As an auto repair shop owner, you know how important accurate labor times are for locking in your profit margin on labor and growing your business. But how do you find a labor guide that you can trust and that works with your shop’s estimate process?
Switching to a newer labor guide can be tough for some shops. Many shop owners already trust their physical, paper labor guide; they’ve been using it for years! But that guide probably doesn’t include labor times for repairs on newer vehicles—not to mention it takes up a lot of space.
Digital auto repair labor guides are becoming standard across the industry because of how accessible they are and how they can be continuously updated with labor times for newer vehicles.
If you’re still using your old labor guide, or even a digital labor guide that isn’t working for you, it might be time to find a labor guide that will better meet the needs of your shop. Here are some key features to look for to narrow down your search.
Does It Pull Comprehensive Labor Times From Industry Leaders?
Reliability is crucial when it comes to labor guides. If the times are way off, your shop could either underestimate labor times and lose money, or overestimate labor times and overcharge customers.
Reliable times come from reliable sources. So, one of the most important features to look for in a labor guide is where it sources information about its labor times. If that labor time data is from an unreliable source, you’ll risk creating labor rates that are either too low or too high.
But with a labor guide that pulls comprehensive labor time data from industry leaders, you can keep your shop profitable with the peace of mind that you’re basing your labor rates off of accurate labor times.
Does It Add New Labor Times in Realtime?
The auto repair industry is constantly undergoing changes. To stay competitive, it’s crucial that the labor guide you pick adds labor times for new vehicles and jobs periodically.
For instance, let’s say you use a labor guide that hasn’t been updated since 2015. If a customer walks in with a 2019 Honda Accord, your shop’s service advisors won’t have a good foundation to use when creating labor estimates.
When researching different labor guides, find out how often the teams behind each guide add new times. Ideally, you want a labor guide that pushes updates in realtime, right alongside rapid shifts in the industry. Realtime updates will ensure that you’re always working with the most relevant information.
Is The Labor Guide Built Into Your Shop Management Software?
Chances are that you’re already using a shop management system that includes features such as repair scheduling, parts ordering, and DVIs.
Having a shop management system with a built-in labor guide has several advantages. In short, you’ll:
Avoid spending time painstakingly digging through multiple systems. Instead, you’ll be able to access everything via one login.
Get better functionality. Since the labor guide is built-in, navigating through everything will be more intuitive.
Be able to quickly pull labor times as you build labor matrices, and will then easily be able to incorporate that data into each new repair order.
Have an easier time training your team because they’ll be learning how to use the labor guide in the context of a system they’ll be using every day.
Gain high value for the money you’re paying. Rather than making separate payments for separate solutions, you get a better deal by sticking with one solution that has a built-in labor guide.
Here’s how Tekmetric user Stephane Grabina of Excluservice puts it: “We saved a bunch of money, and the estimate writing process is much faster because the labor guide is built into the system.”
Is Your Labor Guide Easy-to-Use?
Think about the times you’ve had to deal with a clunky piece of software. It probably involved lots of wasted time and frustration as you tried to figure it all out.
Labor times are one of the most important data points for your shop. If you and your service advisors have to hunt down the information you need from a difficult-to-navigate user interface, you risk losing valuable time that you could instead be putting toward growing your business.
An intuitive automotive labor time guide also has a major benefit when it comes to training service advisors. The easier a labor guide is to use, the faster you can train your team—and have them building accurate estimates and repair orders in no time.
Always seek to get a demo of the labor guide you’re considering so you can see first-hand what the interface looks like, and what it’s like to navigate it. During the demo, pay attention to these factors:
Does the labor guide have repairs categorized in a clear, logical way?
Is it easy to find the repair type you’re looking for?
Does the labor guide list all labor operations associated with a job?
Does the labor guide list all parts associated with a job?
Does the labor guide make it easy for you to view the average times associated with each repair?
Can you easily pull the information from the labor guide into a labor matrix?
Is Your Shop Management System Backed by a Responsive Customer Support Team?
No matter how intuitive and reliable a software solution is, it’s important that it’s backed by a responsive customer support team. With any type of software, there will inevitably be feature updates and bug fixes.
If your team ever encounters an issue with the software, you’ll want to have access to a steadfast customer support team who can help you quickly work through those challenges. Dependable support will minimize downtime at your shop—you’ll spend less time trying to reassure annoyed customers who just want to get back on the road while you’re trying to figure out why your shop management system is down.
Additionally, having a responsive customer support team means you’ll be able to suggest new features, as well as tweaks to existing features, for them to consider. A team that’s receptive to your feedback means that your voice will be heard as the labor guide, and the solution it’s built into, continues to evolve.
Tekmetric: Shop Management System with Built-In Labor Guides
When it comes to accurate labor times for auto repair shops, Tekmetric has got you covered.
With Tekmetric's built-in labor guide, you can access trustworthy labor times in seconds, and seamlessly incorporate them into your workflows for building labor matrices and repair orders. No third-party labor guide subscription required.
Every vehicle that rolls into your shop is an opportunity to protect a customer's family, uncover real problems before they become roadside emergencies, and build the kind of trust that earns repeat business—but only if your team catches what matters every time.
A consistent inspection process is how shops do that. And when you pair it with the right tools, it pays off: Tekmetric shops using Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) average $741 per repair order, compared to $612 without them.
Below, you'll find a downloadable 100-point vehicle inspection checklist, a breakdown of what every technician should check, and an overview of how digital vehicle inspections can sharpen your workflow.
A full inspection covers every system that affects safety, drivability, and reliability. The comprehensive 100-point checklist below gives your technicians a strong baseline they can follow on every repair order.
Vehicle intake
Log the VIN and license plate to confirm the vehicle's identity and match past service records.
Record odometer reading in and out.
Note customer-reported concerns and the reason for the visit.
Check the body for dents, scratches, and any signs of damage.
Inspect the bumpers front and rear for cracks, loose mounts, or impact marks.
Confirm the license plate is secure, legible, and properly mounted.
Note any rust, paint issues, or trim damage.
Inspect fenders, rocker panels, and body panel alignment.
Inspect glass, windshield, and mirrors for chips, cracks, or pitting.
Check door handles, hinges, and weather stripping.
Inspect child safety locks.
Inspect the trailer hitch.
Lights and electrical
Headlights on low and high beam.
Taillights and brake lights.
Turn signals front and rear.
Hazard flashers.
License plate lights and dashboard illumination.
Reverse lights, fog lights, and daytime running lights.
Interior dome, map, and courtesy lights.
Any warning light that's illuminated on the dashboard. A check engine light, ABS warning, or airbag indicator tells you where to focus diagnostic time.
Battery voltage, terminals, and charge/discharge load test.
Alternator output and starter draw.
Ignition switch and accelerator pedal function.
Horn operation.
Tires and wheels
Check tire pressure on all four tires plus the spare.
Measure tire tread depth.
Check for uneven wear patterns that can point to alignment or suspension issues.
Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
Check valve stems and caps for leaks or damage.
Review the tire DOT date code for age.
Verify wheel condition, lug nut torque, and hub cap security.
Check the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and locking wheel lock key.
Confirm the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning.
Brake system
Check brake pads for thickness and wear patterns.
Inspect rotors for scoring, warping, or excessive wear.
Examine brake drums and shoes, if equipped.
Check brake calipers for sticking, leaks, or damaged boots.
Check brake fluid level and condition at the master cylinder.
Examine brake lines and hoses for cracks or leaks.
Test parking brake function and adjustment.
Evaluate overall brake pedal feel, travel, and pulsation.
Verify ABS sensors, wiring, and warning light operation.
Steering and suspension
Inspect the steering wheel for play and responsiveness.
Check steering column and intermediate shaft for looseness.
Check power steering fluid level and condition.
Examine tie rods and ball joints for wear.
Check struts for leaks or damage.
Inspect shock absorbers for proper dampening and leaks.
Check CV boots and axle shafts.
Inspect wheel bearings for noise or excessive play.
Inspect sway bar links, bushings, and control arms.
Look for uneven ride height or sagging that can indicate a failing spring.
Under the hood
Check the battery capacity.
Check engine oil level and condition.
Check the oil filter for leaks and proper seating.
Inspect transmission fluid.
Check coolant level, condition, and the cooling system for leaks.
Inspect brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid reservoirs.
Inspect the battery, cables, and hold-down hardware.
Examine the serpentine belt and any drive belts for cracks, glazing, or fraying.
Check all hoses for soft spots, swelling, bulges, or leaks.
Inspect the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Check the fuel filter, if serviceable.
Inspect the PCV valve and evaporative emissions components.
Check the radiator and condenser fins for debris or damage.
Check engine and transmission mounts.
Look for oil leaks at the valve cover, oil pan, and gaskets.
Test the spark plugs and ignition components.
Inspect air intake.
Inspect fuses.
Under the car
Check the exhaust system for leaks, rust, and damaged hangers.
Inspect the muffler, resonator, and heat shields.
Inspect fuel system components, lines, and the fuel tank for leaks or corrosion.
Look at the transmission and differential housings for leaks.
Check the oil pan and drain plug for seepage or stripped threads.
Examine the frame, subframe, and undercarriage for rust or impact damage.
Check emissions-related components like the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
Inspect the driveshaft, U-joints, and center support bearings.
Verify skid plates and underbody shielding are secure.
Scan the ground under the vehicle for any fluid drips or leaks.
Interior and safety equipment
Test seat belts for retraction, fraying, and buckle function.
Confirm airbag and supplemental restraint indicators clear properly.
Inspect windshield wipers and wiper blades for streaking or splitting.
Test washer fluid spray on the windshield and rear glass, if equipped.
Inspect interior warning lights.
Check AC, heat, and all fan speeds.
Test front and rear defrosters.
Inspect infotainment displays and systems.
Test door locks, power windows, and the key fob.
Inspect driver-assist systems, backup camera, and parking sensors.
Inspect lane departure systems.
Road test
Confirm smooth engine start and stable idle.
Evaluate transmission shift quality and clutch engagement, if manual.
Test braking response, pedal feel, and stopping distance.
Listen and feel for suspension noise, vibration, or harshness.
Check cruise control and driver-assist system operation.
Note any dashboard warning indicator, abnormal smoke from the exhaust, or unusual vibration that appears during the drive.
What are digital vehicle inspections (DVIs)?
Paper inspection checklists worked for decades, but they come with real costs: illegible handwriting, lost sheets, no documentation, and frustrating back-and-forth among the technician, service advisor, and customer.
Digital Vehicle Inspections change that. With Tekmetric, your technicians perform the inspection on a tablet or phone, attach photos and videos of anything that needs attention, and send a vehicle health report straight to the customer's phone.
Here's what that looks like in practice: A technician notices worn brake pads on a 2019 Toyota Highlander. Instead of writing a note the customer may not understand, the technician snaps a photo of the worn pad next to a new one, records a short video, and marks the task red for immediate attention. The service advisor builds the estimate and texts it to the customer. Whether they're an in-store customer in the waiting room or at work across town, the customer approves the job with a digital signature.
Tired of piles of paper inspections? Upgrade your shop with digital vehicle inspections. Send inspections to the customer for approval with the visual proof needed to close the deal.
Why car inspections matter
Every car owner is counting on your team to catch what they can't see. A consistent inspection process gives your technicians a repeatable way to do exactly that on every repair order, every time.
Inspections also drive revenue. When you document a vehicle's condition clearly with photos and notes, customers understand exactly what their car needs and why. They approve more of the work they genuinely need when they can see the evidence.
Build customer trust with digital vehicle inspections
A great inspection process isn't about checking boxes. It's about giving every vehicle owner a clear, honest picture of their car's condition so they can make informed decisions about their safety and their budget. When your shop pairs a thorough inspection process with a digital tool like Tekmetric's DVI, you give your team the speed and consistency they need and your customers the transparency they want.
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.
In the world of tires and engine diagnostics, the most powerful tool in your automotive shop might not be in your toolbox—it might be online. For the modern auto repair shop, a professional website is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s your 24/7 receptionist, your most compelling advertisement, and your digital front door.
But where do you start? The world of web design can feel as complex as a modern car's electrical system. This guide will navigate you through the complexities of website building and best practices to drive customers to your shop.
Why a website is essential for mechanics
In an age where the first step to solving a problem is a Google search, your customers are looking for you online. When a check engine light flashes or brakes start to squeal, their phone is the first thing they reach for. If you’re not there to be found, you’re handing business to your competitors.
1. Building trust: A professional car repair website acts as a digital handshake. It tells visitors that you are a legitimate, trustworthy auto repair business.
2. 24/7 Marketing engine: Your shop has closing hours, but your website works around the clock. It provides essential information like your location, auto services, and phone number. You can even add online scheduling features so you never miss a customer when they are ready to book.
3. Local search and SEO: A well-optimized website is critical for local SEO optimization. When someone searches "car repair near me," search engines like Google prioritize businesses with informative and mobile-friendly websites. A strong online presence puts you at the top of those results, making you the default choice for local customers in need. More on SEO later.
Key features for your auto repair shop website
To be effective, your mechanic website needs more than just a pretty face. It requires specific features and functionality to meet the needs of your customers.
1. Contact information and hours
Your phone number, address (with an embedded, clickable map), and business hours should be prominently visible on your homepage, preferably at the top and bottom of every page. A simple and memorable automotive shop name can also help you be easily remembered when the next check engine light comes on.
2. Add service pages
Don’t just say "we fix cars." Create distinct auto repair service webpages listing all of your car repair services: oil changes, brake repair, engine diagnostics, transmission services, tire rotation, auto care, etc. This not only informs customers but also provides valuable keywords for search engines and helps customers know if you perform the service they need. You can also include your prices if you think it is a selling point.
3. Online appointment scheduling and payments
Convenience is king. An integrated scheduling system that allows customers to select a service and schedule a time slot is a game-changer. It reduces phone tag, streamlines your workflow, and improves the overall customer experience.
Tek-Tip: Overwhelmed? Tired of boring website templates? Let Tekmetric build you a custom website that is tailored to your business. (Must be a Tekmetric customer).
4. Customer testimonials and reviews
Social proof is incredibly persuasive. A dedicated section for reviews from satisfied customers builds trust and validates your quality of work. An easy place to start is by managing and responding to your Google reviews.
5. Mobile-Friendly design
The majority of local searches happen on mobile phones rather than desktops. Your website must be optimized for mobile devices and fully responsive to provide the best user experience.
6. Blogs
Writing blogs about topics your customers care about can be an easy way to drive online engagement and new customers. Make your blogs specific to your geographical area such as “How to fix a flat tire in Houston, Texas” or “What to do when your check engine light comes on in Denver, Colorado”.
7. Search engine optimization
Stop what you are doing and search for your key automotive services in Google. Does your shop show up on the first page of Google? If not, you likely have an opportunity to optimize your SEO strategy and online presence.
8. Clear goals
Your website should make it easy for customers to contact you or to book an appointment. Whether you add a contact form or online booking functionality, make it easy for potential customers to start the process.
9. Your story
Is your shop veteran or family owned and operated? Sharing your story and what makes your shop unique can be a big selling factor for potential customers.
The best website builders for your shop
You don’t need to be a coding expert to build a website. Modern website builder platforms offer intuitive tools that make the process straightforward.
Tekmetric: If you are tired of boring website templates and are already a Tekmetric customer, Tekmetric will build you a custom website design that matches your brand and services. You can even add SEO support and online bookings so you can waste less time on marketing and spend more time with your customers. Best of all, everything syncs with your Tekmetric platform so everything stays in one place.
CAUTION: building your own website can be time consuming, expensive, and lead to poor results. Most website builders do not have automotive industry experience and may not know the best practices. Let Tekmetric build you a custom website that is tailored to your business. (Must be a Tekmetric customer).
Wix: If you want to invest the time and manpower to create your own website, Wix is known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. It offers a wide selection of website templates, including many designed for the automotive industry.
Squarespace: Squarespace is another great option if you want to build your website yourself. Squarespace is known for its clean and modern website design templates.
Best auto repair website templates
Choosing a website design is about finding an aesthetic that reflects your brand and serves your customers' needs. Look for designs that are clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Here are a few of our favorite automotive websites:
The KARR website offers an engaging video on the home page paired with a bright aesthetic. It stands out to prospects with clear call-to-actions, customer testimonials, services, and contact information.
The Anderson website grabs your attention immediately with high-quality shop images with a minimalist aesthetic. We loved the easy to use online booking tool and embedded Google map for easy directions.
Hansen Auto Repair has done a great job making their website easy to navigate and incorporating clear call-to-actions. They added specific service level website pages to maximize SEO performance and even added coupons/warranty information. The theme is patriotic while also being professional.
The last website to make our list was an RV repair shop showcasing that all types of repair shops need a website to drive business. This website also stood out because they added a link to their merchandise store and helpful FAQs.
How to choose the right website design for your shop
With so many options, how do you pick the web design that's right for you?
Define your goals: What is the single most important action you want a visitor to take? Is it to call you? Book online? Visit your shop? Your entire design should guide them toward that goal.
Customer first: Are you serving busy parents who value convenience, or car enthusiasts who appreciate technical detail? Your design, from colors to fonts, should speak their language.
Brand identity: Your website is an extension of your physical car mechanic shop. If your shop is known for being modern and tech-forward, your website should reflect that. If you're a third-generation family business, your site should convey that heritage and trust.
Budget and resources: Consider both the initial cost and the long-term maintenance of the website.
Prioritize functionality: A beautiful website that is slow, confusing, or broken is worse than a simple website that works perfectly. Ensure the website template you choose is fast-loading and provides a seamless user-friendly experience for your visitors.
Final thoughts
Building a modern auto repair website is one of the single best investments you can make in the future of your automotive business. It establishes your credibility and works 24/7 to attract new clients.
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