10 Traits of Successful Automotive Technicians

Working in the automotive industry means having endless opportunities to interact with customers, solve problems, and keep families and their vehicles safe. But, it can also mean grueling work days, stressful situations, and the challenge of keeping up with ever changing technology.   

If you’re interested in an automotive career, it’s important to be aware of what it takes to succeed in the field.  

Our talented technicians each have a unique skill set and personality that help them solve and fix problems day in and day out. However, they all possess these ten traits.

Find out what it takes to be an automotive technician and decide if it’s the right career path for you.

10 Traits of Successful Automotive Technicians

1. Professional

You’ll notice that the first four traits directly align with Virginia Tire & Auto’s values. There’s nothing more important to us than delivering professional service, and we hold our employees to that same standard. Our technicians hold more than 300 ASE certifications combined!

A part from the professional knowledge required to excel in the industry, successful automotive technicians are able to handle any situation calmly and professionally. This proves to customers that you’re taking their problems seriously and providing quality customer service.

Read: 7 Facts About Company Culture at Virginia Tire & Auto

2. Forward-Thinking

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. Technicians not only need to foresee potential technical issues, but should also make an effort to anticipate customer questions before they arise.

At our stores, we continually research emerging technology and automotive trends, and develop new service methods to deliver the best possible results for our customers. Our talented technicians play a large role in this area of development at Virginia Tire & Auto.

3. Genuine

Technicians who are real with customers and treat them like true neighbors are the ones who customers come back to. As a family business, authenticity is at the top of our priority list.

We’ve all been a customer in an industry we don’t understand. Isn’t it refreshing when an employee genuinely wants to help and explain what’s going on? Creating trust and healthy dialogue with customers sets the great automotive technicians a part from the mediocre.

Read: How to Choose a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop

4. Attentive

In the automotive industry, one missed detail could result in further damage and unsafe driving conditions. Technicians must have a keen eye for detail and constantly pay attention to patterns, noises, and changing systems as they work through each day’s tickets.  

5. Patience

Sometimes, needed repairs aren’t obvious and will take some extra digging. The top technicians in our field won’t let that frustrate them or resort to rushing the diagnostic process.

Having patience will also bode well when it comes to customer interaction. Oftentimes, customers are eager to know what’s going on and want answers as fast as possible. It’s imperative that a technician knows how to field questions and be patient with customers as their vehicles are being inspected.

6. Hardworking

This is a no brainer, because being an automotive technician is not an easy job. Did you know that you need at least two years of on-the-job training before you can even sit for your ASEs?

Highly effective automotive technicians will understand how important it is to get the customer’s vehicle in tip top shape as efficiently as possible.

7. Persistence

Cracking a tricky diagnosis in the automotive industry requires persistence.

Henry Portillio, a mechanic at our Cascades location, is a graduate from our Mechanic Apprentice Program. His advice for aspiring mechanics? Never stop studying and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  

Our Apprentice Program Mentors, Jay and Noah, also agree that persistence is a key character trait that sets mechanics apart.

8. Adaptability

As a technician, each day brings about different cars, different problems, and therefore, different solutions. Being able to adapt to these changes is imperative in the automotive industry.

In addition to the variety of mechanical issues that each day presents, remember that every vehicle comes with a different owner. Learning how to interact with a wide variety of customers and personalities is important from a customer service and relationship-building perspective.

9. Creativity

Creativity might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a technician. Julio Argueta, a seasoned mechanic at our Dulles location, believes otherwise.

In an interview we conducted with Julio last year, he reiterated that creativity and problem-solving skills are key to excelling in the industry. Julio started out as a general service technician and worked his way up to become a certified mechanic. He credits out-of-the-box thinking as one of the most important factors that led to his success.  

10. Curiosity

Having an innate desire to learn and grow will give you an advantage in this ever changing industry. That’s why we take continuing education so seriously here at Virginia Tire & Auto.

Our Training Manager in the Learning and Development group, Sarah Price, oversees the Mechanic Apprentice Program here at Virginia Tire & Auto. Investing in employees who are passionate about the industry and willing to learn is one of her main priorities. 

“Being able to grow and develop people who have already committed to us and know our culture is an extremely high priority,” explains Price.

Interested in Becoming an Automotive Technician?

Do any of these characteristics sound like you? We would love to meet you. Apply for one of our careers today and begin your journey in the automotive industry with Virginia Tire & Auto.