Digital Vehicle Inspection software enables auto repair shops to go beyond a traditional paper system for inspections and repair order estimates.
Customers have become accustomed to a digital experience every time they shop, and having their car fixed is no different. Auto repair shops need to update their processes to meet those expectations. When look specifically at auto repair shops, there are even more opportunities to go digital beyond receipts.
Printed estimates may seem like a professional way to present work to customers. But the problem is that paper estimates don’t really show drivers what’s wrong with their vehicles.
The result? Customers approve a small sliver of work, or worse, go to another auto repair shop for a second opinion.
Digital vehicle inspections not only save time and paper but also build trust and enhance the customer experience. Not to mention, they help sell larger repairs and increase customer loyalty.
What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?
A digital vehicle inspection is an inspection method for auto shops built directly into a shop management system.
Like your usual inspections, DVIs are performed by technicians on every vehicle to identify repair work usually with a tablet or phone, to record the results.
How Does a Digital Vehicle Inspection Work?
Because digital vehicle inspections are just one feature of cloud-based shop management systems, they work as a single step in your shop's workflow.
When they're assigned a repair job, technicians carry out their digital vehicle inspection right in the app, and they can even take pictures or videos to quickly attach their findings to that repair order estimate.
That estimate can then be sent directly to customers for approval through text message or email, and all of this information will be tracked by your shop management system.
The 3 Biggest Benefits of Digital Vehicle Inspections
We'll cut to the chase: digital vehicle inspections can make your shop more money. With DVIs, customers will know what's going on, they'll be more likely to approve repair orders, and you'll see your shop's average repair order skyrocket.
1. Save Time
Once the technician completes an inspection, they can send it to the service advisor to share with the customer and build a repair order. Shops can setup a default inspection, attach canned jobs, and get repairs approved in minutes. This frees them up to focus more on the customer directly, and maybe even start looking into their history with the shop and provide a personalized experience.
2. Sell More Repair Work with Transparency
It's not easy to get repair orders approved simply because it’s challenging to show customers what’s going on with their vehicles. Typically your customers don't know how cars work, and they're far too familiar with horror stories of family members or friends feeling ripped off.
This industry relies on trust: when customers can trust that your shop is doing right by them, they're be more accepting of the necessary costs, which usually results in customers approving larger repair orders.
Because technicians can include pictures, videos and even other files like repair manuals, customers can see exactly what's wrong. And when they can see what's wrong, they know why something needs to be fixed or replaced. They can trust your shop is doing necessary work.
3. Track Declined Jobs
Shop management systems with built in DVIs also provide more visibility into what’s approved and what’s declined without the service advisor having to re-enter any information.
Any job that the customer declines from the estimate (which is built from the DVI) will be sent to the “declined jobs” list on the customer’s profile. Being able to track declined jobs enables your shop to keep in touch with customers, which builds customer loyalty and even gives you an opportunity to pick up more business when times are slow.
Common Digital Vehicle Inspection Features
Thanks to tablets and smartphones, technicians can take advantage of touch screens and cameras to build out comprehensive digital vehicle inspections faster than they ever could with a pen and clipboard, while minimizing mistakes and making your shop more money.
Include Images, Videos or other files Go beyond just a simple checklist and enable techs to include pictures, videos, pdfs with diagnostic results, or even links add links to web sites with relevant info.
Leverage Canned Jobs Add canned jobs to inspections to quickly build out repair orders for common work. Spend less time on each individual RO and quickly add in parts like BG products.
Share through email or text Send your digital inspections right to your customers email or even text them a link so they can quickly view what's wrong and approve any work that needs to be done.
How to use a Digital Vehicle Inspection
Tekmetric makes it extremely easy to create digital vehicle inspections that are well-organized and simple for technicians to follow. Your shop can create as many different inspections as you need.
If your shop offers body work, repair work, and transmission work, you may want to create three different inspections that focus on the type of repair work specific types of customers come in for. You can set a default inspection to automatically
Tekmetric also lets you organize inspections by “groups,” which helps guide technicians through checking different areas of the vehicles. Groups can also represent different types of maintenance.
For example, your shop can create an inspection group for “scheduled maintenance” to remind technicians to check the odometer and recommend maintenance at different mile marks (3,000 mile service; 5,000 mile service; 6,000 mile service; etc.)
When you create a digital vehicle inspection in Tekmetric, you can also tie different inspection tasks to canned jobs, which makes it easier than ever for the service advisors to build an estimate and recommend work tied to the technician's findings.
Please note: This blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice. This blog post is merely a guide on how shop management software works with accounting software. Additionally, there is a difference between bookkeeping services and accounting services. If you’re seeking professional accounting services, contact Paar, Melis, & Associates.
For many shop owners, the accounting side of business can be overwhelming. After all, there’s probably a good reason why you decided to start an auto repair business and not an accounting firm—you enjoy fixing cars and helping people, not staring at numbers all day. That's where reporting features from Tekmetric come in, making it easier to see all your finances in one place.
But when you’re in the shop owner’s seat, it’s vital for you to have a firm grasp on your books. If you want your business to succeed over the long haul, your financial statements need to be complete, consistent, and comparable.
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: Standard pricing starting at $1,499. Use discount code: "TEK6CONF" to save $$$.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Every element of your team is critical, from the technicians who complete the repairs to the service writers who assist customers and keep repair orders flowing through your shop management system.
They’re the people who are responsible for directly communicating with guests or working on vehicles. They're the core of your everyday operations, ensuring cars are brought in, estimates move along, and repairs are completed on time.
It is absolutely critical for great shops to start with great talent!
With the power of cloud-based shop management systems, auto repair shops can build the best team possible with the right mindset, culture, and approach to hiring and retaining the best talent.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)