a career to be proud of, now could be the perfect time to start.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects total auto technician employment is to exceed 815,000 by 2033!⁴⁷ Visit our Automotive Technology program page to learn more.