Automotive Service Advisors
Career summary
Automotive service advisors conduct administrative and customer relations duties in the service departments of new and used automobile dealerships and large automobile repair shops.Automotive service advisors meet with customers and find out what automotive problems they are having or what services they want done on their vehicle. They may look at the customer's vehicle or go with the customer for a test drive to target problems. They determine the kind of services that are needed and then prepare service orders that outline the work to be done. They make sure orders are written so that the mechanics fully understand and diagnose the problems correctly. If the repair or maintenance work is not covered by a warranty, advisors provide customers with an estimate for the cost and time to do the job. Advisors discuss the recommended services and estimated costs with clients and schedule service appointments. Sometimes vehicles may require extra repairs that were not part of the original order. Then the service advisors call customers, explain the situation, give them estimates for the additional work, and ask for permission to do the work. Advisors also handle customer complaints or concerns and inform customers of other services available to them.
Automotive service advisors may also be called automotive service writers, service advisors, automotive cost estimators, or automobile repair service estimators.
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Related careers
This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Automobile Mechanics
- Automotive Electronics Installers
- Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
- Cost Estimators
- Customer Service Representatives
- Retail Salespeople
- Sales Representatives
Education and training
Educational programs
Currently, there are no accredited training programs available for this occupation.
Training
To work as an automotive service advisor, you must:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- complete on-the-job training;
- have automotive repair experience or training; and
- have excellent interpersonal skills.
Education after high school
No formal education is required beyond high school. However, college course work in automotive mechanics and repair, and sales and marketing are especially helpful.
Work experience
Many automotive service advisors learn their skills through on-the-job training working under experienced advisors or service managers.
Helpful high school courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Auto Repair Technology
- Introduction to Mechanics
- Computer Applications
- Marketing
- Principles of Sales
Some automotive service advisors are self-employed. If you want to run your own automotive repair business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community are here .
Things to know
Automotive service advisors must have good writing, math, reading comprehension, telephone sales, and active listening skills. They must be able to detect when something is wrong or likely to go wrong with customers' vehicles. Service advisors also must have excellent public relations skills and be able to work with customers who may be angry, stressed, or unhappy with the service they received. Knowledge of, or experience or training in, automotive mechanics is a plus.
Most automotive service advisors work at new or used car dealerships. They usually work full time. Some may also work evenings and on Saturdays since most dealerships are open then. They are on their feet much of the day. Advisors may be provided with a uniform by their employer or wear casual business attire. They must be neat and clean in appearance.
Most automotive service advisors are paid on a commission basis. However, those that work for a unionized shop usually receive a salary plus a commission. Those who work at luxury automotive dealerships generally earn the most.
Automotive service advisors with broad knowledge of automotive systems and who keep up to date with changes in the automotive field will increase their chances of being hired.
Licensing/certification
Automotive service advisors must have a current driver's license and a good driving record. Certification in a related automotive field may be helpful.
Other resources
7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300
Bethesda, MD 20814
301.654.6664
AutoCare Careers
Automotive Service Association
8209 Mid Cities Boulevard
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
817.514.2900
8400 Westpark Drive
Tysons, VA 22102
800.252.6232
703.821.7000
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
703.669.6600
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Conventional (Business Operations)
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Conventional/Social/Realistic
COPSystem
- Business Skilled