17 Tire And Lube Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Tire and lube technicians work in automotive service centers and perform a variety of tasks related to the maintenance and repair of cars and trucks. These technicians inspect and repair tires, change oil, and perform other routine maintenance tasks.

Most tire and lube technicians have at least a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary training in automotive technology. Many tire and lube technicians learn their trade through on-the-job training.

If you’re interested in becoming a tire and lube technician, you’ll need to start by acing a job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your technical skills, work history, and career goals. You can use the following tire and lube technician interview questions and answers as a guide to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the different types of tires and wheels that are commonly used on vehicles?

The interviewer may ask you questions like this to assess your knowledge of the different types of tires and wheels that are available on vehicles. This can help them determine if you have experience working with a variety of tire brands and sizes, which can be important for many employers. In your answer, try to list as many common tire and wheel types as possible.

Example: “I am familiar with all the major tire brands and their various models. I’ve worked with both steel and alloy wheels, including those made from aluminum, magnesium and other metals. I’m also experienced with run-flat tires, which are designed to allow drivers to continue driving after getting a flat.”

What are the most important safety checks that you perform on tires and wheels?

Tire and lube technicians must be aware of safety procedures to ensure the well-being of their customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to keep your customers safe while they’re in your care. In your answer, explain which safety checks you perform on tires and wheels and why these are important.

Example: “I always check tire pressure before I begin any other work. Low tire pressure can lead to a blowout or cause damage to the vehicle. I also inspect the treads for uneven wear and cracks. If there is any damage, it’s best to replace the tire before driving on it. Finally, I look at the wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels can cause problems with steering and braking.”

How would you handle a situation where you sold a used tire that was in good condition, but the customer complained that it was already flat when they drove it home?

Tire and lube technicians are often responsible for selling tires to customers. This question helps the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation like this if it ever occurred at their shop. Use your answer to show that you can be honest with customers, take responsibility for your actions and learn from mistakes.

Example: “I would first apologize to the customer and offer to replace the tire or refund their money. I would then check my records to see when we sold the tire and who inspected it before putting it on the shelf. If there was no damage to the tire when we sold it, I would ask the technician who inspected it to review their notes and make sure they didn’t miss anything.”

What is the proper procedure for inflating a tire that is completely deflated?

Tire and lube technicians must know how to properly inflate tires. This question allows the interviewer to assess your knowledge of proper tire inflation procedures. In your answer, provide a step-by-step process for inflating a completely deflated tire.

Example: “First, I would make sure that the valve is clean before attaching the air hose. Then, I would attach the air hose to the valve stem and turn on the compressor. Next, I would set the pressure gauge to the recommended PSI for the vehicle’s size and weight. Finally, I would let the compressor run until the desired PSI is reached.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service to a vehicle owner.

Tire and lube technicians often interact with vehicle owners, so employers ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. When you answer this question, try to think of a specific example from your past experience as a tire and lube technician. Try to focus on the steps you took to provide excellent customer service.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a regular customer who would come in every three months for an oil change. One day, he came in for his usual oil change but mentioned that he was having some issues with his brakes. He asked if we could check them out while we were working on his car. I told him that we could take care of it while we were doing his oil change.

I checked his brakes thoroughly and found that they needed to be replaced. I explained everything to him and showed him the parts that needed to be changed. He agreed to have us replace the brakes and paid for the additional work.”

If a customer brought in a vehicle that needed four new tires, but they only had enough money to purchase two tires, what would be your strategy for resolving this issue?

Tire and lube technicians often work with customers who are in need of vehicle repairs. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to help customers resolve their issues. In your answer, try to show that you can be empathetic while also being honest about what services a customer can afford.

Example: “If a customer came in needing four new tires but only had enough money for two, I would first explain to them why it’s important to replace all four tires at once. Then, I would offer to put on two new tires now and give them an estimate for how much it would cost to replace the other two when they could afford it.”

What would you do if you were performing a basic inspection on a vehicle and you noticed a crack in the wheel?

Tire and lube technicians must be able to identify potential problems with vehicles. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle a situation like this one safely. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s driver.

Example: “If I noticed a crack in a wheel, I would immediately stop working on that vehicle. Then, I would inform my manager so they could decide whether we should replace the tire or if it is safe enough to drive. If the crack was small, I might patch it up temporarily until the owner can bring the car back for a full replacement.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

Tire and lube technicians often work in a fast-paced environment. Employers ask this question to make sure you can perform well under pressure. When answering, try to show that you are able to stay calm and focused when working quickly. Explain how you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a high-pressure environment. In my last role as a tire and lube technician, I was responsible for servicing up to 10 cars per hour. This required me to work quickly but efficiently. I learned how to prioritize the most important tasks first so I could get them done before moving on to other things. I also developed excellent time management skills.”

Do you have experience working with a team of technicians to complete vehicle repairs?

Tire and lube technicians often work in teams to complete repairs. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others on a team. Use your answer to explain that you are willing to collaborate with other technicians. Explain that you understand the importance of teamwork when completing vehicle repairs.

Example: “I’ve worked as a tire and lube technician for five years now, so I have plenty of experience working with a team of technicians. In fact, my current employer has three different locations, so we always have multiple technicians working together at once. I enjoy collaborating with my coworkers because it allows us to get more work done faster. It also helps me learn new techniques from my coworkers.”

When performing a basic oil change, what is the ideal oil level for a vehicle?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your technical knowledge and skills. In your answer, provide the ideal oil level for a vehicle and explain why it’s important to check the oil before an oil change.

Example: “The ideal oil level is when there are between one-eighth and three-sixteenths of an inch of oil in the crankcase. If I don’t see that much oil in the crankcase, I’ll add more until I reach the appropriate level. Checking the oil level is essential because if there isn’t enough oil in the crankcase, the engine can overheat or even seize.”

We want to improve our customer service ratings. How would you go about improving your customer service skills?

Tire and lube technicians often interact with customers, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you improved your customer service skills.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they thought we didn’t rotate their tires properly. I explained that our records showed they rotated their tires regularly, but they insisted we did not. After looking at their tire rotation history again, I realized they were right. We hadn’t rotated their tires in over two years. I apologized profusely and offered them a free oil change as an apology.”

Describe your experience with vehicle maintenance.

Tire and lube technicians must have a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary experience for the job. In your answer, share what types of vehicles you’ve worked on in the past. Explain how much experience you have with each type of vehicle.

Example: “I’ve been working as a tire and lube technician for five years now. I started out at my previous job where I worked on all different kinds of vehicles. I’m used to working on sedans, SUVs, trucks and other large vehicles. I also have plenty of experience working on motorcycles and bicycles.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this position. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or certifications you have.

Example: “I am passionate about cars and I love working with my hands. I’ve been doing basic car repairs since high school when I started working at an auto shop after school. I also completed a certification program in tire repair last year, which has given me valuable experience repairing tires. This skill set is exactly what you’re looking for in a tire and lube technician.”

Which tire brands do you have the most experience working with?

Tire and lube technicians often work with a variety of brands, so employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working on their brand. When answering this question, list the brands that you are most familiar with. If you’ve worked with other brands in the past, explain how you would learn about them if hired.

Example: “I have the most experience working with Goodyear tires. I started my career at a Goodyear shop where I learned everything I know about these tires. However, I am also familiar with Firestone, Michelin, Continental and many others. I regularly read up on new tire technology to stay current.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a tire and lube technician?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your values and what you think is important in this role. Your answer should reflect your personal beliefs, but it can also be an opportunity to highlight some of the skills that are most relevant to this position.

Example: “I believe the most important aspect of being a tire and lube technician is customer service. I know how frustrating it can be when you’re waiting for your car to get serviced, so I always try my best to make sure customers feel comfortable while they wait. I am also very detail-oriented, which helps me ensure that every job I do meets the company’s high standards.”

How often should tires be replaced?

Tire replacement is a common job duty for tire and lube technicians. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how often tires should be replaced. In your answer, explain that tires need to be replaced when they are worn out or damaged. You can also mention that the age of the tire is an important factor in determining whether it needs to be replaced.

Example: “Tires should be replaced when they are worn out or damaged. Age is also a factor because tires have a lifespan. I would recommend replacing tires before they reach their expiration date.”

There is a lot of work to do, but you’re not sure you’ll finish in time for the end of the day. What do you do?

Tire and lube technicians often have a lot of work to do in a day. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to prioritize your tasks so that you can finish on time. In your answer, explain what you would do if you were faced with this situation at their shop.

Example: “If I was working on a busy day and wasn’t sure I could get everything done by the end of my shift, I would first check with my manager to see if there is anything they need me to focus on more than others. If not, I would start with the most urgent task and then move onto the next one based on urgency. For example, I would change out tires before checking oil levels or doing any other maintenance work. This way, I can ensure that customers are getting safe vehicles when they leave our shop.”