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Auto Service Advisors inspect and test automobiles, vans, and trucks to determine the need for and cost of repairs. They also supervise workers in the service department of an automobile dealership or in an auto repair shop.

JOB DUTIES 

Auto-Repair-Service Estimators may:

Discuss problems with customers to help determine the nature of the trouble

Prepare repair orders for routine service

Test drive customers' cars to experience the problem

Write a description of the problem on the repair order to help the mechanic locate the trouble

Estimate repair costs

Explain to customers what repairs are required, the cost, and the length of time necessary to complete the repairs

Give the repair orders to mechanics so that the work can be done

Test drive the repaired car to make sure that it runs properly

Answer questions and settle complaints about the work or cost

Refer dissatisfied customers to the Service Manager

Understand and implement manufacturers' warranty policies

Service Managers may:

Assist sales workers in handling customers' service complaints

Hire, promote, transfer, and discharge workers

Supervise the testing of new equipment and recommend to purchase or reject the equipment

Determine work standards and evaluate employees' work

Handle warranty repair claims

The tools and equipment used include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Automobile Service Advisors may specialize in these areas:

620.261-018 AUTOMOBILE-REPAIR-SERVICE ESTIMATORS inspect and test automobiles and trucks to determine the need for and cost of repairs.

185.167-058 SERVICE MANAGERS coordinate the activities of workers in automotive service or repair shops.

185.167-074 AUTO SPECIALTY SERVICES MANAGERS coordinate the activities of workers in establishments which specialize in one type of repair, such as engine tune-up, front-end alignment, or muffler installation.

Generally, Auto-Repair-Service Estimator and Service Manager are considered two separate jobs, but, in some cases, one person may perform both functions.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Auto Service Advisors work closely with customers and other service department workers. Service Managers supervise all workers in the service department. Service Advisors may schedule the repair work for mechanics and other service department workers.

They work in auto service departments that are generally well lighted and ventilated to protect workers from auto exhaust fumes. They may work in areas that are hot in summer and cold in winter. Service Estimators spend much of their time standing, but the work is not strenuous. They may have to go outdoors in all kinds of weather to inspect customers' cars. They can expect busy times in the morning when most customers bring in their cars and in late afternoon when they pick them up. Service Managers may have their own offices or may work from a desk in the service area. Both Service Estimators and Service Managers must occasionally deal with dissatisfied customers.

Most Service Advisors work 40-48 hours a week. Most auto dealership service departments are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some are also open for at least part of the day on Saturday. Auto repair shops and auto accessories sales and service may have evening hours and be open all day on Saturdays. Service Advisors working in establishments that have long hours generally work shifts or rotate their working hours.

Service Managers are usually not represented by unions. A union which represents Auto Service Estimators is The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities involving use of special methods (estimating repair costs)

• Activities involving a variety of duties

You Should Be Able To:

• Keep informed of manufacturers' new developments

• Plan, direct, and control the activities of others

• Deal with all types of people

• Rate information by personal judgment/standards that can be measured

• Perform math operations quickly and accurately

• Communicate well with customers and workers

• See details and recognize errors in written material

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the repair bill on a certain car is $120, what is the total bill including the 6% sales tax?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Battery efficiency decreases as temperatures fall, because the chemical process necessary for the production of electrical current is retarded.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining what repairs have to be done so the mechanics can complete them.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at the symptoms of the problem and then decide the best way to fix it.

Most employers prefer applicants for Service Advisor trainee positions who are at least 21 years old. Employers usually require that applicants have some work experience in automobile repair or related activities. Some firms hire only highly experienced mechanics for Service Advisor or Service Manager jobs. Employers prefer an applicant who has a valid driver's license.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a high school diploma or equivalent; a high school diploma with specific Vocational Education classes; a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

042 AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Body Repair prepare students to repair or replace fenders and other body parts of automobiles. Instruction includes body preparation for painting and finishing.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

043 AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Mechanics prepare students to repair and maintain all types of automobiles. Instruction includes diagnosing problems and repairing engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, and brake systems. Instruction also includes adjusting and repairing individual components such as radiators, transmissions and carburetors.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

016 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Automotive Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment repairing and maintaining cars, trucks, and buses. Individuals who teach Automotive Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

   Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

  E-Learning Courses and Programs   

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer or part-time work as a helper in a repair shop or service department will provide an opportunity to observe and work with Service Estimators and Managers. Secondary vocational education in auto body repair, auto mechanics, or transportation service technology, as well as postsecondary programs in automotive technology offer practical experience.

Entry into Service Advisor positions usually comes through promotion from auto mechanic or other service department jobs. Entry level jobs, such as mechanic trainee, are usually obtained through direct application to employers. Positions for both entry and qualified levels might be listed in newspaper want ads, union offices, or a local office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

You should enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Auto Service Advisors' wages depend on size of the establishment, the geographic location, and whether or not Advisors receive commissions. Many Advisors are paid a salary plus commission. If you are a manager or sales/service writer, highest wages can be attained at car dealerships.

According to a survey of dealerships across the country in late 1998 Service Managers were paid an average of $55,944. Auto service advisors, sometime called sales service write-up personnel, earned an average of $36,634 per year. Employees frequently received bonuses in addition to their salaries.

In Michigan auto dealerships, in the North Central area which includes Michigan, Service Managers were paid average annual earnings (including commissions, etc.) of $53,519 in late 1998. Service Write-Up/Advisors were paid an average of $33,733. Auto-Repair Service Advisors may receive approximately from 1% to 5% of the value of the customer-paid orders they wrote and/or 2% of their warranty write-ups. These base and commission rates can vary widely from one dealership to another.

Depending on the employer, Service Advisors may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, dental, disability, and hospitalization insurance; pension plans; sick leave; and uniforms. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Auto Service Advisors usually start out as trainees. Some attend formal training programs offered by automobile manufacturers. Advancement to Service Manager is possible for workers with experience and supervisory ability. Service Managers sometimes advance to manufacturer's service representative or general manager of a dealership.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 61,800 Auto Service Advisors and auto service department managers employed in 1996. Employment of blue collar supervisors such as Service Advisors and Service Managers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006.

There are more than 1,975 Auto Service Advisors employed in Michigan. Most Auto Service Advisors in Michigan worked in the retail trade industry in auto dealerships, in service departments of large retail stores, and service departments of some large tire and auto accessories dealers. Some Advisors worked in the services industry in large automobile repair shops.

The best opportunities for Service Estimators and Managers will be found in large dealerships in metropolitan areas. Auto dealerships are putting more emphasis into having good service departments. This emphasis will have a beneficial effect on the hiring of Auto Service Advisors.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Auto Service Advisor can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development