Skills You Need To Become A Successful Automotive Service Advisor

Becoming an automotive service advisor: qualifications and tips.

Are you thinking about becoming an automotive service advisor? If you’re wondering what a service advisor does and looking for a job with variety, this could be your career path. Automotive service advisors are trained in both customer service and automobile care, they also play an important role in repair shops and dealerships.

Keep reading to learn about the automotive service advisor profession, including day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, educational requirements, industry certifications, tips for success, and more. 

What is the role of a service advisor?

An automotive service advisor is a professional who helps customers with their automotive needs. Service advisors listen to customers, ask plenty of questions, and document issues regarding the customer’s car. 

You are responsible for maintaining relationships with customers and keeping them updated on the status of their vehicle repairs. Essentially, you are there to answer any questions or concerns that may arise and recommend the best products and services to customers. You also work with automotive service technicians to ensure that the repairs are completed promptly and efficiently. By performing these duties, you play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction.

1. The customer relationship: maintaining rapport and keeping customers updated

Your responsibilities include greeting customers, reviewing their repair needs, providing estimates, scheduling repairs, and following up after the repair is complete. You will also need to keep abreast of new products and services the dealership offers so that you can sell them to customers. In addition, you may be responsible for handling customer complaints and coordinating warranty repairs.

The customer relationship is key in this role. You will need to be friendly and personable to build rapport with customers. It is also important to be able to listen to their needs and understand their concerns. Customers should feel like they can trust you and that you have their best interests at heart.

2. Working with service technicians: ensuring repairs are completed efficiently

Working with technicians is another important aspect of the automotive service advisor role. You will need to make sure that repairs are scheduled in a timely manner and that customers are kept updated on the status of their repairs. In addition, you will need to ensure that the repairs are completed efficiently and effectively. By doing so, you will help to ensure customer satisfaction.

3. The importance of the customer satisfaction

The automotive service advisor plays a crucial role in customer satisfaction. By maintaining good relationships with customers and working with technicians to ensure repairs are completed efficiently, you can help to ensure that customers are happy with their experience at the dealership. In turn, this can lead to repeat business and referrals.

What do you need to know as an automotive service advisor?

Great customer service skills are essential in this role. You need to be able to effectively communicate with customers and understand their needs.

You should have good selling skills and be able to sell customers on your dealership’s services and products. Additionally, it can help automotive service advisors to have a good working knowledge of vehicles. This will allow you to better advise customers on the services and repairs their vehicles may need.

What does a service advisor do?

The main duty is to provide exceptional service and sell repairs and maintenance services to customers. They liaise between the customer and automotive service technicians to ensure that the work is carried out to the customer’s satisfaction. Scheduling service appointments to make sure customers ask for them on the next scheduled maintenance. Other service advisor job descriptions and duties include:

• Greet customers upon arrival
• Listen and document customer concerns and requests
• Record accurate repair descriptions
• Advise customers on additional services and repairs their vehicles may need
• Estimating costs for repairs or maintenance service
• Handle customer queries and complaints
• Upsell additional services and products
• Verify vehicle warranty information
• Consult with service technicians:
  • Regarding customer requested repairs
  • Additional repairs found (if any)
  • Alternative solutions to reduce repair expense
  • Benefits to the customer if they complete the repair
• Liaise with automotive technicians about parts ordering and ensuring parts are available
• Conducting inspections upon completion of repairs
• Ensure all services are performed and costs match the original estimate
• Call customers to advise them about service repair changes or vehicle pick-up times
• Answer questions about service outcomes and future repair concerns
• Process repair order payments
• Maintain positive customer relationship during the service visit to ensure repeat business
• Follow-up with customers to ensure they are satisfied with the repairs
• Scheduling appointments:
  • Schedule the customers next service appointment
  • Follow-up and book appointments for previously declined service repairs
• Keeping up to date with changes in products and services

How hard is it to be an automotive service advisor?

It can be difficult to be an automotive service advisor, as there is a lot of responsibility that comes with the job. It is important to be able to effectively communicate with customers, as well as have knowledge about automotive care. In order to be a successful automotive service advisor, you need strong sales skills and the ability to build rapport with customers. You should be able to upsell services and explain complex technical information in a way that is easy for customers to understand.

Being personable and friendly is also important, as customers will be more likely to return if they feel like they are being treated well. Additionally, time management skills are important in order to keep the repair shop or dealership running smoothly. However, it can also be a rewarding career with the right skills and attitude.

Who does a service advisor work with?

A service advisor works with customers to understand their vehicle needs and concerns on a daily basis. Advisors also work with mechanics, shop foreman, and the parts department to ensure the customer’s vehicle receives the required services.

They also work with upper management to discuss potential or problematic issues with customer repair orders. That is why you need excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

How much do service advisors make?

New service writers start earning a good income just after their third or fourth month. The average annual salary for many service advisors in North America is $54,000. Automotive service consultants at car dealerships can earn up to $100,000 per year. However, if you are just starting out as an automotive service advisor, you can expect to earn an average of $42,000 to $62,000 annually (base pay and bonus combined).

• Estimated Annual Service Advisors Base Pay: $29,000 – $61,000
• Average Annual Service Advisors Base Pay: $42,000
• Estimated Annual Service Advisors Bonus Pay: $7,500 – $42,000
• Average Annual Service Advisors Bonus Pay: $17,600
• Combined Average Annual Service Advisors Earnings: $59,600

Can I get a job at a car dealership and advance my career?

Students can gain employment at car dealerships or an independent garage. With enough experience and time, service consultants have the exciting opportunities of moving up to a higher-level position such as Service Manager or Fixed Operations Manager and go on to earn $160,000 or more annually without a secondary education such as a college degree or associate’s degree.

How do I become an automotive service advisor?

Automotive service writers and advisors typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. Generally, employers prefer individuals with prior customer service advisor experience, but what if you do not have experience? That’s not a problem. Aspiring service advisors can take the Service Advisor Training course, which is ideal for entry-level service advisors or consultants. You’ll earn a certificate of achievement to show your next employer that you are employment-ready.

Service Drive Automotive Training’s online Automotive Service Advisor Essentials Course Certificate Program is a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for all the practical skills they will need to become a successful automotive service consultant. This program provides employment-ready and comprehensively-trained graduates to work at any automotive dealership or an independent garage. Students are well prepared to enter the automotive field with detailed training on terminology, communication, soft skills, and daily advisor workflow procedures. 

What skills do you need to be a service advisor?

Automotive service consultants need to have excellent communication, possess good people skills, and a strong work ethic. With these qualities, you can be successful in this important role. The skills you need to succeed:

• Strong communication skills and customer service skills
• The ability to sell services and products
• Good working knowledge of vehicles and how they work
• The ability to use initiative and solve problems
• Able to multi-task
• Good organizational skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Good computer skills
• Quick to learn automotive technology or lingo

You should also have a good working knowledge of vehicles and their components, but you can learn all this by enrolling in a service advisor training course.

How do I become a good service advisor?

In order to be successful in this role, one must have excellent customer service skills, be able to multitask and keep organized, and have knowledge about the automotive industry. Great service advisors build relationships with their customers and work to keep them coming back for future services.

Most service advisors are a pro at what they do, and that’s because they have excellent customer service soft-skills. If you have these skills and attributes, that’s fantastic because you have what it takes to succeed as an automotive service consultant!

Is a service advisor a stressful job?

Yes, stress is common at a car dealership, but it is important to remember that the job can be very rewarding. Service advisors need to be able to manage customer expectations, empathize with them, and stay calm under pressure.

Managing stress in a fast-paced work environment can be difficult. When there is a lot of stress, it can be hard for you to perform at your best. Stress can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue, and it can also cause emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Stress management can be difficult, but it is important to learn how to manage stress by listening to your body. The ways you manage your stress at work can have a significant impact on whether you feel burned out or fulfilled. However, there are ways to manage stress at work. One way to manage stress is to look at it as a positive thing. You can change your mindset from one of stress or fear to one of excitement and productivity.

Another way to reduce stress is to take a break from work. Take a break from work early in the day, and you will be able to feel refreshed and ready to work again. Another strategy to manage stress at work is to be mindful of your conversation with someone. You should keep your conversations positive and productive. However, if you find yourself having a negative conversation, try to take a break and talk to someone who is positive and supportive. Another way to manage stress is to take care of your physical body. Make sure to eat a healthy diet and exercise. If you’re taking a break from work, try to exercise or take a short walk every day. To manage your stress at work, try these five things:

1. Take breaks.
2. Take a short walk.
3. Listen to your body.
4. Talk to a trusted colleague.
5. Find a mentor.

What hours do service advisors work?

The hours for service advisor vary depending on the garage or dealership they work for. However, they all have one thing in common, and that’s having to work from opening until closing full-time. So, if you are looking to work remotely, then the service advisor position is not for you. The reason why you are expected to work long hours at many car dealerships or garages is because you need to be at the shop when your customer returns at the end of the day to answer any questions they may have, ensure they are satisfied with the work performed, and to schedule their next service appointment.

As mentioned earlier the work hours depend on the individual shop, service advisor typically works Monday to Friday with no weekends or with alternating weekends. Minimum of 45 hours and up to 60+ hours each week. The hours are long, but the work is rewarded with great pay. You are expected to be available to work the following hours:

• Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

How do I become an effective automotive service advisor?

To become an effective service advisor, you will need to develop certain skills. Great communication skills come first and foremost, you must be able to communicate effectively with customers. This means listening to their concerns and explaining complex technical information in a way they can understand. You will also need strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and maintain customer relationships. Furthermore, it is important that you be able to stay organized and keep track of multiple tasks at a time. Time management skills will also be critical in this role. Finally, it is also helpful if you have some knowledge of the automotive industry and understand the basics of car maintenance and repair.

You can develop these skills with the online automotive service advisor training course, where you can be well on your way to becoming a successful service consultant.

How can a service advisor sell more services?

There are a few key things that you can do to sell more services:

1. Build rapport and relationships with customers – This is the key to selling more. If you have a good relationship with your customers, they will trust you and be likelier to listen to your recommendations.

2. Make sure customers understand the benefits of the services you’re recommending – Customers need to see the value in what you’re selling. Take the time to explain how a particular service will benefit them and make their life easier.

3. Does your shop offer bundled discounts and specials? – Everyone loves a good deal! Offering to bundle services or specials can entice customers to buy more from you.

4. Upsell – This is a common sales technique in which you suggest a higher-priced product or service to customers who are already interested in what you’re selling. For example, if a customer is getting their oil changed, you could also upsell them on getting their tires rotated.

How long is the online automotive service advisor training program?

You can complete the Automotive Service Advisor Essentials Course​ in as little as 10 hours. It explains everything you need to know to start your automotive service industry career quickly. The online advisor course is great for entry-level employment, and you do not need to be an engineering expertise to graduate! You will learn the following advisor skills:

• Step-by-step customer meet and greet & walkaround process
• Vehicle maintenance, warranty, & repairs explained
• Service maintenance items and value selling strategies explained
• Effective sales techniques to sell more multi-point inspection repairs
• Understand how to become an active listener & ask open-ended questions
• Easy to follow automotive service advisor’s daily workflow guide
• Top three sales closing techniques with sample scripts
• Best tips to avoid common service advisor pitfalls
• Learn how to measure monthly performance with KPI formulas
• Earn a service consultant certificate of achievement in less than 10 hours

Who should take the service advisor course?

• Inexperienced Individuals
• Existing Service Advisors
• Existing Dealership Employees
• Anyone Who Loves Cars
• Enjoys Talking To People
• Wants To Work In Sales

What are the educational requirements?

• No previous service experience or automotive knowledge is required.
• Everything in this course is made as simple as possible and is for anyone with limited or no prior knowledge of the automotive industry.

Downloadable resources include:

• 7 Service advisor product knowledge cross-selling guides
• 4 Service advisor daily workflow quick reference guides
• 20 Automotive advisor phone scripts for service customers
• Certificate of Achievement to show hiring managers

Whether you work at car dealerships or garages, you can sell more services and increase your earnings with these tips. If you want to learn more about how to sell as an automotive service consultant, start honing your customer service skills and brush up on your automotive knowledge enroll in the online automotive service advisor training course today!