Your shop’s ability to grow, make a profit, and succeed hinges on clear and accurate invoicing.
If you’re still using pen and paper for your invoice system, you probably spend a lot of time reconciling records at the end of the day and may even have to stay late to put your books in order.
Paper means lots of copies, transposition of information, and a high probability of making mistakes. The same holds true if you’re using multiple software programs to juggle records at your shop to put together information for invoices. If you aren’t using a single, comprehensive system, there’s a good chance details will be incorrectly copied or left out.
Signs that your team is struggling to keep up with invoices:
Customer setup misses crucial contact info or gets duplicated.
Whether you’re working with a new customer or one of your regulars, taking down information by hand and then typing it into a spreadsheet introduces the risk of misspelling names and emails or writing down the wrong information. If your contact list isn’t in order, sending out invoices or sending invoices to collections can become a mess.
Forgetting to add a line item.
If you leave an item off an invoice and you try to collect it later, most customers will balk and may refuse to pay. And rightly so. It’s your responsibility as a service advisor or shop owner to collect the exact amount due at the point of sale. Incomplete invoices mean money lost. Every time a line item is left off an invoice, it’s money left on the table.
Not getting clear approval from customers for each job on the invoice.
If you don’t consult with your customer before adding work to the invoice, you’ll not only have an angry customer but also an inaccurate invoice that you have to go back and revise.
Writing estimates and invoices is time consuming.
When your approach to shop management isn’t centralized in one management system, it can mean bouncing back and forth between documents or softwares for hours.
Inventory tracking is disconnected from invoicing.
Do you know what you have in stock right now? Will the parts be the same price if you have to order them? Do you need to go to the warehouse to check to see if it's in stock?
Will you need to then go through extra steps to find the part and order it? If your invoice system is disconnected from your inventory tracking, it can be difficult to quickly answer any of these questions.
Data is inaccurate and needs to be audited and cleaned up.
If your data entry isn’t standardized, reports will be incomplete or erroneous, which can impact your finances from inventory to taxes. No shop owner wants to be slapped with fines because of a typo.
Your cash flow is negative or stagnant.
If you’re trying to chase customers down for payment and can’t collect your money in a timely fashion, you’ll eventually run into a situation where you have negative or stagnant cash flow.
Incorrect entries on invoices can be a major root cause of this problem. Incorrect invoices slow down the sales process and prevent you from collecting your money. Streamlined invoicing reduces errors and cuts down on time from job completion to collecting payment.
Your profit margins are thin.
Your shop might be making a profit, but it’s either inconsistent or low when compared to your profit goals. If you do not have a standard method for adding parts and labor markups to estimates and invoices, then your shop will have a difficult time locking in a healthy profit margin.
Conversely, if you use a shop management system that makes it easy for services advisors to auto-apply markups as well as track the results, you can grow your profit margins with clarity and ease.
Your invoice software isn’t specific to your field.
Even if you have an existing business management software, you still have to set it up to suit your specific needs as an automotive repair shop. If you’re working with generic software, you probably have to make due with an assortment of spreadsheets and written notes to fill in the gaps.
Accurate invoices = better customer service, less frustration
If your invoicing process isn’t accurate, you run the risk of either charging customers too much or too little, which can have a ripple effect on your business. Let’s say the technicians just wrapped up some work on an SUV belonging to one of your regulars, and now they’ve arrived to pick up their car. It’s time to hand over an invoice so you can then collect payment.
Your customer is happy that their car is fixed and ready to go, but then they take a look at the invoice and turn red. You instantly recognize that something’s wrong: the itemized repairs on the invoice don’t match up with the work that was authorized or completed, and the charges are several hundred dollars in excess of what the customer actually owes.
Now you have to apologize and make the customer and everyone else waiting to pick up their car wait while you rush to draw up a new invoice and hope you don’t introduce new errors in your hurry.
Now imagine a different scenario: you undercharge by $40 at the point of sale. By the time you figure out the problem, you’re already at the end of the quarter and are in the middle of tax reports. If this happens just once, it might be a wakeup call to pay more attention to your records.
But imagine the money lost if it happens a dozen times. Now you may find yourself out hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the amount you or your service advisor undercharged.
Fortunately, automotive shop invoice software helps avoid some of those headaches by centralizing information about your sales. In turn, you can ensure that each and every invoice accurately reflects the amount that was agreed upon during the estimate stage.
Simplifying everyday invoicing tasks
Auto repair shop invoice software is a serious time saver. Imagine one place for all your invoice records. No more searching around the office or asking yourself, “Where did I leave that file?” Automotive shop invoice software makes it easy to keep your records straight. When it comes time to work on quarterly or annual reporting, you can save hours or even days with cohesive, standardized invoices all available in one digital location.
Many shop management systems come packaged with auto repair shop invoice software or built-in invoicing features. When invoicing is included as part of a larger shop management system, it can track all of the sales, expenses, and inventory at your shop.
And if your shop management integrates with your accounting software, it makes it extraordinarily easy to reconcile invoices, accounts payable, and receivables.
Bookkeeping is hard enough already, but invoice software can track all the numbers so you don’t have to. Most auto repair shop invoice software can also be integrated with a larger shop management system to populate information in the invoice from digital estimates or saved client histories.
Many shop management systems even come with their own invoicing systems to make the workflow at your shop that much more seamless.
Additionally, auto repair shop invoice software may be the perfect fit you’ve been looking for to up your efficiency and even grow your auto repair shop business.
When your invoices are used to quickly generate accurate reports, you can dedicate more time to your role as a shop owner, making decisions to grow your business without simply guessing.
Whether that means forecasting funds to open a new location, investing in new team members, saying yes to more jobs, or launching new marketing initiatives, an auto repair shop invoice software will strengthen your decisions with hard data.
So let’s pop the hood on auto repair shop invoice software and see why it may be time for your shop to upgrade.
Create Better Invoices With Auto Repair Shop Invoice Software
We tend to think of customer relations as dependent on our in-person interactions with customers and the quality of our work, but invoices can very much be part of what shapes your reputation in the minds of your customers. A well-written invoice ends customer interactions on a high note and ensures there is no confusion during the payment collection process.
But without the right tools, it can be difficult to create consistent, accurate invoices. Fortunately, automotive shop invoice software can help you get it right every time.
In addition to invoicing features, robust shop management systems also come equipped with inventory, digital vehicle inspection, and estimate features. Each item or service will have a specific name or SKU with attached labor estimates, taxes, purchase order number, inventory status, and cost.
Disparate data joined together in one system makes for a quick and easy estimate: your service advisor or parts manager can quickly order the parts needed for upcoming jobs; your customer can see clear, detailed information on what the service entails and what they are paying for; and your accounting and payroll departments will have accurate information for taxes and hourly reporting.
Once you copy findings from a DVI to an estimate, receive customer authorization, and complete the repair work, you can use a comprehensive shop management system to create an invoice with the click of a button. This efficient flow of information from inspections to estimates to repair work to the completion of work to invoices is a time saver, and it gives you accurate records that you and your customers can rely on.
Because each invoice is linked to a specific customer profile, you don’t have to manually transpose details from one repair to a different invoice. You can also track what services have been previously completed and store warranty information within the system.
To better understand how information moves within an automotive shop management system to create an invoice, let’s look at a hypothetical example.
A customer comes in complaining about brake troubles. The technicians on your team perform a digital vehicle inspection and determine the car is in need of a brake fluid exchange. The service advisor puts together an estimate in the shop management system, using labor guides and customized markup matrices to calculate parts and labor costs.
They may be able to search for parts or fluids depending on how advanced the shop management system is. Because auto repair shop invoice software is already a part of your shop management system, the calculations performed during the estimate process, including itemized parts, labor, fees, and taxes, can be turned into an invoice at the click of a button. You can then print or send this invoice so that your customers have a description of each line item and its associated cost.
In most cases, however, the calculations performed by your shop management system’s estimate tools will talk directly to the system’s auto repair shop invoice software to populate itemized parts, labor, and taxes with a description of each line item and its associated cost when it comes time to print or send the invoice.
In some cases, of course, invoices will need to be updated as repairs continue if underlying issues are found, such as if an issue with the rotors is discovered during the brake pad replacement. Most automotive shop invoice software will allow for updates along the way up to the conclusion of repairs and the point of sale.
Automotive Shop Invoice Software Makes Reporting and Business Growth Easy
Settling your taxes
If you’re a shop owner, you know that invoices are important long after you’ve collected payment from a customer.
A good auto repair shop invoice software will save invoices along with other records once payment has been collected so that they can be accessed whenever it is time to pay taxes, plan the next steps for your business, or conduct reporting and audits.
We’ve all been there: it’s tax time and you’re already stressed thinking about what you owe the IRS for the year, not to mention sales taxes, tire taxes, and state taxes. No one likes paying taxes, but it’s a necessary part of owning and running an auto repair business. If you’ve ever had to pull invoices, payments, and business expenditures, you know how nerve-wracking and frustrating tax season can be.
Any mistakes during tax season have an even greater impact than a mistake at the point of sale. No one wants to tangle with an audit, after all. Fines can be hefty for failure to accurately report earnings, and there can also be consequences for missing filing deadlines if you can’t get all of your paperwork together on time.
Fortunately, auto repair shop invoice software can help you quickly pull up a history of all the records you need to calculate your taxes. And if you do face an audit, you will have one central location from which to share all of your records and easily prove that you did your due diligence when reporting your taxes.
Growing your business with reports
Even minor changes to the way you do business can have a huge impact. Tracking and monitoring profitability, trends, and business cycles enables you and your team to not only stay on top of any problems as they arise but also level up and work toward growing the business.
Diligent record-keeping is essential to an informed business plan. Without well-organized records, it is impossible to create a sound plan and stick to it. This is where auto repair shop invoice software comes in. Some of the best shop management systems come with features that allow you to break down daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly profits to see where your business is making the most headway and where adjustments can be made.
Let’s say you are headed into summer and know that last year the shop made upwards of $200,000 on A/C repairs alone. This summer, your goal is to triple that. You start by taking a look at last year’s invoices by pulling up a report on your automotive shop invoice software. You see that an A/C marketing campaign you put together last year correlated with a boost in sales. With this information in mind, you decide to run another campaign, this time expanding its reach and again using your invoice reports to track sales.
You simply cannot conduct this level of deep analysis with pen and paper or even programs that do not speak to a larger shop management system without spending more time than is probably worth it. And if you try to go fast and do not double check your writing or data input , mistakes and inaccuracy can prevent you from determining whether or not the marketing campaign was successful.
Taming Invoices with Tekmetric
With Tekmetric, the invoicing process can go from half-an-hour to just a few clicks and the invoice is sent in seconds.
Customers may not like getting a bill, but when you make the conversation easy with Tekmetric’s auto repair shop invoice software, it can bring a lot of peace of mind and certainty back into the picture.
Our repair order screen integrates with and speaks to the rest of our shop management system to make sure your records are always accurate, organized, and up-to-date. Our estimate tools and markup matrices feed directly into our invoicing system.
As soon as you have built an invoice and work has been completed for a job, the PAYMENT board populates with an overview of costs and lets you choose a form of payment.
And if your shop is running a special deal. Tekmetric’s handy dandy APPLY DISCOUNT button lets you easily add any applicable discounts. Sometimes those discounts can make all the difference, too, especially if it’s an expensive repair and your customer and their family need a little help affording the work.
Our invoice software is extremely customer friendly, too! While we still give you the option to print out a copy for customers who love keeping paper records on their car, think about how often you’ve gone to a store lately and asked for an email or text receipt instead. Paper is so easy to lose, a problem we cover in detail in our recent work order blog. Everyone hates losing a paper copy of their records, and now they don’t have to ever again.
With features like digital authorization for each job on an estimate, your customers can get back to you faster so you can proceed with work without collecting a physical signature that requires them to come back into the shop. True two-way-texting lets you communicate with customers along the way to quickly provide answers if they have questions about something on their invoice or about the work being done. Additionally, with our integrated payment processor, Tekmerchant, you can collect payment by text after the invoice is sent. Each of these features means more flexibility for customers and service advisors alike.
After a job is completed and you return the car to your thankful customer, all the details from the invoice and repair order become part of your reports and customer history in Tekmetric.
The customer’s repair history with your shop is automatically populated with all the relevant invoice information you’ll need in the future. Having a digital history of repair work and paid invoices can be especially helpful when you’re trying to remember what repairs your team worked on previously for a car and customer you haven’t seen in a while.
If you go back to the repair order you just worked on and navigate to the SUMMARY tab, you’ll see the repair the customer accepted and the techs completed in the Activity Feed. Now, whether you’re a service advisor or mechanic, you’ll never have to go rummaging through paper files or three, four, or five different software histories to find what you need to know about a customer and their car to complete the next order. Trying to decide what maintenance to suggest next? This history feature can be especially useful. And to think, it all started with that simple invoice process.
Best of all? No more staying after close to crunch numbers. You may have noticed while we were going through our run down of Tekmetric’s invoice features that the software does all the work for you, right down to calculating pesky taxes, generating real-time performance and financial reports, and assisting you as you grow and transform your business.
Blaze New Trails for Your Shop
The auto repair industry is always changing, and that’s a great thing! Innovation makes your life easier, and it means better repairs and better experiences for your customers. But if we don’t take advantage of these changes and embrace new technology, keeping up can be a bit of a rat race.
Staying on the cutting edge with Tekmetric lets you time decisions for your shop with precision, motivate your team, and elevate and emphasize your shop’s customer experiences. With Tekmetric, you can blaze new trails for your business’s future, all while we continuously improve our system to bring you new, intuitive tools.
You can search the world over and never find another industry with the comradery and kindness you’ll find in the world of auto repair. That said, we know it’s important not to be left behind. And it’s important to remember that all the great repair technology out there won’t help a shop if you’re constantly struggling with things like invoices, task assignment, parts shopping, and calculating profitability and growth.
That’s why we built a shop management system that works just as hard as you do to keep up with the times.
Tekmetric is all about convenience, customer service, and putting your shop on the right path to success. Whether you’re creating auto repair invoices or leveling up to expand and take on more jobs, you can use Tekmetric to take the chaos and frustration out of managing a shop and growing a business. Better yet, it’s a great platform for teamwork. With Tekmetric, everyone from the shop owner, the service advisor, shop foreman, mechanic, and your customers are on the same page. View quick summaries at a glance or get down to the nitty, gritty details of pricing, efficiency, and parts selection all from one platform.
Tekmetric started with a vision to revolutionize the way shops do business. After years working in the repair industry themselves, our leadership teamed up with some of the best engineers in the industry to create software with you in mind. Our customer service team is here for you, too, available any time you need them to answer questions, work out problems, and show you the ropes.
Best of all, you can access Tekmetric from any phone, tablet, computer, or other internet connected device to work from anywhere. This means even when you’re away from the shop, you can always check in to see how work is going and scan through the latest invoices.
FAQ
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In the ever-evolving automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve means constantly learning and growing. For automotive service technicians, certifications aren’t just credentials—they’re powerful tools that open doors to better job opportunities, increased pay, and credibility with customers and employers alike.
Whether you're just starting out or already working in auto repair, understanding the most common types of mechanic certification can help you create a successful, long-lasting career. This guide will break down the most recognized certifications, how to attain them, and why they matter for every auto mechanic who wants to stand out.
Types of mechanic certifications
Mechanic certifications come in many forms, each tailored to different specializations and career goals. The most common types include:
1. ASE Certifications
Issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), these certifications are the gold standard for automotive mechanics. They cover a wide range of specialties, from engine repair to electronic systems and air conditioning.
ASE certification is considered the most prestigious and widely accepted credential in the automotive world.
More about ASE
Founded in 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence sets the benchmark for automotive service technicians. ASE offers over 50 different certification tests in categories like:
Engine Repair
Brake Systems
Air Conditioning and Heating
Suspension and Steering
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Engine Performance
Manual and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Light Truck and Diesel Engines
Master technicians
There’s also a separate path for master technician status, which is achieved by passing all certifications in the required testing areas for that series. For example, technicians certified in tests A1 through A8 are Master automobile technicians.
Master technician status is not for life. You must keep each one of those certifications current to maintain master technician status. If you lose master technician status due to the lapse of one or more required certifications, it can be reinstated by taking and passing the recertification tests.
How long does it take to become ASE certified?
To become ASE certified, expect to spend anywhere from 1–3 years, depending on your work experience and whether you’re currently enrolled in training programs. Each certification test typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and can be scheduled at a local test center.
Being ASE certified shows you’ve mastered the skills needed for the job. It’s a badge of excellence recognized by employers, repair shops, and even customers looking for reliable service.
2. Student certifications
Geared toward high school and post-secondary students in automotive technology programs, these ASE certifications offer a head start in proving foundational knowledge.
What are student certifications?
Student certifications validate entry-level knowledge in core areas of vehicle repair and maintenance. These don’t require work experience and serve as a stepping stone to full ASE status.
Programs approved by the ASE Education Foundation often include student certification exams as part of their curriculum. These are excellent options for students at auto mechanic schools or in a community college training program.
Student certifications are valid for two years and help you build confidence before entering the workforce as an entry-level technician.
3. Manufacturer certifications
These certifications are specific to vehicle manufacturers and offered by companies like Ford, Toyota, GM, and others. Often, auto technicians working in dealerships will pursue these to show mastery of brand-specific systems.
For repair technicians who want to specialize in a particular brand, manufacturer certifications are essential.
Manufacturer training programs
Toyota T-TEN
Ford ASSET
GM ASEP
Honda PACT
BMW STEP
These accredited programs often partner with dealerships to offer real-world, hands-on experience while you earn your credential. These programs can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months and typically require completion of automotive technology coursework alongside on-the-job work experience at a brand-affiliated repair center.
Why they matter
Manufacturer-certified auto technicians often have a faster path to high-paying roles within dealership networks and brand-specific repair shops. These certifications also prepare you to service increasingly complex vehicle systems, especially as brands continue to innovate with hybrid and electric vehicles.
4. Specialty certifications
You’ll also find credentials related to diesel engines, heavy truck systems, collision repair, and even hybrid/electric vehicles.
Each of these certification types plays a unique role in an automotive technician’s career path, and in many cases, earning more than one will make you significantly more marketable in repair shops and beyond.
Depending on your interests, you may also want to pursue:
A/C Refrigerant Certification - Necessary if you want to be able to to buy refrigerant and work on air conditioning service.
Diesel Mechanics Certification – Focused on diesel engines used in commercial fleets and heavy truck applications.
Collision Repair Certification – Great for auto mechanics looking to work in body shops.
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Certification – A growing field with high demand.
Each of these certifications typically requires completion of a specialized training course and a passing score on certification exams. These programs may be part of a broader certificate program or offered as a standalone credential.
Tek-Tip: Another way to get ahead as a young technician is to be experienced with auto repair shop software so your employer doesn't have to teach you how to use their system.
Benefits of mechanic certifications
Getting certified is one of the most direct ways to turn your hands-on experience into a long-term career asset. Mechanic certifications do more than look good on a resume—they deliver real-world advantages. Here are some of the benefits of completing automotive certifications:
Increased Pay: Certified mechanics typically earn higher wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified automotive mechanics can earn higher hourly rates, especially in competitive markets.
Job Security: The more certifications you have, the more valuable you are to auto repair businesses.
Professional Credibility: Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality and standards, building trust with customers and employers.
Career Advancement: Certified automotive service technicians are more likely to advance to roles such as shop foreman, master technician, or service manager.
Mobility: Certifications make it easier to move between different types of employers—whether that’s independent repair shops, starting a mobile mechanic business, dealerships, or specialty service centers.
What does the certification process look like?
Most mechanic certifications follow a similar pathway but always refer to the specific instructions for your program.
Step 1: Enroll
Start by enrolling in an automotive technology program. These are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and accredited auto mechanic schools. Many programs are supported by the ASE Education Foundation, ensuring alignment with real-world industry standards.
Look for certificate programs or associate degrees that offer hands-on training. Financial aid is often available for eligible students.
Step 2: Gain work experience
Work experience is critical for most certifications. For ASE certification, for example, you need at least two years of on-the-job experience—or one year plus a diploma from an accredited program. You’ll need to show that you’ve worked on everything from brake systems and axles to manual drive train repairs and electrical systems.
Step 3: Pass certification tests
Most mechanic certifications require passing written or computer-based certification exams. These are typically held at a certified test center. The exams cover a variety of topics depending on the specialty, including engine performance, electronic systems, and automatic transmission repair.
Tek-Tip: Some auto shops/employers will pay your test fees for you.
Step 4: Maintain certification
Many certifications require recertification every five years. Staying current ensures you’re up to date with the latest automotive repair techniques, tools, and systems.
Final thoughts
Becoming a certified mechanic takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. From better job prospects to increased credibility, mechanic certifications help you build a successful, respected career in automotive repair.
Invest in your future. Get trained, get certified, and become a leader in the ever-growing world of automotive repair.
Thought Leadership
Automotive Mechanic Certifications: The Complete Guide
Mechanic interviews are challenging for both the employer and candidate because the right candidate has to be a fit in personality and technical ability. Plus, the numerous certification types, manufacturer nuances, and shop needs make it even more challenging.
This guide can be used to help repair shops/dealerships ask the right questions and also help technicians be prepared for questions they will likely encounter. Below you will find the most common car mechanic interview questions broken down by mechanic and service advisor level plus tips to ace your next interview.
Top mechanic job interview questions
While every auto repair shop differs in how they run their job interview process, these are some of the most common questions you can expect. Ranging from technical questions to customer service, be prepared to answer these common questions before your next interview.
General interview questions for car mechanics
These common questions cover basic automotive repair experience and relevant work history.
Tell me about yourself and your experience as an automotive technician.
Why do you want to work for our company/shop?
How do you stay up to date with new automotive technologies and repair techniques?
What certifications do you currently hold (ASE, manufacturer-specific, etc.)?
Are you comfortable working weekends, evenings, or overtime if needed?
Technical interview questions for mechanics
These technical interview questions cover more specific hand-on experience and tools/equipment.
Which repairs are you best at?
How much would you estimate your tool inventory to be worth?
What steps do you take when diagnosing a check engine light?
What tools and diagnostic equipment are you most familiar with?
Have you worked with hybrid or electric vehicles?
Do you believe in factory recommended vehicle maintenance intervals?
How comfortable are you with OEM scan/diagnostic tools?
Experience & situational questions for mechanics
These questions help employers understand how you would handle various shop situations and also helps them understand your communication skills.
Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline?
How do you deal with angry customers?
How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple vehicles to work on?
What would you do if you made a mistake on a repair? How do you handle accountability?
What do you do if you encounter a vehicle with an issue you've never seen before?
Additional questions to expect
Are you comfortable serving those in need once a month?
Are you comfortable doing a DVI on the majority of vehicles you touch?
How do you handle a high-pressure environment when the shop is busy?
How do you handle a situation where you're unsure about how to fix a problem?
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?
Top interview questions for service advisors
While the interview questions for service advisors will be similar to mechanics, there will be small differences. Typically, service advisors will be more customer facing and shops will tailor their questions to focus more on customer service and communication style.
General interview questions for service advisors
Are you comfortable selling repair services?
Are you comfortable working on a commission based salary structure?
Who do you believe has the best after market products?
How do you deal with a customer saying that you are more expensive than their last shop?
How do you win back angry customers?
How do you handle over the phone quotes?
Technical interview questions for service advisors
What are your greatest strengths as a service advisor?
Who do you trust for moving electrical parts?
How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment?
Are you comfortable meeting sales goals and upselling services?
How do you stay up to date with new automotive technology and service trends?
How do you handle stress during busy hours?
Experience & situational questions for service advisors
How do you explain complex vehicle repairs to a customer who doesn’t understand cars?
What steps do you take to build trust with customers?
Have you ever had to deal with a miscommunication between a technician and a customer? How did you resolve it?
Can you describe a time when you turned a dissatisfied customer into a repeat customer?
How do you handle multiple customers needing assistance at the same time?
Additional questions to expect
How do you explain the importance of routine maintenance to a customer?
What experience do you have with automotive service software or point-of-sale systems?
How do you prioritize repair orders and schedule work efficiently?
How do you explain repair estimates to customers?
How would you respond to 1-star reviews?
Job interview tips for mechanics
Research: Not all shops are created equal so make sure to research before applying to make sure they are a good fit. You can also look at online reviews to see what their customers are saying.
Preparation: Use the commonly used questions above to help you prepare for the interview. Practice how you would answer each question and ways you can present yourself well.
Attire: You have 7 seconds to make your first impression and attire is a big part of that. Dress to showcase your professionalism and experience.
Highlight your experience/certifications: Showcasing your certifications and experience can go a long way to in making sure you land the job.
Ask thoughtful questions: Some interviewers will allow you to ask questions during the conversation. Make sure you have a few questions to ask that help you learn more about the shop.
Follow up: if you haven’t heard back from the shop and you are still interested, give them a call and remind them of your interest in the position.
Final thoughts
Interviews are challenging in any industry but mechanic interviews can be even more challenging with the shortage of talent available. This guide will help you either prepare for your next interview or provide you with common questions to ask your next hire. Lastly, always hire for culture fit and talent second. Culture problems are a lot harder to correct than technical car knowledge.
If you're running an auto repair shop, investing in a car lift is essential. A high-quality vehicle lift makes it easier to work on cars, increases efficiency, and ensures safety. But how much does it actually cost to install a car lift? That depends on the type of lift, installation costs, and other factors such as weight capacity and safety features. Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best automotive lift for your needs.
Do you need a car lift?
Car lifts are essential in auto repair shops because they provide mechanics with better access to a vehicle’s undercarriage, making inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. Unlike floor jacks, lifts offer a stable and elevated workspace, reducing the risk of injuries and improving workflow.
With a car lift, technicians can quickly perform tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, exhaust system work, and suspension adjustments without having to crawl under the vehicle. This efficiency leads to faster turnaround times and higher shop productivity.
Additionally, lifts help maximize shop space by allowing vertical storage for vehicles, which is especially useful in high-volume repair shops. Overall, car hoists are a fundamental investment for any auto repair shop looking to enhance efficiency, safety, and the quality of service provided to customers.
Types of car lifts and their costs
Each type of lift has its pros and cons. Some lifts are better for oil change shops and some are better for tire or repair shops. In general, car lifts can cost between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on brand, lift capacity, lift height, and features. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most common lift options for your shop.
Two-Post car lifts
A two-post car lift is one of the most popular choices for auto repair shops. They are popular because they take up less space and can be affordable depending on features. Make sure to plan out your shop layout as these lifts are permanent and cannot be easily moved. These hoists come in asymmetric and symmetric configurations, allowing flexibility based on vehicle type.
Price: $3,000 - $10,000
Best For: General repair shops working on SUVs and smaller cars.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
Popular brands: BendPak, Rotary, Tuxedo.
Advantages: High lifting capacity while saving space for smaller shops.
Four-Post lifts
A four-post lift provides greater stability and weight capacity, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. If your shop works on a lot of trucks or heavy-duty vehicles, the four-post lift might be the best lift for you. Tire and brake shops should avoid these lifts as the tires sit on the lift making it difficult to work on these areas.
Price: $5,000 - $25,000
Best For: Dealerships and professional shops.
Lift capacity: 7,000 - 14,000 lbs.
Popular brands: BendPak, Titan, Tuxedo, Rotary.
Advantages: Heavier lifting capacity for larger vehicles.
Scissor lifts
If saving space is your top priority, the scissor lift may be your best option. They are almost invisible when not in use and lie flat on the ground to optimize garage space. Double check the lift capacity and height to make sure it can accommodate the types of vehicles you work on.
Price: $1,500 - $10,000
Best For: Quick repair shops where space is limited.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 15,000 lbs.
Brands: QuickJack, BendPak, MaxJax
Advantages: Compact and cheaper.
In-Ground lifts
In-ground car lifts are a great choice for shops that work on heavier vehicles and want to save space. These lifts are the perfect balance of the space saving capabilities of a scissor lift while also providing optimal strength for large vehicles.
Price: $10,000 - $25,000
Best For: Repair shops and dealerships.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 20,000 lbs.
Brands: BendPak, Rotary, Atlas
Advantages: Compact while also offering enough muscle.
Portable car lifts
If your shop layout frequently changes or you are a mobile mechanic, a portable lift may be the best option. These lifts can be easily moved around a garage or taken to a job site and are often the cheapest option. However, they can be less reliable and don’t provide the same level of strength as a stationary lift.
Price: $500 - $5,000
Best For: Home garages, mobile mechanics, DIY enthusiasts.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
Brands: QuickJack, MaxJax
Advantages: Affordable, compact, mobile.
Installation prices for car lifts
Installing a vehicle lift is not just about purchasing the unit. You also need to consider the installation costs, which can vary depending on the type of lift and garage setup. Here are the main factors affecting installation costs:
1. Concrete requirements
Most lifts, especially two-post car lifts and four-post lifts, require a thick concrete base. If your floor isn’t thick enough, you may need reinforcement, which adds to the cost.
2. Electrical setup
Lifts need power, and if your garage isn’t wired for it, you’ll need an electrician.
3. Air compressors & accessories
Some lifts require compressors and additional balancer tools for operation.
4. Professional installation
Hiring a pro ensures the lift is ALI-certified and meets safety regulations.
Choosing the right car lift for your auto repair shop
Each type of lift comes with its own advantages, making it important to choose the right one based on your needs. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
How big is your shop?
Which repair services do you offer?
What is your budget?
Does the lift offer a warranty?
Will you garage layout change over time?
How important is a car lift warranty to you?
How heavy will the vehicles you work on be?
What is the average review rating of the lift?
How easy or hard is the lift to install?
How much will the maintenance cost?
Final thoughts
Installing a vehicle lift in your auto repair shop is a smart investment. Whether you choose a two-post car lift, scissor lifts, or portable lift, knowing the lift cost and installation costs upfront can help you budget wisely. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s ALI-certified for safety and performance. Lastly, don’t forget about regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure your lift continues to run for many years.
Shop Management
Thought Leadership
How Much Does a Car Lift Cost + Installation Prices
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