How to Be Automotive Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 29, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The automotive industry is constantly evolving, making it necessary for automotive inspectors to stay up to date on the latest advancements in technology and safety. As a result, automotive inspectors must be well versed in the latest inspection techniques and safety protocols. they must have a thorough understanding of the different components of a vehicle, from the engine to the brakes and steering systems.

With this knowledge, automotive inspectors can ensure vehicles are performing optimally and are safe to drive. Furthermore, automotive inspectors must be able to communicate effectively with mechanics, technicians, and car owners, in order to explain the necessary repairs and provide clear instructions. Finally, automotive inspectors must be detail-oriented and able to make accurate assessments in order to properly inspect vehicles.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. Most employers require automotive inspectors to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those who wish to pursue a career in this field should concentrate on classes that focus on automotive mechanics and technology.
Obtain Certification. Automotive inspectors must become certified by their state. The requirements for certification vary by state, but may include passing a written exam, completing coursework, and/or having a certain amount of experience as an automotive technician.
Gain Experience. Automotive inspectors should have a substantial amount of experience working as an automotive technician. They should be knowledgeable in auto repair, maintenance, and safety inspections. Experience will help candidates pass the certification exam and demonstrate their skills to employers.
Obtain Specialized Training. Employers often require automotive inspectors to receive specialized training from manufacturers or trade organizations. This training helps automotive inspectors stay up-to-date on the latest technology and procedures for inspecting cars.
Get Employed. After earning their certification, automotive inspectors are ready to find employment with dealerships, garages, and other automotive repair businesses. Many employers prefer technicians who have experience working in the field and have taken specialized training courses.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as an Automotive Inspector, one must continue to stay up-to-date on industry trends, advances in technology, and new regulations. Keeping up with best practices and continuing education is essential to staying ahead of the competition. By staying informed and knowledgeable on current automotive trends, technicians can ensure they are providing the best possible service to their clients.

Furthermore, having a certification or license from a recognized automotive inspection body is a great way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. Finally, networking with other professionals in the industry can help an Automotive Inspector stay informed on the latest developments and help them build strong relationships with other professionals in the field. By following these steps, an Automotive Inspector can stay ahead and qualified in the automotive industry.

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Job Description

Automotive Inspector: Inspects, tests, and adjusts new and used vehicles to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
Vehicle Diagnostician: Diagnoses vehicle problems using specialized computer diagnostic equipment.
Vehicle Mechanic: Performs maintenance and repairs on vehicles, including engine repairs, brake repairs, electrical repairs, and other mechanical issues.
Automotive Technician: Performs routine maintenance and repairs on vehicles, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other general services.
Automotive Painter: Prepares and paints vehicles to meet customer expectations.
Automotive Upholsterer: Reupholsters or repairs vehicle interiors and upholstery.
Automotive Electrical Technician: Troubleshoots and repairs vehicle electrical systems.
Automotive Body Technician: Repairs, replaces, and refinishes vehicle body panels.
Automotive Parts Specialist: Identifies and orders parts for vehicles in need of repair.
Automotive Quality Control Technician: Tests vehicles to ensure they meet quality standards before being sold or leased.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of automotive systems and components
Knowledge of automotive inspection protocols and standards
Ability to inspect and diagnose a variety of mechanical and electrical automotive systems
Ability to identify safety hazards and malfunctions
Ability to use special tools, such as micrometers, calipers, and pressure gauges
Ability to accurately record inspection results
Excellent communication skills
Attention to detail
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and under pressure

Being an automotive inspector requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail is essential, as it is necessary to closely examine the condition of a vehicle in order to properly identify any mechanical issues, safety concerns, or aesthetic defects. An automotive inspector must be able to identify problems, identify and suggest solutions, and record the findings accurately.

Problem-solving skills are also important, as the inspector must be able to determine the cause and effect of any issues that are found. They must also have a good understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, so they can identify when a vehicle has been modified or altered in an unapproved manner. Furthermore, interpersonal skills are crucial for communicating with customers and other professionals, as well as for providing clear and accurate reports.

All these skills together make a successful automotive inspector.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in automotive inspection?
What safety protocols do you use when conducting an automotive inspection?
What tools and instruments do you typically use to inspect cars?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies in car inspection?
How do you identify and diagnose potential issues with a car?
Describe a time you identified an issue with a car that was not on the initial inspection list.
In what ways have you improved or streamlined automotive inspection processes?
How do you ensure accuracy and thoroughness during an automotive inspection?
How do you handle difficult conversations with customers who are dissatisfied with the results of an inspection?
What techniques do you use to keep yourself organized and on task during an automotive inspection?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. Used to measure the internal and external dimensions of an auto part, such as the diameter of a cylinder or the thickness of a brake pad (eg: measuring the depth of a brake rotor).
Borescope. Used to examine the interior of an engine or other components. It can detect signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, and other defects (eg: inspecting a cylinder head for cracked valves).
Oscilloscope. Used to measure electrical signals from sensors and other components (eg: checking the voltage output from a mass airflow sensor).
Vacuum Tester. Used to test for leaks in the fuel, exhaust, and other systems (eg: testing an exhaust manifold for vacuum leaks).
Multimeter. Used to measure current, voltage, and resistance in electrical circuits (eg: testing the power draw of an electric motor).
Infrared Thermometer. Used to measure the temperature of surfaces on an engine or other components (eg: checking the temperature of a catalytic converter).
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge. Used to measure the thickness of metal components (eg: measuring the wall thickness of a cylinder head).
Compression Tester. Used to measure the compression of each cylinder in an engine (eg: testing the compression in a 4-cylinder engine).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA)
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Association of global Automakers (AGA)
Automotive Women's Alliance (AWA)
International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA)
Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA)

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Common Important Terms

Vehicle Diagnostics. A process of using diagnostic equipment and software to identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues related to a vehicles mechanical, electrical, and computer systems.
OBD-II. On-Board Diagnostics II is a standardized system for onboard vehicle diagnostics that allows technicians to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from a vehicle's computer.
Emissions Testing. A process of testing a vehicles exhaust system and emissions system to ensure that it meets the environmental requirements of a particular region.
Pre-Purchase Inspections. An inspection of a vehicle before it is purchased, to check for any potential problems or issues.
Safety Inspections. An inspection of a vehicle to ensure that it meets all safety requirements and regulations.
Maintenance Inspections. An inspection of a vehicle to ensure that all components are functioning properly and that all necessary maintenance tasks have been performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an Automotive Inspector?

Automotive Inspectors typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and knowledge of mechanical systems, as well as knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations.

What tools are used by Automotive Inspectors?

Automotive Inspectors typically use a variety of tools to inspect vehicles, including but not limited to: diagnostic scanners, calipers, multimeters, gauges, scopes, and engine analyzers.

How often do Automotive Inspectors inspect vehicles?

Automotive Inspectors typically inspect vehicles on a regular basis, depending on the type of inspection being conducted. For example, safety inspections may be conducted on a monthly or yearly basis.

What is the job outlook for Automotive Inspectors?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Automotive Inspectors is expected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029.

What type of salary can Automotive Inspectors expect to earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Automotive Inspectors was $45,500 in 2019.

Web Resources

Automotive Inspection Training | Northampton Community College www.northampton.edu
Automotive Inspections - Workforce Development / Continuing www.alamancecc.edu
Automotive Safety Inspector (Maryland) - Community College of www.ccbcmd.edu