An auto repair shop is an establishment where automobiles are repaired by professional mechanics and technicians under professional standards. This type of shop may also be known as a garage or workshop. Many shops operate with just one person at the helm while larger facilities may employ multiple service advisors, known as service writers, to manage customer relations.
These facilities are filled with trusted pros where you can bring your vehicles to be serviced by certified mechanics. It may be a small shop run by one person or large facilities with many mechanics working every day on multiple cars. Some specialize in particular services, like muffler work or collision repair; others offer more general car care such as AC service, brake repair, inspections and engine work.
Auto repair shops have seen steady growth over recent years. This can be attributed to people purchasing more used cars than ever and needing professional help in maintaining them properly. COVID-19 pandemic forced many drivers to seek professional help rather than attempt repairs themselves at home.
Local auto repair shops typically outshone national chains when it comes to customer satisfaction. They tend to be more agile and flexible in terms of pricing and working conditions, as well as more likely treating customers like family rather than merely dollar signs. Smaller shops tend to employ mechanics who take great pride in producing high-quality workmanship; something national chains simply can’t do.
When searching for the ideal shop to perform repairs on your vehicle, look for one with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics. These certified individuals will demonstrate their knowledge and trustworthiness while also keeping you updated on their repair progress. A good shop will keep you in the loop regarding its progress on repairing your car.
Establishing an auto repair shop requires extensive garage equipment. Services offered at these establishments may include fixing car batteries, installing windshield wipers, or resetting engine codes among many others that you can read about below, along with these essential pieces of equipment.
Oil Free Air Compressor
Oil-free air compressors require less maintenance than their oil-lubricated counterparts, yet some factors should be kept in mind when making your decision about which will best suit your shop.
Air compressors are pumps used to draw air in and compress it for storage in tanks, using frictional forces such as piston or rotary elements to draw in air into a storage tank. A lubricated or non-lubricated air compressor rental – something you may find in your area with a simple Google search – typically uses oil to reduce this frictional force, helping protect their machinery. It does so while simultaneously decreasing energy usage and minimizing costs.
Lubricated compressors require constant care and attention as well. Lubricated air compressors typically need oil changes more frequently than their oil-free counterparts and should be monitored for filter leakage to protect against contamination of products or equipment by leaked oil particles.
Oil-free compressors offer several distinct advantages over their oil counterparts: no contamination concerns and lighter, smaller and more portable models than their lubricated counterparts; lower maintenance costs; and the same CFM and PSI output as their oily counterparts.
Vehicle Lift
Vehicle lifts are integral components of any auto shop. By raising cars off of their tires and placing them on lifts, technicians can inspect or repair underside damage quickly and efficiently. With multiple kinds of lifts to choose from, find one that best meets your needs and shop type.
If your customers bring in their own vehicles for servicing, hydraulic jacks are an investment you should make. They feature adjustable settings and allow you to address maintenance issues more efficiently.
When dealing with suspension issues, investing in a strut compressor can be invaluable. These tools compress springs on cars to make removal and replacement simpler – they don’t come cheap, but are an essential component of any auto shop specializing in suspension work.
Battery Charger and Jumper
Traditional jumper cables are handy to have around for short-term battery maintenance needs, but don’t provide sustained charge needed over time. For consistent charging needs it may be beneficial for your company to invest in several large-scale and portable charging devices as this tends to be the number one issue people need fixed with their cars.
Brake Lathe
A brake lathe is an indispensable piece of equipment in any shop that offers brake work (which you can learn more about here: https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-are-brake-lathes.htm), used to resurface brake drums and rotors to reduce noise and vibration from vehicle brake systems, providing superior surface finishes for proper brake performance and longer friction life. Today’s best-selling lathes boast faster production rates, improved surface finishes and longer machine service lives than their counterparts.
Some auto repair shops are turning to brake lathes as a cost-cutting measure by resurfacing existing rotors instead of replacing them, saving both money and preventing future brake issues with their vehicles. This approach is particularly effective for older cars which may have developed corrosion on their rotors over time.
