Vehicle inspection checklists guide your technician’s through each aspect of a given inspection so that no problem areas go unaddressed.
Having a set list of points to check for each inspection will ensure they remember to look into each item listed. But before your shop gets started on inspections, you have to get down to the nitty-gritty of inspection checklists.
Find The Right Digital Vehicle Inspection Checklist For Your shop
There's no one-size-fits-all vehicle inspection checklist. It's essential to have different inspection checklists depending on the customer's concerns and what prompted them to bring their car to your shop.
One generic inspection checklist is not enough as it may be too broad or too narrow to cover all the necessary areas.
Your shop may have its own variations of inspections depending on the services you provide. For instance, an auto body repair shop may focus on checking for scratches, dents, and cracks, while a general repair shop will mostly inspect the belts, filters, fluids, and everything else under the hood.
So, how many vehicle inspection checklists do you need? As many checklists as there are common reasons for vehicle owners to bring their cars to your shop.
Common digital vehicle inspection checklists
Vehicle inspection checklists can be divided into four categories: interior, under vehicle, under hood, and exterior. But keep in mind that if your shop does a multi-point inspection, it’s likely that your tech will tackle each of those categories.
The main different types of vehicle inspection checklists are:
Fluid Inspection: A check-up on a vehicle’s essential fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and differential fluid. This inspection is prompted by a leak or a specific problem related to their car’s fluid levels.
Maintenance Inspection: A routine inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good working order. It‘s common for the maintenance inspection to be a part of regularly scheduled tune-ups. This inspection is prompted when a customer’s vehicle has reached a specific mileage, and they want to be extra cautious before they exceed more miles.
Diagnostic Inspection/Test: An on-board diagnostic check where you’ll use an OBD scanner to check for issues related to the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle, and more. This inspection is prompted when a customer's check engine light is on.
Exhaust Inspection: Helps uncover any potential exhaust system leaks or clogged catalytic converters. They can include inspecting everything from the manifold or headers down to the tailpipes. This inspection is prompted when a customer is experiencing an unusual odor or sound coming from their vehicle when they drive it.
Courtesy Inspection: A visual inspection of common components typically done during another repair. This inspection is prompted when a customer is getting a repair done on their car, and your technician wants to double-check that their tire pressure isn't low, their windshield wiper fluid is topped off, etc.
Multi-Point Inspections: The most thorough types of inspections. Many auto repair shops will choose to do multi-point inspections to ensure each area is accounted for during a vehicle inspection. They are usually prompted by one—or several—of the above prompts.
Different Digital Vehicle Inspection Systems
Although these are some of the most common digital car inspections, it’s important to remember that the way one inspection is conducted at one auto repair shop may be different than the way it is conducted at your shop.
And what works when you first open your shop will look different years later when you’re expanding your shop.
Carbon Copy Vehicle Inspection Forms
This method can become unwieldy when you need to make a change to an inspection, and you don’t have the ability to easily go in and edit the template to your liking.
Printable vehicle Inspection forms
Printing out vehicle inspection checklists and jotting down your findings can lead to errors due to disorganization and the potential for illegible handwriting.
On-premise Inspection/Shop Management Systems
With most on-premise systems, someone will have to run back and forth from the car to the computer to complete the vehicle inspection checklist.
Cloud-based Inspection/Shop Management System
With some cloud-based inspection systems, you can create multiple vehicle inspection checklists with just a few clicks, and the system will save them for you—both the vehicle inspection checklist template and the copy of the completed inspection.
Improve Your Process with Tekmetric's Digital Vehicle Inspections
By implementing the right vehicle inspection technology and checklists in your auto repair shop, you'll save time, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. Your technicians will have all the necessary information at their fingertips, enabling them to provide fast and accurate repairs.
Our cloud-based shop management system has you covered at all steps, from customer concerns, to inspections to selling more repair work down the line.
Running a repair shop takes more than turning wrenches. It’s booking appointments, reminding customers to show up, following up on declined jobs – all while keeping bays full and the front office running smoothly.
But for most shops, staying connected with customers feels like a second job. Some rely on a patchwork of booking tools, texting apps, and review platforms. Others don’t follow up at all. Either way, things slip through the cracks. The result? Missed appointments, lost revenue, and customers who never return.
That’s why we built Tekmetric Marketing.
Not another system to learn. Not another login to juggle. It’s built right into Tekmetric, the platform you already trust to run your shop. With online booking, reminders, campaigns, follow-ups, reviews, and even a professional website all in one place, Tekmetric Marketing helps you keep customers engaged and loyal automatically – without piling more work on your plate. And it’s designed so anyone on your team can use it. No marketing expertise required.
More Cars. Higher ARO. Steady Repeat Business.
Every repair order holds untapped potential. A declined brake job today can turn into tomorrow’s revenue. A routine oil change can become the start of a long-term relationship.
Tekmetric Marketing makes sure those opportunities don’t slip away. Customers can schedule online 24/7, filling bays while you sleep. Automated reminders cut down on no-shows and keep the calendar steady. Follow-ups on declined jobs and maintenance turn “not today” into approved work. Seasonal campaigns help you bring customers back when business slows.
And if your shop doesn’t have a website, Tekmetric can build one for you, giving customers one more way to find you, book online, and keep your bays full.
As Ryan Froats of Yorktown Auto Care put it: “As an independently-owned shop, dedicating resources towards outreach and follow-up can be challenging. Tekmetric Marketing allows me to communicate with my customer base in a variety of ways, without tying up hours of my work week.”
That’s the difference between a full schedule and an empty bay. Between a one-time job and a loyal customer.
Turn Great Service Into Lasting Loyalty
Great service doesn’t stop when the car leaves the bay. Tekmetric Marketing makes it really easy to keep the relationship going. Post-visit follow-ups that check in with customers after service, showing you care and helping you catch issues early. Review requests that boost your reputation on Google, making it easier for new customers to find and trust you. Private feedback that gives you valuable insights to improve service and address concerns before they go public
Together, these touchpoints build trust, strengthen relationships, and turn satisfied customers into loyal advocates.
One Platform. No Missed Messages.
Because Tekmetric Marketing lives inside Tekmetric, all customer communication flows through one platform – from estimates and approvals to reminders, follow-ups, and promotions. No more bouncing between systems or wondering what’s been sent. Everything is tied to the customer profile, making communication clear, consistent, and professional.
Tekmetric Marketing also works in sync with your shop’s calendar, repair orders, and payments. Bookings instantly block off availability. Reminders align with scheduled work. Everything just works without syncing headaches or double entry.
And here’s the best part: Tekmetric Marketing is designed for busy shop owners and front office staff. It’s easy to set up, runs automatically in the background, and helps you grow your business without adding more to your to-do list – or requiring a marketing degree.
As Corey Hansen of Hansen Auto Repair shared: “It’s so convenient having everything in one place, right inside Tekmetric. I already have Tekmetric open for managing the shop and invoicing, so I don’t have to switch tabs or log into something else to engage with my customers. Having it all together just makes things faster—and for me, saving time is huge.”
Auto Repair. Done Right.
Tekmetric has always been the all-in-one platform that helps shops run better — from managing repairs to taking payments. Now, with Tekmetric Marketing, it’s also the platform that helps you grow faster, keep customers loyal, and deliver a better experience at every turn.
Turn every visit into the next one. With Tekmetric Marketing, it happens automatically.
Unlike traditional auto shops, mobile mechanics travel to their customers to provide automotive repairs and services at the clients home. This service is attractive to older clients who may not want to travel as much or for young professionals who are to busy to wait for their car at a shop. Another major perk is that mobile mechanics can often perform services at a cheaper price because of having lower overhead costs.
Mobile mechanics are not able to perform every repair that a brick-and-mortar shop can as they have to transport all of their tools and supplies with them. However, they can still provide these common repair services:
Oil changes
Diagnostics
Tire rotations/replacements
Filter replacements
Batteries
Spark plugs
Alternators
Brake service and more.
How profitable is a mobile mechanic business?
Mechanics can charge whatever they would like but most repairs fall in the $20 - $125 per hour range. Like any business, you have to consider your startup costs, advertising expenses, number of expected clients, and how much your services are worth before determining if your business will be profitable. Overwhelmed yet? Dont worry, we will explain everything in detail below.
6 Steps to become a mobile mechanic
While you may not need a college degree to be a quality mechanic, you will still have to invest in tools, licensing, marketing and other business needs. We have outlined everything you need to start your business below.
Develop a Business plan
Starting with a quality business plan for your business is the first step in making sure you start off on the right foot. Outlining who your competitors are, setting goals and solidifying your financials may seem outdated but they are the foundations of your business. Here are nine steps to creating your business plan:
Write an executive summary
Describe your shop
State your business goals
Describe your products and services
Do your market research
Outline your marketing and sales plan
Perform a business financial analysis
Make financial projections
Create a plan for growth and expansion
Tek-Tip: If you want to jump start your business, consider joining a mobile mechanic business like Wrench.
Gather necessary licenses and certifications
Once you have created your business plan, it is time to start working on your business license. Not every state requires you to acquire a license but some do. Do your research for the state you plan to work in and make sure you are legally ready to open your auto repair shop.
ASE certification: Also known as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Being one of the largest accreditation organizations, ASE is commonly recognized throughout the auto industry.
Manufacturer certification: Mechanics may elect to gain additional certifications from specific manufacturers (Honda, Toyota, etc.) to add to their credibility. These certifications are also recommended if you only work on certain types of cars.
Refrigerant certification: If you plan to work on MVAC (motor vehicle air conditioners), the EPA requires you to obtain certification in proper refrigerant handling according to Section 609 regulations from the Clean Air Act.
Also, don’t forget to register your business and form the appropriate legal entity (partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability, or corporation). Each entity has pros and cons, so consult with a legal professional to make sure you are ready to file taxes with the IRS and open your own business.
Set your pricing structure
Your cost per hour or per repair should be reflective of your years of experience, geographical location, types of services performed and competition. Doing some competitor research will help you determine how much clients are willing to pay in your area.
Some mobile mechanics can charge more if they offer premium services or more complicated repairs. If you are new to the area, it may be beneficial to keep your costs low until you have a solid client base. Don’t forget that you can also make money off of part markups.
Lastly, remember to account for inflation, sales tax, parts, and gas for your vehicle. Depending on your payment options, you will also need to account for credit card processing fees. Auto repair can be a seasonal industry (especially in certain states), so make sure to stow away some revenue for slower months.
Insurance coverage
If you are going make an investment in your mobile auto repair business, you need to protect it with the proper insurance coverage. Some of the common insurance plans you should consider include:
Liability insurance
Comprehensive coverage
Fire and theft insurance
Road risks insurance
Lastly, decide if you will be offering any warranties on your services/parts and how that will impact your bottom line.
Invest in quality equipment
Tools: A reliable power source, jack or portable car lift, drain pans, safety equipment, scanners, cleaning sprays, diagnostic equipment and gloves are all important to have on hand. Also, don’t forget a proper lighting source.
Parts: Having commonly needed auto parts in your inventory will save you time rather than waiting for parts to be delivered to you. However, you should also determine how much inventory space you have and how to maximize it.
Software: A cheat code for mobile mechanics is adding cloud-based auto repair software that can help you keep track of inventory, invoices, billing, inspections, marketing, and more all in one place.
Vehicle: Reliable transportation is critical for mobile mechanics. Select a vehicle that has enough storage to accommodate large parts and good fuel economy for longer trips. Lastly, don’t forget to bring shelter in case of inclement weather so you can continue to work in the elements.
Tek-Tip: If you need help coming up with a mobile mechanic business name, we have developed a guide to the best auto repair business names. In addition, we developed an AI-powered name generator tool that can also help with logo creation.
Marketing and advertising
You can offer the best mobile mechanic service in your state but without a proper marketing strategy, customers may struggle to find you. Here are some common marketing efforts that will help you build a strong customer base.
Website: A strong website is the glue that holds all of your marketing efforts together by providing a central location to find prices, services, phone number, and more. Make sure your website reflects what makes you better than your competition. SEO (search engine optimization) is another important factor to include in your website to ensure you are visible to those searching online for your services.
Tek-Tip: Not tech savvy? Tekmetric Marketing can help by offering website building, online scheduling, review management, and more.
Paid advertising: Strategize where your target audience is located and how you can leverage paid advertisements to attract more customers. Possible opportunities include Google ads, social media ads, local event sponsorship and more.
Social media: Social media is a great place to highlight customer testimonials and engage with your audience. Experiment with varying content types until you find what resonates with your customers.
Traditional marketing: Mailers, business cards, flyers, billboards and direct mail can all be impactful marketing tactics for local businesses. Considering adding a QR code pointing users to your website or adding coupons to incentivize customers.
Referral program: Testimonials go a long way for word-of-mouth marketing. Consider offering a discount on future services for each new customer they refer to your business.
Email: Email marketing is a great way to retain existing customers by offering incentives or coupons to ensure your car repair business stays top of mind. Another impactful email marketing tactic is to send oil change reminders to existing clients.
Closing Thoughts
Starting a mobile mechanic business can be intimidating but the flexible working hours, independence and profitability make it worthwhile. Being a small business owner is not for everyone, consider starting out as part time and move into full time as your profitability grows. Don’t forget to utilize your network to learn industry trends and new tactics to grow your business.
When you started your shop, you probably had to get the word out there. Maybe you passed out cards at your gym or got your family to tell all their friends about your new business.
Today, you likely have a loyal customer base. Your regulars drop by whenever they need repairs, and they probably also recommend your shop to their friends and family. That word-of-mouth marketing is immensely valuable. After all, new folks can’t come to your shop if they don’t know about it!
But even with loyal customers who spread the good word about your shop, you’ll eventually hit a plateau. People don’t have an endless number of friends and family in the area that they can keep referring your shop to.
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