[Infographic] 5 Qualities of a Top Mechanic

A typical day at the shop for an auto mechanic can involve a wide range of tasks, challenges, and interactions—some of them unexpected. It’s a fulfilling career where you can solve problems, help people, and find purpose. As a mechanic, your value increases over time as you continue to learn and build experience in the field. To be a great mechanic and find job satisfaction, it’s important to strive to be the best version of yourself. From customer service to resourcefulness, your skills will carry you to the next level and help you reach your career goals.

After automotive school, you will continue to meet inspiring people and encounter new obstacles that will provide learning opportunities. Check out these personality traits and skills that make auto mechanics exceptional employees, business owners, and colleagues. You may be surprised at how many of these qualities you already possess!

5 Qualities of a Top Mechanic

Customer Service Skills

Drivers aren’t just looking for problem-solving, but also:

• Warm greetings
• Professionalism
• Trust

Did you know? Superior after-sales service is one of the most important success factors for businesses in the auto mechanics industry.

Honesty

Great ethics will build a trusting relationship with customers.

Show that you are honest and fair by:

• Helping customers keep their cars in good condition
• Offering helpful warnings, advice, and tips
• Answering questions openly and honestly
• Treating customers fairly
• Ensuring customers understand problems and solutions
• Never cutting corners or overcharging

Resourcefulness

Unexpected problems pop up, even if vehicles were brought in for different reasons.

Did you know? The average age of vehicles is increasing and causing more demand for routine repairs in Canada.

Here are some of the ways you can use your resourcefulness:

• When not equipped for a repair, recommend other technicians in your network
• Call on advisors for information
• Patiently investigate tricky issues
• Use creative solutions

Fun fact: When the Model T came onto the scene, only its builders and designers knew how to fix it—bicycle mechanics and machinists were forced to improvise.

Curiosity

Knowledge and curiosity keep you learning and growing.

Mechanics who are always learning are better equipped to:

• Use their training and expand upon their knowledge base
• Demonstrate value
• Troubleshoot problems they haven’t seen before
• Gather information to be better equipped for the future
• Be familiar with electrical systems, fuel systems, technology, and diagnostics

Fun fact: Standardized car parts began in the 1910s and 1920s, making car repair easier and more accessible.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills help with things like efficiency and accuracy.

• Identify problems quickly
• Deal with technical issues
• Tackle interpersonal issues to maintain good rapport
• Diagnose car problems using sound, visuals, and experience

Did you know? The average car has over 30,000 parts!