The Biggest Auto Repair Industry Trends To Take Advantage of in 2024

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Read time: 3 min

As 2023 winds down, it's a great time to reflect on the strides made across the independent auto repair industry.

Throughout the year, we’ve been collecting data, talking to shops that rely on Tekmetric every day, and gaining valuable insight into how your shop can prepare for the best year possible in 2024.

That’s why we released our latest Industry Index Report earlier this year, to give shops and industry resources to not only compare their performance against other shops but also some concrete tips and tricks they can implement at their shop. 

This comprehensive analysis not only assesses the industry's vitality but also seamlessly integrates unique Tekmetric’s partner shop data, presenting a goldmine of opportunities for optimizing shop management.

The result is a compelling narrative that provides a bird's-eye view of auto repair in 2023 and delves into Tekmetric-specific data, to offer shops like yours the actionable insights you need for success in 2024.

Here’s how shops can take advantage of these trends in 2024.

1. Ride the Wave of Industry Growth with the Right Tools For The Job

Despite the looming threat of a recession, the auto repair industry has expanded as customers choose to repair their existing vehicles rather than purchasing new.

This presents an opportunity for shop owners to ride the wave of industry growth and expand their businesses – with the right tools for the job.

In 2022, the auto repair industry defied economic uncertainties, witnessing a remarkable revenue surge of 9.7%, and the momentum continues with an anticipated additional growth of 8.1% in 2023.

Tekmetric shops in particular have been at the forefront of this upward trajectory, reporting a notable 6.35% increase in cars occupying their bays. Furthermore, a staggering 80% of open repair orders within Tekmetric shops were not only completed but also promptly paid in full.

As a testament to the efficacy of Tekmetric tools, users also experienced a robust 55.86% average profit margin, coupled with an impressive $585.91 Average Repair Order (ARO).

These trends underscore the potential for auto repair businesses to not just weather economic challenges, but to thrive and expand by leveraging insights and functionalities from a shop management system like Tekmetric.

2. Get More Value Out of The Work Your Shop Does

Maximizing efficiency through data is the key to unlocking the full value of a shop’s work.

By embracing the data and insights from a system like Tekmetric, shops can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also position themselves for sustained growth and success in a competitive market.

One notable avenue is the strategic use of unique matrices. In 2023, shops that adopted this practice with their parts matrices experienced a 35% profit margin on parts.

This optimization not only enhances the shop’s bottom line but also underscores the potential for shops to boost their profitability through streamlined processes significantly.

Moreover, approximately 45% of shops used labor matrices to set varying labor rates, culminating in an average hourly technician rate of $27.26. This rate stands notably higher – 19% to be precise – than the national average reported in 2023.

Adopting these matrices demonstrates an intentional approach to labor management, allowing shops to tailor their pricing structures based on factors such as job type, expertise, specialization, or customer requirements. 

3. Meet Customer Demands with Modern Solutions

Modern customers have modern expectations. That's exactly where modern solutions like a cloud-based shop management system come in.

Take Advantage of Digital Inspections and Tools

We've heard it time and time again, customers may not always trust auto repair shops and might feel a little weary approving costly repair bills, no matter how necessary they might be. Of course, this not only means a declined job for your shop, but more importantly, at best an even more costly repair down the line, or at worst a potentially dangerous situation on the road.

That's why your shop needs to work to build that trust with customers. When they feel that your shop is on their side offering valuable advice and transparency regarding necessary repairs, they'll be more likely to approve those repairs.

‍One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply show the customer what's wrong. Don't just rely on industry-standard terminology, which comes out as techno-babble to customers. Instead, with modern shop software, technicians can take pictures or even videos to show exactly what's broken or what needs to be replaced.

Text Customers and Get Paid Instantly

Shops should also consider texting their guests. We get text updates from our doctor's office or for our pizza delivery, so why shouldn't shops text their customers as well?

The convenience makes it easier for your shop, who can text directly from your SMS, while customers don't have to wait for a free minute to answer your call or authorize repairs -- that can all be done instantly, in real-time, through texts.

Prepare For the Year Ahead

Tekmetric's 2023 Industry Index Report serves as a beacon for auto repair shops, guiding them toward growth, profitability, and enhanced customer experiences in the dynamic landscape of the industry.

In fact, it’s more than a just report – it's a guide for shop owners looking to create a business that thrives in the next year and beyond.

Download the report now and unlock a roadmap to success, powered by data, innovation, and Tekmetric's commitment to shaping the future of the auto repair industry.

FAQ

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Selecting the right business name for your auto repair shop can be a challenging task. Your business name will be the first impression your potential customers have of your shop and will determine how memorable your shop will be. Use the ideas below to brainstorm the perfect name for your auto repair business.

A list of the best mechanic shop names.

Creative auto repair shop names

  • On The Road Again Repairs
  • NextGear Auto Service
  • Check Engine Repairs
  • Torque of the Town
  • The Engine Room
  • Chrome & Steel Auto Care
  • Axle & Alloy Repair Co.
  • Peak Performance Garage
  • Smooth Ride Mechanics
  • Driven Dynamics
  • Velocity Auto Shop
  • ClearPath Automotive

Funny automotive repair shop names

  • The Brake-Up Shop
  • Motor Mouth Mechanics
  • Hit & Run Body Shop
  • Exhausted Mechanics
  • Hot Wife Automotive A/C Repair
  • Don’t Tread On Me Auto
  • The Laughing Lugnuts Auto Repair
  • Wheel Be Alright Auto Repairs
  • Motor Mouth LLC
  • Rust in Peace Repairs

Tek-Tip: Have you thought about how you will market your new business? We reccomend Shopgenie for all automotive marketing needs including websites, CRM, reviews, and more.

Cool mechanic shop names

  • The Car Whisperers LLC
  • RoadReady Mechanics
  • StreetSmart Garage
  • GearShift Garage
  • Velocity Motors
  • Gearhead Garage
  • The Repair Authority
  • PitStop Pros
  • Full Throttle Repair
  • Trackside Garage

Unique and catchy names

  • Car Medic Garage
  • Nuts & Bolts Car Mechanics
  • Unleaded Car Repair
  • Honest Engine Repair
  • Auto Barn Car Care
  • Iron Horse Garage
  • Blue Ridge Auto Works
  • RevSync Mechanics
  • The Auto Vault
  • Summit Auto Haven
  • Rust & Revive Repair

Simple auto shop name ideas

  • Car Surgeons
  • The Car Guys
  • Engine Experts
  • Quick Fix Automotive Repairs
  • The Brake Brothers
  • One Stop Auto Shop
  • Auto Solutions Inc.
  • Pit Stop Garage
  • Turbo Tires & More
  • Wrench Wizards

Service-Specific shop names

  • Brake Check Repairs
  • Oil Be Back Automotive Repairs
  • Vivid Vehicle Body Shop
  • 1 Hour Heat and A/C Auto Repairs
  • Battery Solutions LLC
  • Actually Discounted Tires
  • Renew Collision Center
  • 30min Oil Change Shop
  • Restored Right Auto Body Shop

Mobile mechanic business names

  • Repair on Wheels
  • Roaming Automotive Repairs
  • One Stop Repair Shop
  • One Call Repairs
  • Wheels On The Way
  • (Insert last name) Mobile Mechanic
  • The Leaky Gasket Mobile Repair
  • 1 Hour Mobile Mechanic
  • 24/7 Mobile Mechanic

How to select the right auto repair shop name

Once you have your list of potential shop names narrowed down, it is time to do a final round of research to make sure your name is legal, optimized and ready to launch. Check out our final 6 tips and tricks below.

1. Legal checks

Before you can launch your new automotive shop name, you should check for Trademarks by visiting the US Patent and Trademark Website. Simply search your pending business name to see if it is taken or if you can proceed.

2. SEO

Search engine optimization for auto repair shops is an important avenue for driving brand awareness and new customers. To maximize your new business name, aim to include common keywords like “automotive”, “repair”, and “shop”. Also, try to use local terms like “Houston” to help search engines know where your services are located. Lastly, check to see if any competitors are using a similar name and determine if your name will be unique enough.

3. Domain availability

GoDaddy can check if your new automotive repair shop name is available to use. You will also be able to see how much the domain name will cost and whether it would be cheaper to use a variation of your business name.

4. KISS

Keeping your new shop name simple will help you in the long run. Potential customers will find it easier to remember (and share via word of mouth) if you keep it short and simple. Plus, shorter business names are easier to fit on business cards, advertisements, and social media.

5. Marketing

Looking down the road, your new business name should fit within your overall automotive marketing strategy. Are you planning to use a certain logo or color scheme? Make sure your name fits the theme you are aiming for and attracts your target audience. If you plan to use social media marketing, check to see if your business name is available as a social handle.

6. Set the tone

Your name is likely your first impression with your customers. Once you are ready to launch, give it one more review to make sure it conveys the right brand identity and message. Lastly, have a friend or colleague offer feedback on your business name and see how it resonates with them.

Closing Thoughts

Finding the right name for your business is a daunting task and we hope this guide has helped you brainstorm new business name ideas and narrow down your list. We recommend taking the extra time to make the right choice up front so you don’t have to rebrand down the road. As always, there is wisdom to asking for feedback from your community. Select your top 5 names and ask for help picking the best shop name for your business.

Best Auto Repair Shop Names (70+ Ideas)

January 30, 2025

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Building a startup takes time, effort, and a lot of determination. You and your team have invested in a great idea, and everyone works diligently to bring new team members, investors, and customers on board. However, the process doesn’t end once the product or service has taken off and gained popularity.

A startup can operate on a lean team, with people wearing multiple hats and taking on extra responsibilities. But as the company grows, it will be time to hire more employees and scale the company to meet demand.

How to scale the business is an enormous question that causes hesitation for many leaders. How do you expand your business offerings and your team without losing the heart and inspiration that helped the startup succeed in the first place?

In my own business, Tekmetric, which offers shop management software for auto repair businesses, I have relied on a few tactics that enabled me—and our whole team—to scale sustainably. Here are four of the most vital.

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In auto repair, there are many moving parts to keep track of—both the literal parts your shop uses to repair vehicles, and the parts of your business that determine your shop’s efficiency, security, and ability to grow. If you want your shop to flourish, it’s crucial to devote part of your business to keeping track of the parts you order.

Many shops track parts in terms of cost of goods sold. The parts you need for the job are included on every repair order, so it’s easy to see what parts your customers are paying for as long as you have a solid process for building repair orders.

But what about in terms of accounts payable? How does your shop track how much you’re spending for parts from the supplier?

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