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Are you starting your first auto repair shop or still wrestling with paper repair orders and manual invoices? You're not alone.
Running a modern shop means you have to keep track of repair orders, parts inventory, tech hours, invoices, and customer updates. The right automotive shop management software can transform this daily chaos into a smooth, trackable workflow. We searched high and low to find budget-friendly shop management solutions.
This article breaks down the best options for small repair businesses. You'll find everything from all-in-one management systems to specific tools for marketing, estimates, and more.
Finding the right auto repair shop software can change how you run your auto repair shop completely. We looked at dozens of options and found several outstanding solutions that blend powerful features with an easy-to-use design to help you run your daily operations better.
Tekmetric was built by a former shop owner looking to reduce the headache of running a shop and is trusted by over 15,000 repair shops. Small automotive businesses will like that Tekmetric is an all-in-one solution that can grow with your shop if you add additional locations or staff in the future.
With regular software updates, US-based support, 70+ integrations, glowing G2 reviews, and competitive pricing, Tekmetric is our top pick for small businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
Tekmetric features include:
ARI is a budget-friendly option for auto repair shops, mobile mechanics, independent technicians, and auto dealers. Depending on your shop's needs, you will likely need to integrate with other solutions to cover all of your bases. If you are looking to save money and don’t need an all-in-one solution, ARI might be a good fit for you. ARI features include:
Torque360 is a cloud-based platform that lets you manage your shop's workflow remotely. Specializing in diverse shops such as marine and RV shops, Torque360 has a wide variety of applications. While not as dedicated to the auto repair space, Torque360 is a solid cloud-based option for most repair shops.
Torque360 features include:
While many shop management systems exist for smaller shops, you can narrow down your list by focusing on what needs you have currently and how you see your business growing in the coming years. Do you prefer an all-in-one software? Do you need certain integrations? What pain points does your shop currently have? These are all helpful questions to ask when considering an auto repair management system.
If you are struggling to keep your bays full, an auto repair marketing software might be the fix you are looking for. Marketing software can help smaller shops attract new customers with an SEO-optimized website, online scheduling, and automated Google reviews. In addition, an auto repair CRM can help you manage your customer database and bring them back with automated reminders, promotional campaigns, and two-way texting.
Tekmetric offers a modern marketing and CRM platform specifically designed for auto repair shops of all sizes. Built into the all-in-one Tekmetric platform, smaller shops can manage their marketing and CRM efforts from the same platform they use to build estimates.
Tekmetric marketing features include:
AutoVitals offers a CRM and marketing solution built for automotive shops. While AutoVitals integrates with Tekmetric, they are more focused on DVIs and marketing versus an all-in-one solution.
Features include:
Autoflow helps keep your customers coming back through smart automation. Autoflow tracks customer history and priorities to send targeted offers for preventive maintenance and repairs.
Features include:
Finding the right marketing and CRM for smaller businesses can be challenging, but doable if you keep your focus on what features you need now, what features you will need as you grow, and your budget. Remember that a good automotive marketing platform will pay for itself if you use it effectively.
Your small auto repair business needs a fast and secure way to accept payments and keep the cash flowing. Modern auto repair POS systems can help your customers say “yes” to more work by offering financing and digital approvals.
Tekmetric Payments protects your revenue through intelligent payment collection. Offering buy now, pay later, your customers have more options to afford expensive repairs and more ways to approve estimates. Tekmetric Payments is built into the Tekmetric platform and offers:
ARI processes payments through collaborations with payment networks, including PayPal, Square, Stripe, and 360Payments. Features include:
If you are strictly looking for a payment software without shop management or other features, Stripe might be the best fit for your business. Square is one of the most popular payment platforms and features:
Payment and POS software can make a big difference for small auto shops. Providing customer financing options and digital authorizations can increase your work approval rates and boost profits. Ask your customers what pain points they have and how you can make it easier for them to say “yes”.
Auto parts inventory tracking software is vital to any shop's workflow. The right inventory management software helps avoid overstocking or delaying repairs because you are waiting on parts. Start optimizing your parts inventory today with these tools:
Tekmetric offers smooth inventory management tracking for all shop sizes. This includes location-specific reporting and unified stock visibility. Tekmetrics automotive parts inventory software lets shops:
Sortly is an inventory management software that supports almost every industry. Shops can utilize Sortly to track custom details such as location, cost, SKU, and manufacturer. Sortly has these features:
Napa Tracs delivers modern inventory management built for automotive shops. The software makes ordering simple through direct integrations with top vendors. It tracks order status for all parts by order or job. Features include:
Whatever solution you pick, inventory tracking software means better cash flow, less waste, and improved efficiency for small auto repair shops.
Regular auto repair shop software doesn't always solve the problems tire shops face. Tire shops need specialized software to manage their tire inventories, track seasonal needs, and boost their efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Tire Suite by Tekmetric is our top pick for small tire shops because it offers modern features and integrates with the rest of the Tekmetric platform. This means tire shops can sell tires from the same platform they create marketing promotions from. The Tekmetric tire shop software offers the following features:
TireMaster software handles tire-specific operations through specialized inventory management that tracks tire sizes, brands, models, and DOT numbers. TireMaster features include:
Tire Guru is a comprehensive option for tire shops that can afford a more robust software. Their cloud-based platform features:
Tire shops operate on small margins and need the right software to optimize inventory investment and sales. The best tire shop software for your small business should balance specialized tire features with core management tools to run a profitable automotive business.
Mobile apps allow shop owners to handle everything from check-ins to digital vehicle inspections without being stuck at a desk. They are powerful tools to modernize your business and improve your efficiency. Below you will find our favorite mobile apps for small repair shops.
The Tekmetric Mobile App helps shops move faster with mobile check-ins, DVIs and more. It’s a free app for Tekmetric customers and is specifically designed to make your workflow more efficient. Features include:
AutoLeaps mobile app allows shops to scan VINs and log inspections faster and more efficiently. Some of the other features include:
Orderry’s mobile app platform helps create, track, and finish repairs from your phone. While not specifically designed for the automotive world, this app can help small businesses create simple workflows. Some of the more notable features include:
Once you find the right mobile solution for your business, you will be able to work more efficiently and provide a better customer experience. The best mobile apps for your shop will integrate with your shop management system and reduce friction points with your customers.
Quick and accurate estimates are vital to any auto repair business. The right software makes this process quick, easy to understand, and integrates with your shop management system. Here are a few of our favorites:
Tekmetric brings all of your shop operations into one platform, including estimates. Tekmetrics’ auto repair estimate software offers a faster way to create estimates by linking inspection findings, labor guides, and parts inventory. Features include:
Shop-Ware helps you prepare and share estimates in seconds. It combines photos and videos to enhance the customer experience. Other features include:
Identifix offers a shop management system with an integrated estimate builder. It is a cloud-based system that you can take with you on the go. Other features include:
Estimate building software is vital to all automotive shops. Customers expect to see professional and accurate estimates before approving work. You can delight customers by going a step further and looking for software with digital approvals, DVIs, and other modern features.
In an industry that is full of customer skepticism, building customer trust is what sets shops apart from the others. Digital vehicle inspections (DVI) software is a modern way for small repair shops to build that trust. Technicians can document vehicle conditions with photos and videos, showing customers exactly what needs ot be fixed on their vehicle. This leads to more customer trust, transparency, and a better customer experience. Here are the top picks for digital vehicle inspection software:
Tekmetric offers a modern DVI software that boosts customer relationships through transparency. Their mobile app makes it easy for technicians to perform detailed inspections, take photos, mark up images, and record videos from any device.
All of the DVI findings are fully integrated within the Tekmetric platform making it easy for you to share findings, ask for digital customer approvals, and take payment.
AutoVitals offers DVI software with features like image editing, internal chat, educational videos, and canned notes. This typically leads to higher ARO and ultimately, a better customer experience.
BOLT ON offers a popular DVI software that allows you take pictures and videos of your finding to share with customers. They also offer license plate scanning, invoice generation, and review management.
The right auto repair software can reshape how your small business operates. Modern shop management software cuts administrative time and allows your team to focus on actual repairs instead of paperwork.
Note that the "best" software depends on your shop's specific needs. A specialized tire shop needs different features than a general repair facility. Take time to assess your unique requirements before deciding. Most of the above software options offer free demos, so book a meeting and see which is the right fit for your shop.
I am opening my first automotive shop, which software is best?
If so, we support you.
Every mile you drive toward running your shop like a well-oiled machine is a mile in the right direction.
Choosing and optimizing the right technology to run your shop can lead to growth that accelerates into massive returns on your investment.
Thought Leadership
May 22, 2023
If your customers don’t understand their estimate, their repair order, or the progress of their repair, they may become frustrated or even decide to take their vehicle somewhere else.
But when service advisors communicate effectively with customers, they’ll increase the likelihood that each customer will become a repeat customer who will refer their friends and family to your shop. In other words, clear communication with your guests can exponentially improve your profits.
Everyone at your shop has their own responsibilities, but they all need to be skilled in communicating effectively with each other and with your guests.
Your service advisors in particular need to be great at communicating with your guests because they are the ones who will set the stage for your guests’ experience at your shop.
Here are three service advisor tips for assessing and upgrading communication with your guests.
Mechanics need the best tools to perform repairs efficiently and safely. With so many brands in the automotive industry, it can be hard to sift through the noise to find the right automotive tool brand for you. Whether you are a beginner or an expert mechanic, this guide will help identify the best brands for you.
Below, we have highlighted the top automotive tool brands to help you select the best tools for your needs. We have hand-selected these brands to provide a variety of price points and quality levels. Each brand has something unique to offer and we hope this guide helps you narrow down your choices.
While every mechanic tool brand has something unique to offer, these high-quality brands stood out to us based on value, reviews, durability, and performance. Tekmetric reviewed these brands without any affiliate commission to remove bias.
Matco is a prominent brand in the automotive tool space because of its reputation for durable and reliable products. Featuring a wide variety of hand tools (and apparel) at reasonable prices, Matco has become a leading brand. Products include wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers and more. This brand is a great option for mechanics looking for quality tools that are built to last.
Kobalt has become a popular choice for mechanics looking for professional-grade tools without breaking the bank. They have found the perfect balance of quality and price. Plus, they are easy to find and readily available at Lowes and Amazon. However, if you are looking for highly specialized tools, Kobalt may not offer every tool you need. In addition, you may find better quality from other brands but quality comes at a cost.
Wright is an innovative USA tool supplier that has created a reputation for quality long-lasting tools. Wright features an extensive product range including wrenches, sockets, hammers, tool storage, screwdrivers, and more. Wright is a great option for those looking for innovation and American-made tools.
Snap-On has become synonymous with exceptional quality, precision, and durability, making it a preferred choice among professional automotive mechanics. The premium pricing will be easily justified by professional mechanics and those looking to make an investment but may not be the best choice for casual or DIYers. Snap-On is a great choice for those looking for top-notch quality and performance.
Craftsman is another popular choice for mechanics looking for quality tools without the premium price tag. Craftsman offers a wide variety of tools including sockets, torque wrenches, and ergonomic power tools. Craftsman is a great choice for those looking to find a balance between price and quality. Craftsman is available at most of the large retailers including Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot.
OTC is a reputable brand offering specialty equipment for mechanics. OTC specializes in jacks, diagnostics and speciality equipment. They do not offer every tool you will need but they have select specialized tools that can be hard to find elsewhere. OTC is a great choice for mechanics looking for technical products or needing specialized equipment.
Husky is a big name in the automotive tool space because they have found the right balance of quality and price. They have a large selection of tools and back them up with a lifetime warranty. Products include mechanic tools sets, wrenches, sockets, and more. Husky is easy to find at Home Depot, Amazon, and other large retailers. Most users will like Husky but if you want to make a larger financial investment, you can find higher-quality brands elsewhere.
Proto is a reputable brand in the automotive tool industry, offering durable, high-quality tools that are often favorably compared to other brands. Products include adjustable wrenches, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and more. They offer innovative designs and competitive pricing which make them a viable option for professional mechanics.
Blackhawk is another specialty brand offering jacks, stands, ramps, creepers, and shop equipment. While they do not sell every product mechanics need, they specialize in a few key products and have made a good name for themselves. Blackhawk is available at some major retailers including Amazon and Northern Tool.
Milwaukee is a big name in the tool space in general and has been building its presence in the automotive space. Milwaukee offers a wide variety of tools including power tools, lighting, safety equipment, mechanic tool sets, wrenches, and more. They specialize in innovative cordless power tools and can be found at Amazon, Ace Hardware and Home Depot.
DeWalt is a large supplier of automotive tools and typically caters to both DIY and professional mechanics alike. They offer a comprehensive product line featuring wrenches, power tools, tool kits, storage, hand tools, and more. DeWalt is a great option for those looking for a reputable brand that is easy to find at Amazon, Lowes and Ace Hardware.
Mac Tools is a leading brand in the automotive space and is recognized for durability and quality. They offer almost every tool a mechanic will need but they are not available at most retailers (buy from a franchise or their website). Despite being harder to locate, Mac Tools is included in this list for a reason and has a lot to offer mechanics looking for professional-grade tools.
Makita is a reputable automotive tool company specializing in power tools and batteries. If you stay within the Makita ecosystem, their batteries can power over 325 different tools. Power tool products include drive impact wrenches, grinders, lighting, and more. Makita is a top choice for mechanics looking for cordless power tools at a good price.
With over 100 years of experience, SK has created a reputation for delivering quality tools that last. SK offers mechanic tool sets, sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, tool storage, and more. You can purchase SK Tools on their website, Amazon, and other popular retailers. SK is a great choice for those looking for quality tools at an affordable price point.
Price, durability, warranty, and brand reputation are some of the biggest factors when looking for the best tool brand for you. When selecting your brand, make sure it meets your specific needs, budget, and has a strong reputation.
Price is an important factor to consider when looking for the best mechanic tool brand. Consider if it is worth it to purchase a higher quality brand to ensure your tools last longer and need to be replaced less frequently. Lastly, consider additional costs such as batteries, electricity, and storage.
When selecting your brand, durability is an important factor to consider. Some brands are cheaper but will cost you more over a lifetime if you have to replace them regularly. If the tool has an active lifetime warranty, then this factor holds less importance. Lastly, consider how much you use your tools. Every day? Once a month? If you use tools every day, the extra expense of quality tools may be justified.
When looking for the best mechanic tool brands, warranties can be one of the most important factors to consider. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, others offer limited warranties or no warranty at all. Replacement costs can be substantial so make sure you research beforehand.
Reviews offer first-hand perspectives of how the tool performed for others. Research each tool and also research the brand as a whole and see how other mechanics are liking the tool/brand.
Every automotive mechanic should have these hand tools to assist with common repairs and streamline their workflow. While not exhaustive, this list will handle the majority of common car repairs.
Choosing the right mechanic tool brand is essential for maximizing performance and efficiency in your work. You can make an informed decision by considering your specific needs, researching brand reviews, and finding the right warranty. Our top brands mentioned in this blog have earned the trust of professionals for their reliability and durability, so invest wisely in the one that best suits your needs.
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