The Best Software for Auto Repair Shop Owners Who Want Grow Their Business

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January 20, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

When you started your auto repair business, you probably had to make some big investments, including property, equipment, and employees. Now, to take your shop even further, you might be considering investing in a shop management system.

A shop management system can quickly transform your shop. An ideal system helps you create more efficient workflows and keep track of critical metrics so you can make savvier business decisions.

However, the idea of transformation can cause some doubts. You might be worried that your team might not even like using the shop management system, that adjusting to change will take too long, and that the software ultimately won’t end up paying for itself.

To eliminate doubts, it’s important to find the shop management system that will:

  • Transform your shop with little hassle, as quickly as possible
  • Inspire your team to work more efficiently
  • Grow your business’ profitability so that the investment is more than worthwhile
  • Free up your time

So, what’s the best software for auto repair shop owners? And what features should you look for? Here’s what you should be considering as a shop owner.

Cloud-Based

There’s a reason more and more people are switching to cloud-based software: it’s hassle-free. To transform your shop, you won’t have to go through an extensive, complicated installation process that involves purchasing and setting up servers. You also won’t have to worry about losing your data if those servers malfunction.

Instead, with cloud-based software, you can just move over your data, log in to your system on your browser, and in no time, you and your team can get to work. Once you and your team have gotten the hang of it, you’re free to pretty much work from anywhere you have an internet connection.

With Tekmetric, your shop’s data lives on the cloud. After all, there are days when you won’t be able to make it to the shop. Maybe your child is sick and you need to take them to the doctor, or maybe you need to head out of town for a conference. But, in either case, you still want to know what’s going on at your shop. Here’s how Tekmetric user Matthew Carlson of Fix It Forward Auto Care puts it:

​​”The thing that really impressed us right away with Tekmetric was the ease-of-use—the ability for anybody in the shop to see what's going on and be able to use it. Because it's cloud-based, everyone in my shop has a computer, and they know what’s going on.”

Customer Support

Change is challenging, especially when it comes to switching to a new shop management system. A cloud-based solution simplifies the transformation process from the get-go, but a reliable customer support team will help you get your data transferred over within the first few weeks. They’ll also help you and your employees quickly learn everything you need to know to overcome initial challenges and maximize the software.

The reality is that no software is hiccup-free, especially when you’re learning to navigate it as a new user—you’ll want to learn all the tips and tricks that will make your life a breeze.

Tekmetric’s reliable customer support team will be on hand to answer any questions that pop up along the way. Down the line, even as an established, experienced user, you might have a question or two about, say, a newly released feature. When you have these types of questions, you’ll want to reach customer support as soon as possible. At Tekmetric, we resolve our users’ issues rapidly, so they can keep moving their daily operations forward.

No matter which solution you’re considering, here are some questions to ask to determine how reliable their customer support is:

  • What is your process for getting my data moved over?
  • What are the best ways to reach your customer support team?
  • What are your customer support hours?
  • How many people are on your customer support team?
  • How long does it take on average to resolve support tickets?

Integrations  

When you’re onboarding to a new shop management system, integrations can help you make that transformation even more seamless.

After all, chances are that you use other solutions (parts ordering, marketing platforms, etc.) to grow your business. Ideally, you want a shop management system that has a substantial number of integrations, so you can easily keep using the tools you love alongside each other.

And with integrations, you won’t have to spend valuable time hopping back and forth between a million open tabs, and you can even explore new tools!

Tekmetric integrates with over 35 industry-leading solutions in parts ordering, marketing, management and communication, including:

  • BG Products
  • PartsTech
  • WORLDPAC
  • MyShopManager
  • Kukui
  • The Back Office
  • Slack

Workflows

Think about the various workflows you already have at your shop. Perhaps service advisors are required to update guests once their repairs are 50% of the way through. To get that information, they regularly check in with the technicians. The right shop management system will transform existing workflows at your shop, making it easier for your team to work in harmony.

With Tekmetric, you can boost your team’s efficiency. Tekmetric helps your team achieve a work more efficiently by decreasing their distractions, offering them a sense of control, and helping them set clear goals.

For example, Tekmetric’s Job Board gives service advisors a bird’s eye view of which stage every repair is in at your shop, including how much time is remaining. Service advisors can instantly get that information without leaving their workstations.

When you streamline workflows with Tekmetric, your team members will be able to manage themselves better. In turn, you’ll be able to focus less on managing the day-to-day operations of your shop, and more on the high-level decisions that will help you bring in more revenue, hire more team members, and perhaps even open more locations.

Reporting

One of the keys to growing your auto repair business is keeping track of various metrics, including average repair orders, car count, profit margins, labor hours, and mechanic labor efficiency.

Ideally, you want a shop management system that can generate in-depth reports and help you analyze your shop’s data, so you can make business adjustments as necessary.

For example, after reading through an End-of-Day Report, you might realize that your shop’s profit margins aren’t as wide as you’d like them to be. You can do several things to turn that around, such as ramping up your shop’s marketing efforts or slightly increasing the pricing on certain parts.

Tekmetric offers over 15 types of reporting so you can keep a pulse on your business in real time. Those reports include end-of-day reports, tech hours, declined jobs, parts purchased reports, and more.

Scalability

As you’re making decisions to grow your business, you might want to hire more employees or open another location. The last thing you want to worry about is the added cost of adding a new user or building an entirely new management system each time you open a new location.

When you’re ready to scale, it should be easy and affordable to add users or implement your shop management system at a new shop.

Tekmetric enables you to add unlimited users and devices within a single shop. And opening a new shop on Tekmetric is as simple as adding it to the system!

The Best Software For Auto Repair Shop Owners Eases Transformation, Boosts Efficiency, and Grows Your Business

Ultimately, the best software for auto repair shop owners is one that will help them transform and grow their shops with ease. To summarize, here’s how the core features we discussed help you accomplish shop transformation and growth:

Of course, you’ll want to consider other features too, such as true two-way-texting that enhance your guest experience, and touchless payment features that will enable your guests to pay whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for them.

When you start with these core features, you’ll be able to transform your shop, scale, and look at your numbers regularly and go, “Wow, this change was worth it!”

FAQ

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Looking for the best automotive industry conferences and events for 2026? This guide will help you navigate the most impactful automotive conferences and trade shows slated for 2026. We will dive into what makes each event unique, price, location, and more.

Key Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows

When it comes to elevating your auto repair business or career, knowing which events to prioritize is crucial. Each of these conventions offers a distinct experience, catering to different roles in the shop. Let's explore the big events you can’t miss in 2026.

1. Tektonic

What:  Tektonic is a brand new automotive conference for 2026. Whether you're leading the business, managing the front desk, or turning wrenches in the bay, Tektonic offers tailored training to elevate your skills, connect with peers, and drive your career forward in a space built for you.

Come for the shop-tested fixes. Leave with the horsepower to hit top-gear growth. Tektonic is a three-day event built for every shop, no matter your size, brand, or business model. Expect industry-first content, with Tekmetric-backed know-how.

When: April 9-11th, 2026

Where: Marriott Marquis - Houston, TX

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $750.

Website: https://www.tekmetric.com/tektonic

2. SEMA Show

What: The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. It's the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills by attending any one of the 99+ free education sessions – all of which are led by top industry professionals.

The SEMA Show is the premier auto show geared to help small businesses thrive and succeed. The trade-only event enables automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to display alongside automotive manufacturers to debut new, innovative products and connect with industry buyers from all over the world.

When: November 3-6th, 2026

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $50

Website: https://www.semashow.com

3. AAPEX

What: Only AAPEX gives you the training, products, and insights to help you stay ahead today and prepare for tomorrow — all while you connect with the entire industry under one roof! Live, interactive demos. Expert-led business education. Our most robust training program yet. It’s all here to give you a jump on every new advancement and the knowledge to tackle your biggest challenges.

Where else can you come face-to-face with the world’s part suppliers showcasing innovations that give you an edge in the here and now — and global perspectives on where the industry is headed next?  Spend three days at AAPEX Las Vegas and make sure you’re ready to steer your business toward success!  

When: November 3-5th, 2026

Where: The Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $50

Website: https://www.aapexshow.com

4. NADA

What: NADA Show offers a full program of innovative products, emerging trends and networking opportunities. Four full days of outstanding education, emerging trends and networking opportunities for all areas of your dealership.

When: February 3-6th, 2026

Where: Las vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $679

Website: https://www.nada.org/nada-show-attend

5. ASTA

What: The ASTA Expo is an annual event that brings together professionals from the automotive aftermarket industry for training, networking, and discovering the latest innovations. Anyone is welcome, including shop owners, managers, technicians, service writers, and anyone in the automotive service and tire industry looking to grow their knowledge, network, and business.

When: September 25th, 2026

Where: Raleigh Convention Center - Raleigh, NC

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: https://astausa.org/pages/asta-expo-2025

6. Shop Hackers

What: The annual Shop Hackers seminar provides owners and staff in the independent automotive repair and collision/body industries with: Top-tier knowledge, life-changing personal connections, actionable strategies, increased motivation, one unforgettable experience.

With over a thousand attendees, a large array of vendors, and world-renowned industry leaders, this auto conference is unlike any other in the industry. You may laugh, you may cry, you will eat well, and one thing is for sure — you will walk away changed for the better.

When: July 2026

Where: Murfreesboro, TN

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: https://shophackersconference.com

7. Vision

What: VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, provides the opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and gain new skills, all while networking with leading automotive service industry professionals. Choose from more than 100 cutting-edge management, technical, and educator training courses. VISION also features a 60,000 square-foot exhibit hall showcasing the latest tools, equipment, and technology.

When: March 5-8th, 2026

Where: Overland Park Convention Center - Overland Park, KS

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $435

Website: https://visionkc.com/

8. ATI

What: Learn how top-performing shop owners are navigating today’s economy and running more successful, profitable businesses. Our world-class speakers and informative sessions will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive.

SuperConference is not just about learning; it’s about community. Engage in interactive, team-building activities with the most supportive community of shop owners in the industry. Build relationships that will last a lifetime and grow your network with high-performing peers and professionals.

When: March 18-21, 2026

Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - Orlando, FL

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: https://www.autotraining.net/superconference/

Why you should attend an automotive trade show

Now that we’ve explored some of the top 2026 events, let’s zoom out and consider the benefits of attending automotive conferences.

Networking opportunities

Imagine walking into a room filled with hundreds, even thousands, of people who share your passion, understand your challenges, and are dedicated to the same industry. That's the power of networking at automotive conferences. These aren't just casual conversations; they are opportunities for mentorship, partnerships, collaboration, and mutual growth.

Industry trends and insights

The automotive industry moves at lightning speed. What was cutting-edge last year might be standard this year, and obsolete next. Attending conferences gives you visibility into the future of auto repair. You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of the emerging trends and critical insights that will shape the industry for years to come.

Final thoughts

Finding the right automotive conference for you can be challenging but we hope this guide was helpful. Whether you are just starting your business or have spent your whole life fixing cars, there is an event for you.

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When it comes to automotive repair, a strong reputation and reliable service are undoubtedly key. But even the best mechanics can benefit from a classic, often-overlooked tool: the business card. In a digital age, you might think these small pieces of stationery are obsolete, but for automotive professionals, they remain a powerful and tangible marketing asset.

The Importance of Business Cards for Mechanics

In the fast-paced world of car repair, a memorable impression can make all the difference. While digital marketing has its place, a physical business card provides a direct and immediate connection.

Auto repair business cards are more than just contact information; they're a miniature billboard for your brand. They convey professionalism and demonstrate that you're prepared and serious about your work. They also serve as a constant reminder of your services, keeping your shop top-of-mind long after an initial interaction. Think of them as a portable advertisement that can be tucked into a wallet, glove compartment, or on a refrigerator, ensuring your contact details are readily available when a customer needs them most.

Beyond initial customer acquisition, automotive business cards can play a crucial role in customer retention. Many shops use them as a simple way to provide their phone number and address, but they can also be integrated into loyalty programs or used to promote new products or services. They are a professional touchpoint that reinforces your brand identity and solidifies trust.

Best Practices for Designing an Automotive Business Card

Designing an effective automotive business card requires a blend of aesthetics and practicality. It's not just about looking good; it's about being functional and memorable.

Brand identity: Does your shop specialize in general automotive repair, or do you focus on specific services like tires or diagnostics? Your business card design should reflect this. If you're known for cutting-edge technology, a more modern and sleek design might be more appropriate.

Quality is king: A flimsy, poorly printed card immediately sends the wrong message. Invest in high-quality cardstock with a professional finish, such as matte or gloss. Metal business cards are becoming more popular and offer a way to stand out. Utilize full-color designs that match your branding.

Simplicity is key: While it might be tempting to cram every service you offer onto your card, resist the urge. An overcrowded card is difficult to read and less impactful. Prioritize essential information and leave plenty of white space.

Stay unique: In a sea of generic business card templates, what will make your car business card stand out? Perhaps a unique shape, a subtle texture, or a clever use of imagery related to your specific automotive repair niche. Don't be afraid to be creative, but always keep clarity and readability in mind.

Utilize both sides: Remember that you have two sides of the business card to work with. Typically, the front is best for contact information, and the back can be a call to action or QR code.

Key Elements to Include in Your Automotive Business Card

A well-designed automotive business card is more than just a pretty face; it's a functional tool that provides all the necessary information for a customer to connect with you. Here are the essential elements to include:

  • Your Shop's Logo and Name: This is your primary brand identifier. Your logo should be clear and recognizable, and your shop's name should be prominently displayed.
  • Your Name and Title: While not strictly necessary for every card, including the owner's or a key auto mechanic's name and title adds a personal touch.
  • Contact Information: This is arguably the most crucial element. Include your phone number, email address, and your physical address. Make sure these are easy to read and accurate.
  • Website Address: In today's digital world, a strong online presence is vital. Include your website URL so customers can easily learn more about your services, read testimonials, or even schedule appointments online.
  • Services Offered: You don't need a comprehensive list, but a few key services can help customers understand your specialty. For example, "Engine Diagnostics," "Brake Service," or "Oil Change."
  • Call to Action: While not always a direct call to action, you can subtly encourage action. For example, if you offer warranties, you might mention "Backed by our 12-month warranty."
  • QR Code: This is a modern and highly effective addition. A QR code can link directly to your website, online scheduling system, or a map to your shop. This makes it incredibly convenient for customers to access more information without having to manually type in URLs.

Tek-Tip: Need help designing your automotive business card? Our free auto repair business card generator can help.

Beyond these essentials, consider adding a tagline that encapsulates your brand's unique selling proposition. For instance, "Your Trusted Partner in Automotive Care" or "Quality Repairs, Unbeatable Service." Some shops even include a small area for appointment reminders on the back, transforming the card into a dual-purpose tool.

Mechanic business card templates

To help you get started with your business card design, we have included some inspiration below.

Auto repair business card ideas

Auto repair business card template.
Auto repair business card example.
Auto repair business card idea.

Tire shop business card ideas

Tire shop business card idea.
Tire shop business card template.
Tire shop business card example.

Mobile mechanic business card ideas

Mobile mechanic business card idea.
Mobile mechanic business card template.
Mobile mechanic business card example.

Which Software is Best for Designing Business Cards?

You don't need to be a graphic designer to create professional-looking automotive business cards. Several software options, ranging from beginner-friendly to professional-grade, can help you bring your vision to life.

For those on a budget or looking for a quick solution, online business card templates from platforms like Canva, Vistaprint, or Zazzle are excellent choices. These platforms offer a vast library of pre-designed business card templates specifically for the automotive industry. They provide intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, making it easy to customize text, colors, and even upload your logo. They often integrate directly with printing services, simplifying the entire workflow.

For more advanced users who want complete control over their business card design, professional graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop are the industry standards. These programs offer unparalleled flexibility and precision, allowing you to create truly custom designs from scratch. However, they come with a steeper learning curve and a subscription cost.

Regardless of the software you choose, ensure it allows you to export your design in a high-quality format suitable for professional printing, often a vector file (like AI, EPS, or PDF) or a high-resolution JPG/PNG.

Final thoughts

In an increasingly digital world, the humble business card for an automotive repair shop remains a powerful and tangible marketing tool. It's not just about sharing contact information; it's about making a lasting impression, reinforcing your brand, and fostering trust with your customers.

By adhering to best practices for designing an automotive business card, including all key elements, and leveraging the right software, you can create a mechanic business card that truly represents the quality and professionalism of your shop. Whether you're a seasoned auto mechanic or just starting an auto repair business, don't underestimate the power of a well-designed, high-quality business card.

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