30 Automotive Interview Questions (And

Sample Answers)
Indeed Editorial Team
Updated 27 February 2023

The automotive industry comprises organisations that handle every aspect of motor
vehicles, from design and manufacture to sales and repair. Jobs within this industry are
equally vast, ranging from automobile engineers to technicians. When interviewing for a
role in the automotive industry, you might face several industry-specific questions,
which, when answered successfully, can get you the job you want. In this article, we
discuss the 30 top automotive interview questions and suggest suitable answers to a
few of them.

Related: Diesel Mechanic Job Description (Key Skills And Duties)

Frequently Asked Automotive Interview Questions

With Answers
Automotive interview questions can range from technical and conceptual to behavioural
and situational. Here are some common questions professionals in this industry can
expect:

1. What do you think is the role of an automobile engineer in our company?

When interviewing for the position of an automobile engineer, go through the job description minutely.
Even for the same position, responsibilities might be different in different companies. When you know
what the company expects from you, framing the answer becomes easy.

Example answer: "In an automotive company like yours, an automobile engineer is responsible for the
design and development of automobiles from conception to production. They ensure vehicles adhere to
the prescribed safety and efficiency standards. To enhance the technical performance, software
components and aesthetics of vehicles, automobile engineers also work with other professionals. Testing
fuel technologies, preparing design specifications, making repairs and inspections in the after-sales care,
assessing costs, are all part of the job. Research and innovation are the key criteria for this position."

Related: What Is Automotive Engineering? Definition And Career Tips

2. What is the most complicated auto repair you undertook?

Any experienced auto mechanic can face this question. This question uncovers how you face a challenge
and overcome it. It reveals your level of expertise to the interviewer. Even if you have limited
experience, try to point out at least one moderately challenging repair example. Avoid going into
excessive details. Mention how much time it took you and what was your experience like.

Example answer: "In my 15 years of experience as an auto mechanic, the most complicated repair I
made was on an RQS Rushbird. The customer recently got the transmission replaced elsewhere, where
the mechanic tore up both the lower control arms and CV axles during a test drive.

Just disassembling the control arms and loosening the CV axles took three hours. The more time I spent,
the more issues I discovered. In the end, it took 12 hours throughout two consecutive days to fix the car.
Any kind of internal damage is the most difficult to fix, in my opinion."

Related: What Does A Mechanic Do? (With Skills And Qualifications)

3. Explain how you keep a car in good working condition.

This is a vehicle maintenance question likely for someone interviewing for a mechanic or technician
position. But they may also ask this question to just about anyone applying for a job related to cars,
since it shows how much practical knowledge you have about a car. Outline a maintenance process in
your answer.

Example answer: "To keep a car in excellent working condition, I rely on routine vehicle maintenance
checks. In this process, I change the oil and oil filter, examine the belts and hoses, check other parts like
the battery, tyres, brakes, alternator, bearing and ball joints. Checking the fluid levels, be it the coolant,
brake fluid or power steering, is also essential. I pay special attention to the fuel filters, injectors and
lubrication of the wheel. Major yearly servicing is necessary for heavy usage vehicles."

4. What do you check before buying a used car?

This is, again, a popular mechanic question. If you have some experience as a mechanic, list out
everything you want to check before buying a second-hand car, in the appropriate order of importance.
That means you mention the biggest issue with old cars first and then point out the more minor flaws.
This shows the interviewer that you have authority and expertise in your field.

Example answer: "Leakage is a big issue in used cars. I first check for any oil leakage underneath the car
and any leakage of coolant water from the radiator. Next, I check the battery condition and watch out
for vibrations, engine noises or power issues. Any abnormal blue-grey dense smoke from the exhaust
pipe is a warning sign.

I try to detect burning smells when opening the hood and also examine the steering wheel, driver's seat
and inner door thoroughly. The tyres are also very important. I check them for worn-out edges, sidewall
bulges, cuts and flattened grooves, since they can be really dangerous on the road. Lastly, I ensure that
all the meters are working fine when I start the car."

Related: What Is Quality Control? A Complete Guide

5. What is automotive differential and how does it work?

This is a common automobile engineering interview question usually asked to freshers. While you
answer this question based on your understanding of the topic, use simple language and real-life
examples. You can include a reference of a vehicle without a differential to explain its advantage for
vehicles that have one.

Example answer: "Differential is a system of gears that transmits different amounts of engine power to
the drive wheels on the same axle, allowing them to rotate at different speeds. This is useful when the
car is making a turn. As the outer drive wheel rotates faster than the inner drive wheel, the car can turn
efficiently.

We can understand it in contrast to vehicles without a differential, such as a bullock cart. In it, both
wheels on a common axle rotate at the same speed, through a simple chain-drive mechanism."

Related: How To Crack A Job Interview

6. What is the difference between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine?

This is a technical question to test your knowledge and brevity. You may have learnt an entire chapter
on this topic back in college, but this time when you have to carefully select the most crucial
differentiating factors. Also, mention the practical outcomes of the differences between these two
engines.

Example answer: "A two-stroke engine goes through two stages or one crankshaft revolution to
complete one power stroke. It has an intake and exhaust stroke, and all air, fuel and combustion
products move continuously within those strokes. A four-stroke engine undergoes four stages or two
crankshaft revolutions to complete one power stroke. It has four strokes, namely, intake, combustion,
power and exhaust, which allows a separate stroke for moving burnt and unburnt mixtures.

A four-stroke engine is highly efficient, has cleaner emissions and produces less noise and heat. Whereas,
a two-stroke engine generates more power, heat, noise and smoke. Two-stroke engines were common in
scooters and motorcycles in previous decades, but today, both motorcycles and vehicles come with four-
stroke engines to conform to emission laws."

Related: What Is An ASE Certification? (Meaning And How To Acquire)

7. What makes you passionate about cars? Why do you want to work in this industry?

Interview questions in automobile companies are usually technical, but sometimes they can ask a
personal question like this. They want to test your dedication to work. You can approach this question
from an emotional or a rational standpoint and justify why you are best suited for the automotive
industry.

Example answer: "Since I was a kid, I had a keen interest in cars. All my toys were cars and I always
dreamt of a job where I get to work on cars. As I got older, I came to know that automobile engineers
can design and develop cars, so I worked hard and got an automobile engineering degree to pursue my
passion.

I ranked in the top 10% of my class and after three successful internship experiences, I truly believe the
automotive industry is right for me. I am fascinated by the technological possibilities that a car offers and
hope to design innovative models in the future."

Related: 23 Interview Tips: How To Get The Job

Some More Common Automotive Interview Questions

Here are 23 additional interview questions you can prepare for if you are looking for a job as an
automotive engineer:

1. Walk me through a standard test drive procedure.

2. What is the difference between a petrol and a diesel engine?

3. How is a crankshaft different from a camshaft?

4. Why are steering wheels round?

5. Why are big tyres used in the rear of heavy vehicles?

6. What is the injector pressure in heavy vehicles?

7. What are the potential causes of an overheating engine?

8. How can you judge whether the problem is because of the alternator or the battery?

9. How does car air-conditioning work?

10. Define octane number and a cetane number.

11. What is the cc of an engine?

12. Why are hydrogen and natural gas used in automobiles?

13. What is the difference between a BS2 And a BS3 engine?

14. What is a kingpin offset and how is it used?

15. Why are car tyres always black? What is the advantage?

16. What happens you add oil to the fuel of a four-stroke bike engine?

17. Under which conditions does a car emit white smoke? How do you prevent it?

18. What happens someone uses gasoline in a diesel engine?

 19. Explain the significance of governor in automobiles.

20. How does the clutch system work? What is a dual-clutch transmission?

21. What do you mean by independent suspension?

22. Give an example of a time you made a mistake and how you fixed it.

23. How does your previous work experience help in this position?

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16 Application Questions For Interviews With Sample Answers

Indeed Editorial Team

Updated 20 March 2023

Job interview questions vary with the company and the role for which you are applying. Hiring managers
often ask challenging questions to ensure a candidate is a good fit for their company. Learning about the
typical application interview questions and how to answer them correctly can help you confidently face
the interview. In this article, we list some application questions and the efficient ways you can answer
them to increase your chances of being hired.

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6 Application Questions With Sample Answers

Consider this list of application questions with sample responses when practicing for your interview:

1. Why do you want to work here?

Though this might seem like a straightforward question, it is an excellent opportunity to create a positive
impression of yourself. Through this question, a company attempts to see whether you have done your
research and know enough about the position you are applying for or not. This is your chance to display
your knowledge and diligence to the company you have wanted to use for so long. Make sure you show
how passionate you are about the job and that you are aware of the duties and responsibilities of the
position.

Instead of making general statements about looking forward to working for the company, consider
backing it up with reasons. For instance, perhaps you have heard about the company's working culture
and it is something that appeals to you. Or maybe the long-term goals of the organisation align with
your ambitions. Show how the role fits into your career plans and how you can contribute to them
effectively.

Example: 'The way Sharper Co. has been contributing to the publishing industry is something that
attracts me the most. Besides giving significant importance to the type of genre that gets published, you
also give equal opportunities to writers of all kinds, such as writers of colour, LGBTQ+ authors and
women writers whose voices surely are important to be heard. As someone who reads diverse books,
this is immensely vital to me and these are exactly the kind of creations I wish to contribute to as an
Assistant Editor.'

Related: How To Use The STAR Interview Response Technique

2. How well do you understand the job or this industry?

A company prefers to hire a candidate who understands how the particular industry works and what the
specific duties of their position might include. To answer this question, share facts you might know
about the industry or field and how you understand those facts might align with the job you are
interviewing for. For example, if you are applying for a finance role, consider looking at some of the
recent articles and publications that might help you gain deeper insight into the industry.

Example: 'I understand that the way the content industry functions has changed a lot over the last
couple of years. Being a content writer, I am ready to implement all the essential tools that might make
my content even better. Whether it is using search engine optimisation (SEO) or thoroughly checking for
grammatical errors or plagiarism, these aid in making my content crisp and error-free. Also, I believe that
a company's content becomes better when it is a collective effort. Because of this, I am more than willing
to collaborate with my fellow writers and the editors to refine my writing and improve as a content
writer.'

Related: 6 Interpersonal Skills Interview Questions For Professionals

3. Briefly outline your relevant skills and experience.

If you are a student applying for your first job, you might not have much professional experience on
which you can elaborate. You can also discuss your skills and expertise. Mention any internships you
might have done or volunteering opportunities you may have taken up. If you were involved in any clubs
during graduation that you believe might apply to your application and talk about those
accomplishments that display your efforts and hard work.
Example: 'Content writing and editing became my preference when I was pursuing my graduation in
journalism and mass communication and since then, I have put my best efforts to further my career in
this field and tried to nourish this passion as much as possible. Throughout my course, I was the editor of
my college magazine, going through every submission and making all the necessary edits and
corrections. In addition, I completed my summer internship at Zubteen Publications, where I gained a lot
of knowledge regarding how editing works and how to improve a piece of writing. I also volunteered my
copywriting services for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that gained them a lot of investors in
the past year.'

Related: 8 Soft Skills Interview Questions And Answers To Prepare

4. Give an example of a situation where you worked under pressure and solved a problem.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are traits every organisation looks for in the
new employee they hire. Demonstrate your skills using one or two examples of a situation where you
performed well. This becomes especially important if you are applying for a management position
where you might supervise other employees.

Example: 'During my internship at Zubteen Publications, we had several editors working on different

projects or various segments of the same project. Just two days before the deadline of a project, an
editor had to back out because of an emergency, leaving us with 15,000 words of unedited content. As
everyone else was busy with different assignments, I got the responsibility of editing those 15,000 words.
I barely had two days to finish it and it required a lot of research and attention to detail. Fortunately, I
kept a calm mind and got the work done before we reached the deadline.'

Related: What Is A Stress Interview? (Definitions And How To Prepare)

5. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

An interviewer might ask this question to learn more about your current skill set and determine if you
are working to improve your areas of weakness. When talking about your strengths, pick two or three
skills that help you excel at the job and back it up with a story or situation to show how you have utilised
them to benefit you on the job. When describing your weakness, address them honestly and explain
how you are working on them to help you improve your work performance.

Example: 'I believe my biggest strength is my perseverance. I never give up no matter how difficult a
situation seems and keep trying to find a solution. This ability has got me through some very rough
times. I think one weakness is that I prioritise excessively the perfection of little things and may get
anxious if things are not exactly the way they require to be. As this does not specifically impact my work
or delivery deadlines, I believe this weakness also helps me ensure I deliver immaculate work, which is
imperative for an editor.'

Related: Strength-Based Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

6. What is your most significant achievement?

Another recurring question in application interviews asks you to state your most significant
achievement. Interviewers might ask this question to learn about your achievements and determine
your capability for the role. They may also use such questions to know what types of accomplishments
which you value the most. If you choose to mention an achievement related to your professional life, try
to include something that is not present in your resume or cover letter.

Example: 'At my current position, I oversaw our new hires' orientation and training programmes. Even
though it was important knowledge for our new employees, we discovered that 30% of the new hires did
not finish the training. Additionally, we also received poor feedback on the course evaluation forms.
Based on recommendations from the evaluation feedback forms and industry best practices, I reworked
the training programme to make it more relevant and engaging. At the moment, 95% of participants
finished the program and gave a favourable review of their experience. My supervisor was so pleased
with the developments that he asked me to lead a training session in our new head office.'

Related: 23 Interview Tips: How To Get The Job

Additional Application Questions For Interviews

Here are some additional application interview questions you can refer to when preparing for the
following interview:

1. What have you learned from your previous work experience?

2. Give an example of a time you resolved team conflict.

3. What is it about this role that makes it a good fit for you?

4. Why are you the best candidate for the job?

5. What have you learnt from previous work experience?

6. How do you prefer to keep up with trends and industry knowledge?

7. Give examples of when you have provided excellent customer service

8. What are you looking for in a new role?

9. Who inspires you in your work and why?

10. Give an example of a situation when you took the initiative when the management did not
expect you to do so.

Related: 8 Interview Questions For Application Support With Answers

Interview Question: What Have You Been Doing Since Your Last Job?

Indeed Editorial Team

Updated 14 March 2023

If you have not worked for a while since your last job, the interviewer may ask you to explain the gap.
Along with learning why you were unemployed in a given period, they may want to know what you
accomplished in that time. By understanding why employers ask about gaps in employment history, you
can prepare an acceptable and satisfactory explanation. In this article, we find out why employers may
ask, "What have you been doing since your last job?" and discuss the proper response, review some
sample answers and provide a few tips for giving the best reply.

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Why Employers Ask "What Have You Been Doing Since Your Last Job?"

Interviewers generally ask, "What have you been doing since your last job?" to find out why candidates
have gaps in their employment history. The response they get can give them an insight into the
candidate's personality, personal aspirations, professional motivations and values. It can enable the
interviewers to assess their level of initiative, suitability for the available role and fit with the company
culture.

Related: How To Prepare For A Job Interview

How To Answer Interview Questions About Job Gaps?

The following suggestions may help you to respond to interview questions about gaps in your
employment history:

1. Consider the activities you have undertaken since your last job

It is a good idea to compile a list of all of your personal and professional activities since you left your
previous job. Think about everything you accomplished and learned while you were unemployed. Create
a timeline of events to explain what you did and when. Providing this information can demonstrate your
ability to take the initiative and manage your time well.

2. Elaborate on experiences that enhance your professional standing

After you compile a list of your accomplishments, narrow it down to a few essential experiences that can
enhance your professional standing. Rereading the job advertisement and reviewing the company's
values might help with this. Even if some of the activities were not for professional purposes, you can
show how they might benefit you career-wise. For instance, you might mention a new language you
learned that might help you interact with the company's international clients. You could talk about
participating in a project to benefit your local community to highlight your ability to take charge and
lead people.

Related: 23 Interview Tips: How To Get the Job

3. Select a few experiences that show your initiative

Review your list of experiences and pick a few that demonstrate your values and the initiatives you took.
For example, you can talk about how you spent your time learning a new software program, learning a
new language, acquiring additional education or working on a self-initiated project. That can show your
willingness to invest in yourself and make improvements that can advance your career. If you took time
off from your profession to tutor children, mentor entrepreneurs or start a garden, mentioning that can
give the interviewer an idea of your values.

Related: How To Crack A Job Interview

4. Be honest in your response

You can make a good impression on the interviewer by being honest in your response. Clearly and
confidently explain why you left your previous job and what you did while unemployed. While discussing
what you learned during your career break, establish a connection between these insights and the
requirements of the available work position.

Related: 7 Important Tips For Getting Back To Work (With How To)

Example Answers To "What Have You Been Doing Since Your Last Job?"

The following sample responses to questions about gaps in your career may help you to formulate
appropriate responses of your own:

Example 1: Pursuing education

'I worked for six years as a software engineer with a leading multinational corporation. It was
challenging work, and I had the opportunity to participate in many exciting projects. The work
environment was good, and I felt valued by my seniors. Through my interactions with them, I discovered
my interest in artificial intelligence and decided to take my career in that direction.

For the past two years, I have been completing a full-time MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning. I hope to work on creative projects where I can fully utilise my knowledge of programming,
artificial intelligence and machine learning.'

Related: 10 Benefits Of Pursuing An MBA For A Career Change

Example 2: Working on a self-initiated project

'After working for ten years as a sales manager, I decided it was time to pursue my passion for writing. I
had always written in my spare time, and I had a few fiction ideas that I wanted to explore more fully.
With my family's agreement, I spent the next year working on four thrillers, four adventure novels and
two children's books. I kept to a strict schedule and wrote 2,500 words every day. That enabled me to
complete one 75,000-word book in one month. That was the average word count of all the books, except
the 5000-word children's books.

After completing the books, I hired a professional editor, proofreader and designer to help me finalise
them. Then I self-published the books on the leading platforms and marketed them myself. Aside from
my website and social media, I advertised them on several literary sites. I also reached out to book
reviewers and bloggers. Additionally, I networked with other authors, and we promoted each other. All
this helped with book sales. The experience showed me that the literary field was the right choice for me,
and I decided to pursue a career in publishing.'

Related: Top Personal Development Skills To Improve Your Career

Example 3: Volunteering

'I left my job as a clerk in the municipality three years ago and volunteered to teach in a remote village in
Sikkim. I did not have a teaching degree, and my teaching experience was limited to the tuition classes
that I took for neighbourhood children on weekends. I do have a bachelor's degree in economics, though.
That was acceptable to the school principal. She assigned me to teach English and mathematics to
standards one to five. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and it made me realise that teaching
was perhaps a better career path for me.

I have since completed a Master of Education course. I hope to have a long career teaching primary
children. I expect to continue with the volunteer work in my spare time since giving back to the
community is important.'

Example 4: Focusing on personal matters

'I worked as a business analyst for 12 years and then decided I wanted to take time off from work to look
after my family. My father was bedridden after a stroke and required round-the-clock care. I also had
two small children. So I resigned from my last job and focused on my family. It was the right decision for
us, and it has enabled us to grow stronger as a family.

Fortunately, my father has since recovered. My children are also older and more self-reliant now. That is
why I have decided to resume my career. Since I kept up with the developments in the business analytics
field during my career break, I am confident about starting my work without any issues.'

Related: 10 Interview Questions About Life (With Example Answers)

Tips For Giving A Successful Interview Answer

The following tips may help you to provide the best explanation for being out of work for an extended
period:

Mention skill-building activities

By mentioning the skill-building activities you undertook, you can show the interviewer that you made
productive use of your time when you were out of work. You can discuss a course you took to learn new
skills, an internship you did to gain additional work experience or any volunteer work you undertook.
Experiences that demonstrate your interest in professional development or highlight your values may
increase your chances of being considered for the available position.

Related: How To Use The STAR Interview Response Technique

Describe job-related growth

If you are changing your focus to a profession better suited to your skills and interests, emphasise
activities that let you explore alternative career options. For instance, mention the career research and
informational interviews you undertook. You can also share the insights you learned and why you think
the new field might be a good fit for you.

Explain your personal situation

It is appropriate to share personal information if you left your last job to care for an ailing spouse, parent
or child. You can explain that the situation has changed and you can now devote your full attention to
your career. You may require to emphasise that the personal situation is not likely to reoccur. If you left
your previous job to move to a new area for personal reasons, explain the situation and mention your
interest in working with that particular company.

If you were out of work for reasons such as travelling, pursuing a passion project or exploring an
alternate career, you can give the necessary details. You may require to affirm that you have fulfilled
your personal needs and are enthusiastic about resuming your professional responsibilities.

Keep things positive

When answering the interview question about your work gap, focus on positive experiences and
outcomes. It is also essential to make it clear that you sincerely want the job. Additionally, emphasise
your skills to demonstrate you are the right candidate for the position.

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