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

Feb 8, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Automotive Performance Technician is an essential role within the automotive industry, responsible for tuning and modifying engines to improve their performance. This technician must have a comprehensive knowledge of engine systems, components, and performance modifications to achieve the desired results. Proper maintenance and accurate diagnosis of engine issues is paramount to success in this role.

the performance technician must be familiar with the latest computer software and tuning applications to ensure the most effective modifications are being implemented. The technician's work can have a significant impact on an engine's horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and emissions levels, ultimately leading to improved vehicle performance and drivability.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most high schools offer courses in auto repair and general mechanics that can provide a good foundation for a career as an automotive performance technician.
Take post-secondary courses in automotive technology or mechanics. Many community colleges offer courses or certificates in automotive technology or mechanics. These courses provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to work on high-performance vehicles.
Look for an apprenticeship or internship. Many automotive performance shops offer apprenticeship programs that allow aspiring technicians to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Obtain ASE certification. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers certifications in several areas of automotive repair, including engine performance, brakes, and electrical systems. Obtaining ASE certification is one way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to employers.
Consider specializing in a certain type of vehicle. Acquiring additional certifications in specific makes and models of cars can help you stand out from other technicians and make you more marketable to employers.
Keep up with changing technology. High-performance vehicles use sophisticated computer systems and the technology is constantly evolving. Automotive performance technicians must keep up with these changes by reading automotive magazines and attending workshops and seminars.

Having the right skills and knowledge is essential for an automotive performance technician to be efficient and successful in their work. A technician needs to understand the principles of engine operation, be familiar with a wide range of diagnostic equipment and have the ability to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Furthermore, they need to have a good understanding of engine components, electrical and fuel systems, exhaust systems and other related automotive parts.

Being organized and having strong problem-solving skills are also essential for a technician to be able to diagnose and repair any issues quickly and accurately. With the right skills and knowledge, an automotive performance technician can ensure that vehicles are performing at their peak efficiency, providing customers with reliable service.

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Job Description

Diagnose vehicle performance problems using diagnostic tools and specialized equipment.
Inspect vehicles to identify potential issues and opportunities for performance enhancement.
Perform routine maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups, and brake repair.
Install and adjust performance parts such as exhaust systems, intakes, and suspension components.
Rebuild and modify engines for increased performance.
Recommend performance-enhancing modifications to customers.
Communicate effectively with customers and coworkers to ensure optimal service.
Keep records of maintenance, repairs, and customer communication.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
Stay up-to-date on the latest automotive technologies and performance modifications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of internal combustion engines and related systems
Familiarity with automotive diagnostic and repair tools
Ability to identify and diagnose problems in automotive engines and systems
Ability to read and interpret service manuals, diagnostic codes, and technical drawings
Knowledge of operation and maintenance of automotive performance components, such as turbochargers, turbocharger intercoolers, superchargers, camshafts, and fuel injectors
Ability to use specialized tools and equipment to accurately adjust, tune, and diagnose engine performance
Ability to assess engine performance through road tests and computerized diagnostics
Ability to modify, rebuild, and install automotive components to improve performance
Knowledge of safety practices when working with automotive components
Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical or mechanical systems

Being an automotive performance technician requires a combination of technical and mechanical expertise. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently. This requires a strong understanding of how the different automotive components work together, as well as a keen eye for noticing anything that may be out of place.

Being able to identify potential issues before they become costly repairs is crucial for any automotive performance technician. having a good grasp of computer systems and how to use them to diagnose complex problems is essential. Knowing how to use specialized diagnostic tools, such as scan tools, to locate and repair common issues is also essential.

Finally, having a good understanding of the latest automotive technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, is beneficial. All of these skills are necessary for an automotive performance technician to be successful in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working on automotive performance systems?
What is your approach to troubleshooting an issue with an automotive performance system?
How do you stay up to date with the latest performance technologies?
How do you prioritize tasks when servicing different automotive performance systems?
Describe a time when you had to diagnose and repair a complex automotive performance issue.
Are you familiar with the diagnostics software and tools used in automotive performance service?
What safety protocols do you follow when working on automotive performance systems?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when tuning an engine?
How do you handle customer complaints regarding their automotive performance systems?
What do you consider to be the most important skills for a successful Automotive Performance Technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Scan Tool. A diagnostic tool used to assess and diagnose the performance of an engine. (eg: Autel MaxiSys Pro)
Oscilloscope. An electronic testing device that measures and displays an electrical signal over time. (eg: PicoScope Automotive Oscilloscope)
Multi-Meter. A hand-held device used to measure current, voltage, and resistance. (eg: Fluke 88V Industrial Multimeter)
Timing Light. A tool used to measure the speed of a rotating shaft by measuring the flashes of light emitted from it. (eg: Actron CP7529 Timing Light)
Pressure Gauge. A tool used to measure the pressure of air and fluids. (eg: VDO Precision Pressure Gauge)
Ignition Analyzer. A tool used to test and analyze the performance of an engines ignition system. (eg: Snap-on Verus Ignition Analyzer)
Engine Analyzer. A tool used to test, adjust, and diagnose engine performance. (eg: Equus 3160 Innova Engine Analyzer)
Vacuum Gauge. A device used to measure the amount of vacuum in an engine's intake manifold. (eg: Actron CP7828 Vacuum Gauge)
Fuel Injector Tester. A tool used to test fuel injectors for proper operation and fuel delivery rates. (eg: OTC Fuel Injector Tester)
Spark Plug Gap Gauge. A tool used to measure the gap between spark plugs and their electrodes. (eg: ABN Spark Plug Gap Gauge Set)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN)
Automotive Service Association (ASA)
National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF)
Performance Warehouse Association (PWA)
National Association of Auto Mechanics (NAAM)
National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Professional Tuner Network (PTN)

Common Important Terms

Custom Tuning. Custom Tuning is the process of adjusting a vehicle engines parameters to optimize the performance of the engine. This process is typically done with specialized software and involves changing the engines fuel and ignition maps, as well as other settings.
Forced Induction. Forced induction is a method of engine tuning that uses a forced air supply to increase the density of the air being drawn into the combustion chamber. This can increase engine power as more air is available for combustion, allowing for more fuel to be burned.
Engine Mapping. Engine mapping is the process of adjusting an engines ECU (Engine Control Unit) settings to optimize the performance of the engine. This includes changing the fuel and ignition maps, as well as other parameters, in order to maximize engine output and efficiency.
Dyno Tuning. Dyno Tuning is a process of adjusting an engines ECU settings while it is running on a dynamometer. This allows for precise tuning of the engines parameters and can lead to improved performance.
Performance Upgrades. Performance upgrades are modifications made to a vehicle to improve its power, handling, and acceleration. This can involve replacing parts such as air intakes, exhausts, turbos, and more.
Air/Fuel Ratio. The air/fuel ratio is the ratio of air to fuel in an engines combustion chamber. It is an important factor in determining engine performance and efficiency, and must be adjusted for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Automotive Performance Technician?

An Automotive Performance Technician is a specialist who specializes in the installation and maintenance of performance modifications to vehicles.

What types of modifications do Automotive Performance Technicians work on?

Automotive Performance Technicians typically work on modifications such as engine upgrades, exhaust systems, suspensions, brakes, and other performance enhancing parts.

What qualifications are required to become an Automotive Performance Technician?

To become an Automotive Performance Technician, one must have experience working on vehicles and knowledge of automotive systems and components. In addition, a valid driver's license and an ASE certification is usually required.

What type of environment do Automotive Performance Technicians typically work in?

Automotive Performance Technicians typically work in well-ventilated garages or workshops with tools and equipment such as power tools, diagnostic scanners, and lift systems.

How much can an Automotive Performance Technician earn?

The earning potential of an Automotive Performance Technician is dependent on experience and location. Generally, they can earn between $30,000 and $75,000 per year.