Your auto repair and body shop needs a whole suite of tools. Since each has its own slate of brands and models to consider, your number of purchasing decisions can scale fast—finding the right tools will require research, potentially large investments, and an eye for how they’ll integrate into your existing shop. Use the tips below to help organize and finalize your equipment purchases, so your employees and customers can both support your business with confidence.
Types of equipment every auto repair shop needs
| Category | Description | What you’ll need |
| Lifting | Tools used to examine vehicles for potential issues or damage. Stable, durable lifts and jacks create a safe work environment for employees and customers, which reduces the risk of accidents or damage to both vehicles and personnel. | High-capacity jacks and jack standsVehicle lift |
| Diagnostics | Manual and digital devices designed to diagnose problems in vehicles. Having high-quality diagnostic equipment helps mechanics to accurately identify issues and their causes, allowing for efficient repairs (which increases productivity) and reduced downtime for customers (which increases customer satisfaction and loyalty). | Digital Vehicle Inspection softwareOBD-II scannerTire pressure gauge |
| Repair | Hand and power tools used to repair vehicle problems. High-quality repair tools reduce the risk of errors and ensure precise, reliable repairs, increasing customer trust and satisfaction. | A/C MachineBattery chargerBrake latheEngine hoistMultimetersOil filter wrenchOxy-acetylene torchStrut compressor/coil spring compressorTransmission jackWheel balancer |
| Workshop | Items necessary for the efficient operation of an auto repair and body shop that aren’t auto-specific. Quality shop equipment makes a workspace more productive, safe, and organized, which allows employees to work more confidently and efficiently. | Heavy-duty workbenchHigh-capacity air compressorHydraulic shop pressStorage containers/systemsToolbox |
| Disposal | Used to remove fluids and waste generated during repairs. High-quality disposal tools ensure your shop is safe and environmentally friendly, which helps you to comply with regulations and minimize contamination risk. It can also benefit your reputation to promote sustainability and safety to your employees and customers. | Oil caddiesOil drain pans |
What to consider when choosing auto repair equipment
- Safety and compliance: Working with cars requires a safe environment for both employees and customers. Any equipment you purchase must adhere to government regulations and industry standards, but ask your employees what types of additional safety measures they want, as well.
- Space requirements: Consider your shop dimensions, choose your tools, and plan your layout strategically to maximize space while considering your employees’ workflow. Keep your walkways open and free of clutter and organize so you rarely need to move cars and heavy equipment.
- Utility requirements: Determine how much water and electricity your equipment needs to avoid infrastructure overload or environmental waste.
- Cost: Purchasing and shipping high-quality equipment is expensive. Compare specifications as well as prices between brands and vendors. Consider small business financing options like business lines of credit or term loans to help manage upfront expenses.
Tips for purchasing equipment for your shop
Research the quality of each product
Each category of tool from the table above has established brands or original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that are known for their durability and reliability. Read reviews and compare specifications to make sure you find exactly what you need.
Choose up-to-date technology
Digital software and hardware have helped speed up diagnostics and operations, but digital technology also improves more rapidly than traditional tools. Slightly obsolete tools may be cheaper, but they’ll also become obsolete faster, so purchase as up-to-date as you can afford to.
Get quotes from multiple vendors
Once you’ve decided on one or a few product options, compare their prices from different vendors. If you buy multiple pieces from the same vendor, you can usually negotiate better prices, payment terms, or delivery options.
Consider used equipment
One way to keep purchasing costs down is to purchase lightly-used brand-name equipment from other body shops or second-hand sellers. Before purchasing, inspect the items and ask questions about its past use, how well it works, and whether it’s still under warranty.
What auto and body shop customers want
Customers will judge your business by the quality of the equipment they see, but they’ll also want to see you exceed their expectations in these areas:
- Good customer service: Car troubles can be frustrating or even frightening, but you can instill confidence by explaining your work clearly, showing a price breakdown, working efficiently, and listening to your customer’s concerns.
- Skilled and safe employees: Customers want to know their car has been fixed by a knowledgeable, experienced professional. Display any certifications or qualifications in your office, and maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace which demonstrates such a commitment.
- Warranties, insurance, and liability coverage: Offer generous repair warranties and liability coverage to establish that you’re responsible for the quality of your work, and customers will feel more confident leaving their car in your shop.
- Environmental responsibility: Many of your potential customers will seek out a shop that prioritizes sustainability, even at a premium. Break down how your business disposes of waste safely, conserves water and energy where possible, and uses eco-friendly products.
Use a business line of credit to upgrade your equipment, hire staff, and more.
