More than anything, partnerships should be mutually beneficial to everyone involved. When good partnerships are formed, the whole should be worth more than the sum of its parts.
Why Should Your Auto Business Partner with Other Brands?
For example, McDonald’s burgers make you thirsty enough to want a Coca-Cola, and sodas have a high margin. By partnering up, McDonald’s can lock in their costs on soda and improve their profit margins for the long term.
On the other hand, not all partnerships are beneficial. Partnerships can expand your opportunities but can also force you into making decisions you never intended to make. When McDonald’s decided to partner with Coca-Cola, they had to exclude other soda brands from their locations.
This exclusivity may have been worth it, but it meant removing options from customers, such as Dr. Pepper and Pepsi products. What may have made the partnership intriguing for McDonald’s is the fact that Coca-Cola owns a variety of beverages, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Powerade, Minute Maid and Pibb Xtra.
Thanks to a variety of options, McDonald’s is able to satisfy most customers who ask for a Dr. Pepper by saying, “Will Pibb Xtra be okay?”
Partnerships in the Auto Repair Industry
In the auto repair industry, we face similar challenges when it comes to partnering with other businesses and brands.
Potential partnerships may include teaming up with parts suppliers, software companies, marketing and trade show affiliates, and any other service, resource or tool that could potentially improve your shop. In some cases, these partnerships will help shop owners enhance performance, save costs and drive revenue.
Other times, auto partnerships may bind you to an agreement that doesn’t pay off.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether a partnership is mutually beneficial or if they’re asking you for more than you’re getting in return.
1. Are You Free to Choose the Tools and Solutions You Want?
One sign of a bad partnership is being forced to do something you don’t want to do. If partnering with another company means taking valuable options off the table, then you may be at a disadvantage.
If your partner implies or directs you not to do business with their competitors because they would like for you to instead use their services or their partner’s services, think it through.
Before officially entering a partnership, imagine your shop one year, five years and ten years down the road. Where will it be then? What will happen if your shop grows? What if innovation has slowed down with your partner? Will you be allowed to innovate your business by using new tools and solutions that become available in the future?
If you’re restricted in a way that prevents you from innovating or adapting to market conditions by testing other products, tools, solutions, and software, you may be handcuffed and unable to compete with other shops.
2. What’s Your Time and Resource Commitment?
A good partnership, like any good relationship, takes time and commitment. Effective collaboration means spending some time up-front so that everyone can get on the same page. But your time is valuable, and the time you put in up-front may not always be worth it on the back end.
Some programs may require significant time dedicated to training, process adjustments or brand initiatives that don’t fit into your current business model. That time could be spent pursuing changes that truly enhance your business performance and align with your goals.
If it feels like you have to change your ways to be a member of an exclusive partnership program, you may be sacrificing more control for the benefit of your partner without an equal return.
Look back at our own BG Canned jobs -- there's no extra work on your end to include these products in your repair order process, making it a seamless and simple way to boost repair order value for both your business, and your partner.
3. Will Your Guests Care?
If your guests get something out of the partnership—whether it’s convenience, savings, or confidence in your products or services—then you may be getting real value out of the relationship as a shop owner. After all, a good relationship with guests is a critical factor when it comes to improving your bottom line.
Sometimes, partnerships such as parts programs can appear more powerful than they are because shop owners may see them as a seal of approval. A banner with a logo from a well-known brand in front of your shop may make you and your employees feel confident, but consider if it really impacts your guest experience.
We see this dynamic play out in gas stations and convenience stores.
It may make gas station owners feel good to have a big Phillips 66 sign or a Chevron logo above their pumps, but most drivers could care less and just need to top off their tanks. Partnerships that require certifications for auto repair shops may give you a feeling of officialdom or accomplishment, but the guest simply needs their car fixed at an affordable price and by a trustworthy crew.
If the majority of customers see no value in a branded partnership, and there are no direct enhancements or savings that can be passed on to them, the program may be lacking and not worth your time or resources.
4. Will Your Auto Partner Truly Care About Your Success?
When assessing a partnership, part of the analysis rests on the bottom line. Will your metrics improve thanks to the partnership? Or will your performance be negatively affected by the program?
A good partnership is based on trust and a mutual commitment to success. You can usually tell right away if your partner is truly committed to your shop or if your shop is just another tally in their sales ledger.
If a partner implies that it’s on you to reach a certain standard before they’re willing to consider working with you, or threatens to end the relationship without trying to help you overcome a hurdle, it might be in your best interest to reconsider or renegotiate partnership terms.
Auto Partnerships Support Your Success
In 2019, Tekmetric was selected by Christian Brothers Automotive to be their shop management system for all their locations. Christian Brothers took partnerships very seriously. After a grueling assessment of the top management systems, Tekmetric was selected.
When our team asked what helps them finalize their decision, they said it came down to this notion that they felt Tekmetric truly cared about their success.
Take it from the Christian Brothers Director of Strategy and Innovation:
Every time we walked away after talking to the people at Tekmetric, we would just say, ‘Man, this is awesome.’ We never had that with a lot of the vendors we worked with in the past
Learn More About Repair Shop Success
As an auto repair shop management solution, Tekmetric has long realized the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships.
We strive to give shop owners the freedom to integrate their marketing, communication, parts ordering tools and more directly into one management system because that makes it easier and more efficient for shop owners to run their businesses.
Starting a tire shop is an exciting and profitable venture, but success isn’t just about getting customers through the door—you need the right tools and equipment to provide top-quality service. Whether you're performing tire repair, wheel balancing, or alignments, investing in high-quality automotive equipment ensures efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Many new shop owners make the mistake of cutting corners when purchasing tools, only to realize later that low-quality equipment leads to slower turnaround times, safety hazards, and costly mistakes.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what’s needed to run a successful, efficient, and profitable tire shop.
Tire shop equipment list
Beyond hand tools, your tire shop needs specialized equipment to handle tire mounting, balancing, and alignment efficiently. Here are the nine must-have machines every professional shop needs:
1. Tire changer
A tire changer is the core machine of any tire shop, allowing fast and damage-free tire mounting and removal. A high-quality automatic tire changer saves time, protects expensive alloy wheels, and enables your shop to handle a higher volume of customers efficiently.
Tire changers come in a few variations to accommodate for different tire sizes and needs. When you are ready to make a purchase, consider the price, time to train your technicians, energy usage and return on investment. Here are some of the popular choices:
Swing Arm: Affordable and easy to use, the swing arm tire changer is a popular choice. They are appropriate for tires up to 50 inches in diameter. The only drawback is you have to reset the head position every time you change tire sizes.
Tilt-Back: If you are looking for a faster option, the tilt-back may be the right choice for you. They can adjust to varying tire sizes much easier that a swing arm but they typically cost more.
Leverless: Leverless tire changers provide the most automated experience but also come at a premium price point. This tool can be exceptionally helpful if your technicians deal with larger truck tires or if you want to reduce the risk of employee injuries.
Heavy-Duty: Handling up to 90in diameter tires, this tool will be your best friend if you work on construction or heavy duty vehicles regularly. They have a high price point but it will be justifiable if you service enough large tires.
2. Wheel balancer
A wheel balancer ensures perfectly balanced tires, preventing vibrations and uneven tread wear. Investing in a wheel balancer for your auto repair shop helps you achieve precise results, improving customer satisfaction, and reducing comeback work. Wheel balancers come in a few variations:
Dynamic balancers: Using more advanced technology, dynamic balancers spin the tire to assess any variations in the tire. Once the tire is assessed, the technician can make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. These machines tend to be more precise but also come with a bigger price tag.
Static balancers: Static machines use a more basic measurement technology to balance tires. The basic idea is that gravity will pull the heaviest part of the tire downwards as the tire is suspended on the machine. They tend to be cheaper and take up less space but because they are stationary, the readings can be less accurate than dynamic balancers.
Bubble balancers: Bubble balancers are ideal for shops looking to save money or smaller operations that don’t service tires as often. They work by using a bubble level to check for imbalances in the tire. These machines are less reliable but they are also cheaper and take up less space.
3. Alignment machine
Alignment machines are critical to any tire repair shop because misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling. A high-tech alignment machine allows your shop to offer wheel alignment services, a high-profit service that improves customer retention. Alignment machines are expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 but can provide years of service that often justify the upfront cost.
Proper tire alignment leads to improved handling, fuel efficiency, tire life, and safety. All of these benefits help your customers get the most out of their new tires which leads to better customer loyalty.
4. Inflation equipment
Many of your shop’s tools, including impact wrenches and bead seaters, rely on compressed air. A large-capacity air compressor ensures consistent air supply, keeping your operations running smoothly.
Air compressor: Air compressors provide the necessary air for many of your power tools and machines. They are also the key to proper tire inflation to make sure your tires leave the shop with the right PSI. Remember to have the right adapters needed to connect to the tire valve stem.
Tire inflators: If you are servicing enough tire volume, you may want to invest in dedicated tire inflators. They often include pressure gauges and make it a little easier than using a regular air compressor.
5. Tire inventory and storage
Finding the right balance between having enough tires in stock and crowding your shop layout can be challenging. To maximize efficiency, keep track of which tires you sell the most of and reduce inventory of seasonal tires that you only need once a year.
Heavy-duty tire storage racks allow you to store new and used tires efficiently. If your customers can see your inventory, make sure it is organized and professional looking. Lastly, ask your technicians for feedback and how you can help them be more efficient by adjusting your layout or inventory.
6. Vehicle lifts
A car lift makes tire rotations, inspections, and alignments easier and faster for your technicians. While they are expensive, they can be used for tire repairs as well as general automotive repairs. There are multiple types of lifts on the market so make sure to find the lift that works best for your shop. Consider price, size, lift speed, lift height, and load capacity.
Jack stands may be a cheaper alternative if you have a smaller budget to work with and don’t service a large volume of tires. However, they ares slower to use and may reduce effieiciencies in your shop workflow.
7. Tire repair tools
Some customers will just be looking for a quick patch or repair on their tire. Make sure you have patch and plug kits readily available so you can win easy business.
8. Tire shop software
Your tire shop isn’t just about changing tires—you need to track inventory, invoices, and customer records. A modern workstation with tire shop management software (like Tekmetric) keeps operations organized, efficient, and profitable.
9. Miscellaneous items
Waiting area: Make a good first impression by offering a comfortable waiting area with chairs, TV, and basic refreshments. Keep the climate at a comfortable temperature to make sure your customers feel at ease.
Marketing: Tekmetric makes it easy to market your business with modern marketing and CRM capabilities. Let us build your website and provide integrated online appointment scheduling to make it easy for customers to find you and book with you.
Point of sale (POS) software: Tekmetric has you covered with payment options and solutions for your customers. Provide customers with multiple ways to pay plus financing options.
Essential tools for your tire shop
Even with high-tech machinery, manual tools are essential for precise tire work. These tools allow your technicians to handle tire mounting, balancing, and repairs efficiently and safely. Here are the nine tools every tire shop needs:
1. Tire irons & pry bars
These are critical for manually mounting and demounting tires. Even with a tire changer, stubborn tires (such as off-road or low-profile tires) often require extra force. Pry bars and tire irons allow your techs to work efficiently and prevent rim damage.
2. Air impact wrench & torque wrench
Lug nut installation and removal is a daily task in any tire shop. An air impact wrench speeds up this process, while a torque wrench ensures that lug nuts are tightened to manufacturer specifications, preventing over-tightening (which can damage wheel studs) or under-tightening (which can lead to wheel detachment).
3. Bead seater tool
A bead seater blasts a strong burst of air to seat the tire bead onto the wheel, ensuring a secure and leak-free fit. This tool is especially valuable for handling low-profile, oversized, and performance tires, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
4. Valve stem tools
Valve stems regulate tire pressure, and a valve stem tool kit allows for quick replacements and repairs. Properly maintaining valve stems prevents slow leaks and customer complaints, improving the overall quality of service.
5. TPMS tools
A tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. Having the right tool can help you make sure a customers TPMS light doesn’t come on after they leave your shop. These tools can do light resets and reprogram tire positions when necessary.
6. Tire pressure gauge & inflator
Proper tire pressure improves fuel efficiency, tire lifespan, and vehicle safety. A high-quality tire pressure gauge ensures accurate readings, while an inflator allows quick and precise air adjustments, reducing customer wait times.
7. Tire repair kit
Not all punctured tires need to be replaced—some can be repaired! A tire repair kit with patches, plugs, and rubber cement lets you fix minor punctures, offering customers a cost-effective alternative to tire replacement while increasing your shop’s revenue.
8. Breaker bar
Sometimes, lug nuts are too tight for an impact wrench due to rust or excessive torque. A breaker bar provides extra leverage, making it easier to remove stuck lug nuts without damaging wheel components.
9. Wheel weight hammer & adhesive weights
Proper wheel balancing ensures a smooth ride and even tire wear. A wheel weight hammer allows your techs to install or remove clip-on weights, while adhesive weights are ideal for balancing modern alloy wheels.
Conclusion
Setting up a successful tire shop requires more than just skills—you need the right tools and equipment. If the startup cost is daunting, consider leveraging vendor/supplier relationships to help with the cost. Or, leverage a line of credit from Tekmetric Payments. By investing in high-quality tire changers, wheel balancers, and shop management software, you’ll improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term profitability. You can learn more about Tekmetric's tire shop software here.
Have you submitted your taxes yet, or are you struggling to get your records in order and submit everything on time? Wherever you are in your tax prep process, you need to pull together a plan and act fast or you may have to pay penalties.
Sometimes, even hearing the word taxes can be scary, but unfortunately, taxes are one fear we don’t get to avoid indefinitely. Auto repair shop Tax Day is the same day as everyone else’s Tax Day, and things just get more complicated if you don’t file on time. The clock is running out on your time to file without an extension this year, and even filing for an extension comes with its own deadline.
But if you tackle the process with knowledge and empowerment, doing business taxes and sales tax on car repairs at the shop doesn’t have to be difficult.
Here are five tips that can help you have a better auto repair shop tax season.
Disclosure: the information in this article is not to be taken as formal tax or legal advice. Individual business circumstances vary, and you should always consult with a CPA and tax attorney.
Parts management is a critical function of any auto repair shop business. The only way to guarantee that you’re making a profit on the parts you sell on repair orders is by having an air-tight system for managing and tracking those parts from purchase to sale to reconciliation. The final step of making sure that each and every parts transaction is accounted for is probably the most important step—and the most misunderstood.
Some of the issues your auto repair shop will run into if you don’t carefully manage parts include:
Un-billed parts (forgetting to collect payment on parts)
Inconsistencies between your cost of goods sold and accounts payable
Inability to track and receive return credits
Inability to detect theft before it gets out of hand
Many of these issues can be avoided by using purchase orders to reconcile the parts you sell on repair orders.
But many auto repair shop business owners still wonder what some of the best practices are when it comes to parts management. How often should you be reconciling parts payments? Who should take on this task: you, your service advisors, or a dedicated parts manager? How do you make sure you’re getting the best value for the parts you buy and sell? How do you ensure that each and every part is being billed?
Let’s answer some of these questions, and unpack the best practices for parts management.
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