Leadership Principles for Successful Shop Owners

Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Tekmetric Sunil Patel joined Editor Chris Jones on Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about how shop management software suites are changing the landscape of the auto repair industry, especially when it comes to building relationships and communicating effectively.

Sunil also touched on the history of some of Tekmetric’s relationships and how Tekmetric makes sure the voices of shop owners are heard.

Listen here, or catch some of the highlights below.

‍Note: some of the following answers have been condensed for clarity and brevity.

Relationship-Building 101: Laying Down a Solid Foundation

Jones: The last time we saw each other was at WorldPac STX in Orlando. And that’s where you guys announced a partnership with Advance Auto Parts. I know a lot of our readers have seen it, but can you share a little bit about the details with our audience, just from your own words and perspective?

‍Patel: So we’ve had a great relationship with Advance Auto Parts for a very long time. And we wanted to leverage the relationship to try to get more shops to use Tekmetric, and it just happened to be the right place, right time.‍

‍Jones: That’s kind of cool to see how the relationship evolved over the years.

‍Patel: It’s a big company. It’s not like turning a speedboat, it’s like turning a steamship. Sometimes it just takes time to let some of these relationships play out. It affects so many people. We have to be absolutely sure of how this is going to play out, and how it’s going to work.

Using Shop Management Software to Get Everyone on the Same Page

Jones: So let’s talk about shop ownership a little bit. You were once a shop owner kind of in the Dark Ages before we had these robust shop management software suites. What was it like for you to operate on these limited tools?

‍Patel: You know, it was tough. Customers didn't always respond back, and we would always have to follow up with a phone call. There was always a disconnect.

We were probably ahead of our time 12 years ago trying to get some of this stuff out. Tekmetric used a combination of manual processes and text messaging. Text messaging was pretty popular back then, but MMS or multimedia messaging or picture messaging was not so popular.

So adding that in the mix with communications and whatnot into one platform has been very paramount to the success of our company because it closes the loop between the vehicle owner, the shop owner, the technician, and the service writer.

It keeps everybody on the same platform and communications thread. That way everybody has full visibility into what's going on with the repair of that vehicle to ensure a timely repair—ultimately making the customer happy.

It turns out that the shop owners, service writers, general managers, and technicians that rely on Tekmetric everyday chose us once again as the clear market leader on G2!

Okay, okay, we're sorry for another humble brag... But this is really more about you, the users than it is about us! If you're not familiar, G2 is a peer-to-peer review site. Users just like you can submit reviews and vote on the tools they use everyday, like Tekmetric.

Really, this is all thanks to all the amazing independent shops that do great work every day with Tekmetric. The shops that keep people's vehicles safe and reliable. The heroes that get their customers back on the road every single day!

We were just chosen because you all love us so much! 😳

But that's not all. Tekmetric was also chosen for how easy it is to get your shop up and running!

• Most Implementable Fall 2023
• Most Implementable Small Business Fall 2023
• Fastest Implementation Fall 2023
• Momentum Leader Fall 2023
• Leader Fall 2023

We totally get it, the last thing you want is to have to pause everything you're doing and let the bills pile up, just to relearn how to run your own shop.

That's why we make it as easy as possible, handling all the heavy lifting so your shop can sit back, relax, and hit the ground running right away!

That kind of makes sense, considering Tekmetric was chosen as one of the easiest shop management systems to do business with. 

• Leader Fall 2023
• Easiest To Do Business With Fall 2023
• Easiest To Do Business With Small Business Fall 2023

Tekmetric comes from shop owners, advisors, technicians, and managers just like you. We live, breathe, and execute innovation, the kind of innovation your shops need to get even more value out of the work that shops like yours already do!

We're always working hard to make Tekmetric even better!

Thank you! Thank you for partnering with us, and thank you for helping us create the best possible solution for running an independent auto repair shop!

We're excited to be awarded and regarded so highly, and we strive to keep that level of excellence and support at every step in your shop.

Tekmetric is always being updated, and we’ll never stop working with and supporting shops to help them run efficiently and with fewer headaches, so you can focus on doing what you love!

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.

Printable vehicle inspection checklist (PDF)

100-Point vehicle inspection checklist

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

1. Log the VIN and license plate to confirm the vehicle's identity and match past service records.
2. Record odometer reading in and out.
3. Note customer-reported concerns and the reason for the visit.
4. Document the fuel level at drop-off.
5. Check for open safety recalls tied to the VIN.
6. Gather customer contact information.

Exterior condition

7. Check the body for dents, scratches, and any signs of damage.
8. Inspect the bumpers front and rear for cracks, loose mounts, or impact marks.
9. Confirm the license plate is secure, legible, and properly mounted.
10. Note any rust, paint issues, or trim damage.
11. Inspect fenders, rocker panels, and body panel alignment.
12. Inspect glass, windshield, and mirrors for chips, cracks, or pitting.
13. Check door handles, hinges, and weather stripping.
14. Inspect child safety locks.
15. Inspect the trailer hitch.

Lights and electrical

16. Headlights on low and high beam.
17. Taillights and brake lights.
18. Turn signals front and rear.
19. Hazard flashers.
20. License plate lights and dashboard illumination.
21. Reverse lights, fog lights, and daytime running lights.
22. Interior dome, map, and courtesy lights.
23. 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.
24. Battery voltage, terminals, and charge/discharge load test.
25. Alternator output and starter draw.
26. Ignition switch and accelerator pedal function.
27. Horn operation.

Tires and wheels

28. Check tire pressure on all four tires plus the spare.
29. Measure tire tread depth.
30. Check for uneven wear patterns that can point to alignment or suspension issues.
31. Inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
32. Check valve stems and caps for leaks or damage.
33. Review the tire DOT date code for age.
34. Verify wheel condition, lug nut torque, and hub cap security.
35. Check the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and locking wheel lock key.
36. Confirm the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning.

Brake system

37. Check brake pads for thickness and wear patterns.
38. Inspect rotors for scoring, warping, or excessive wear.
39. Examine brake drums and shoes, if equipped.
40. Check brake calipers for sticking, leaks, or damaged boots.
41. Check brake fluid level and condition at the master cylinder.
42. Examine brake lines and hoses for cracks or leaks.
43. Test parking brake function and adjustment.
44. Evaluate overall brake pedal feel, travel, and pulsation.
45. Verify ABS sensors, wiring, and warning light operation.

Steering and suspension

46. Inspect the steering wheel for play and responsiveness.
47. Check steering column and intermediate shaft for looseness.
48. Check power steering fluid level and condition.
49. Examine tie rods and ball joints for wear.
50. Check struts for leaks or damage.
51. Inspect shock absorbers for proper dampening and leaks.
52. Check CV boots and axle shafts.
53. Inspect wheel bearings for noise or excessive play.
54. Inspect sway bar links, bushings, and control arms.
55. Look for uneven ride height or sagging that can indicate a failing spring.

Under the hood

56. Check the battery capacity.

57. Check engine oil level and condition.
58. Check the oil filter for leaks and proper seating.
59. Inspect transmission fluid.
60. Check coolant level, condition, and the cooling system for leaks.
61. Inspect brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid reservoirs.
62. Inspect the battery, cables, and hold-down hardware.
63. Examine the serpentine belt and any drive belts for cracks, glazing, or fraying.
64. Check all hoses for soft spots, swelling, bulges, or leaks.
65. Inspect the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
66. Check the fuel filter, if serviceable.
67. Inspect the PCV valve and evaporative emissions components.
68. Check the radiator and condenser fins for debris or damage.
69. Check engine and transmission mounts.
70. Look for oil leaks at the valve cover, oil pan, and gaskets.
71. Test the spark plugs and ignition components.
72. Inspect air intake.
73. Inspect fuses.

Under the car

74. Check the exhaust system for leaks, rust, and damaged hangers.
75. Inspect the muffler, resonator, and heat shields.
76. Inspect fuel system components, lines, and the fuel tank for leaks or corrosion.
77. Look at the transmission and differential housings for leaks.
78. Check the oil pan and drain plug for seepage or stripped threads.
79. Examine the frame, subframe, and undercarriage for rust or impact damage.
80. Check emissions-related components like the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
81. Inspect the driveshaft, U-joints, and center support bearings.
82. Verify skid plates and underbody shielding are secure.
83. Scan the ground under the vehicle for any fluid drips or leaks.

Interior and safety equipment

84. Test seat belts for retraction, fraying, and buckle function.
85. Confirm airbag and supplemental restraint indicators clear properly.
86. Inspect windshield wipers and wiper blades for streaking or splitting.
87. Test washer fluid spray on the windshield and rear glass, if equipped.
88. Inspect interior warning lights.
89. Check AC, heat, and all fan speeds.
90. Test front and rear defrosters.
91. Inspect infotainment displays and systems.
92. Test door locks, power windows, and the key fob.
93. Inspect driver-assist systems, backup camera, and parking sensors.
94. Inspect lane departure systems.

Road test

95. Confirm smooth engine start and stable idle.
96. Evaluate transmission shift quality and clutch engagement, if manual.
97. Test braking response, pedal feel, and stopping distance.
98. Listen and feel for suspension noise, vibration, or harshness.
99. Check cruise control and driver-assist system operation.
100. 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.

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.