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In any industry, surviving and thriving involves identifying and responding to trends. In some cases, change occurs unexpectedly, and rapid adaptation must occur to stay afloat. However, when periods of transformation or disruption are predicted to occur, business owners have the unique opportunity of understanding trends and preparing for the future.

The automotive mechanic industry is no different. New trends are on the horizon – some could have a significant impact on auto shops. In the blog, we aim to help auto shop owners understand upcoming auto mechanic trends in the U.S. and prepare accordingly. Let’s dive in!  

1. Vehicles Are More Reliable

Due to updated, optimized technology and mechanics, vehicles that are being produced today are more reliable than before. For example, synthetic oils are designed to last for a long time without being changed. Automotive shop technicians will need to stay on top of trends to complete work on new vehicles correctly.

2. Vehicles Have Better Telematics

Newer vehicles have increasingly complex telematics. As vehicle owners with sophisticated mechanical systems search for a trustworthy repair shop, knowledge of telematics plays a significant role. Do your technicians have the expertise to repair technologically-advanced systems?

3. Electric Vehicles Are Becoming Popular

In recent decades, electric vehicles are one of the most significant technological advancements in the automotive industry, and they are steadily becoming more popular. In fact, electric car sales are predicted to increase quite significantly in upcoming years.

Of course, as more electric vehicles are purchased, driven, and worn, repair is required. Hybrid cars, a combination of electric and ICE vehicles, also need repair. As electric and hybrid vehicles break down, drivers will search for trusted, highly-skilled technicians with knowledge of their vehicle. Auto shops have the opportunity to capitalize on this need by training technicians to become specialists in emerging markets.

4. Older Vehicles Are Being Driven

Even though newer vehicles are more reliable, new vehicles are not the only automobiles on the road. In fact, one marketing resource suggests that there will be 76 million vehicles older than 16 years in the U.S. this year. Additionally, automobiles 5 years and older on the road are predicted to increase by 25%, while automobiles 12 years and older may increase by 15%. The length of time that vehicles are being owned is increasing.

What does this mean for auto shop owners? You may see an increase in older vehicles requiring repair, maintenance, or upgrading.

5. Automotive Technician Retirement

Across the board, many knowledgeable shop technicians are nearing retirement age. As automotive shops anticipate the widespread retirement of experienced employees, shop owners should be on the lookout for well-equipped, well-trained automotive technicians to fill significant gaps.

6. Cars Are Being Leased

In recent years, Americans have leaned towards leasing rather than purchasing vehicles. This trend is expected to increase this year. Leased automobiles do not require as much maintenance and repair from automobile repair shops.

Auto repair shop owners looking to create a thriving, growing business should consider specializing in emerging markets. As trends change, the door will be open for more business. Additionally, auto repair shops can pursue partnerships with local car leasing companies to maintain a supply of customers from Americans who are leasing vehicles.

Automotive Marketing Tips

As these trends shape the future for automotive shops, how can shop owners begin to respond and prepare?

• First, diversify! As mentioned, expanding your shop’s expertise into the emerging markets will broaden your customer base. For current technicians, this will involve investing resources in continued education. Beyond emerging markets, technicians should have the expertise to repair technologically advanced computer and telematics systems.
• Next, make sure you have an internet presence. Consumers are most often looking online for auto services first, and it is critical that your shop has a professional, trustworthy, and reputable digital presence to vouch for your business. Typically, consumers will interact with your website or read your reviews before ever speaking with you face-to-face. The world is trending online, and your shop must meet the customers where they are in order to thrive.

SVI International: Automotive Repair Specialists

Managing a successful automotive shop involves numerous components – and high-quality, trustworthy equipment is an important factor. At SVI International, we are automotive specialists, leaders in repair parts for automotive lifts and industrial equipment.

Auto shop owners commonly browse our shop for brand new automotive lifts, automotive lift repair parts, shop exhaust removal products, brake lathes parts, and tire changer parts. Our offering is extensive, and our response time is one-of-a-kind.

At SVI, we understand that your auto shop cannot be “out of commission” for long. Time is money. This is why we provide on-time delivery from our three “ready-ship” warehouses in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Still have questions? We would love to help. Get in touch with our team at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

Most technicians can pinpoint a time when their scissor lift stopped working properly, perhaps in the shop or in a personal garage. When this occurs, which lift component do you check first? Most of the time, the issue can be traced back to the battery. Scissor lift batteries are an essential component of the equipment; unfortunately, they can also be the root of equipment failure.

In the following content, we will discuss how long scissor lift batteries last and look at some ways to extend these batteries’ lives.

What Are “Scissor Lift Batteries”?

Before diving into the lifespan of scissor lift batteries, let’s define our terms! What batteries are employed in scissor lifts? Most often, scissor lifts utilize rechargeable, lead-acid batteries.

As the name implies, lead-acid batteries are created with lead and sulfuric acid. Both elements are combined to produce electricity via a chemical reaction. Lead-acid batteries can be serviceable or maintenance-free.

• Serviceable lead-acid batteries require consistent maintenance and inspection to ensure fluids are at the proper levels. Serviceable batteries can be refilled.
• Maintenance-free lead-acid batteries are not manually refilled. In fact, maintenance-free batteries are never meant to be opened. Once these batteries lose their ability to recharge, the battery must be replaced.

Scissor Lift Battery Lifespan

Unfortunately, the lifespan of a scissor lift battery is consistent. In fact, battery suppliers often estimate that a scissor lift battery could last between 6 and 48 months.

Though every scissor lift battery has to be replaced eventually, scissor lift usage and scissor lift battery maintenance plays a significant role in a battery’s lifespan. For example, a battery that is maintained and hardly used could last for over 10 years.

Scissor Lift Usage

For most automotive shops, scissor lift usage is not optional. Often, during busy days, every single lift in a shop is being constantly used. Simple visual maintenance might be performed between customers, but the scissor lift is expected to be in use for hours on end. Thus, reducing scissor lift usage to extend the battery’s lifespan is often not an option.

Alternatively, scissor lifts for personal use are often not as worn, allowing a well-maintained battery to retain its life for a longer period of time.

Scissor Lift Battery Maintenance

Battery maintenance should be performed regularly.

1. Ensure that all battery posts and cables have a secure connection. To make sure all battery posts and cables are properly linked, regularly clean the battery posts and cables of any corrosive elements. An unstable connection can inhibit battery performance and cause a variety of additional problems. Terminal protectors and sealant can be added to both serviceable and maintenance-free batteries to help prevent corrosion.

2. Check the battery case for damage. Before checking the case, however, ensure the emergency button is in the “off” position.

3. Clean the entire battery with baking soda and water.

4. Top-off serviceable batteries with distilled water during use and charging cycles. It is important to note that distilled water should always be used – tap water can inhibit battery performance and increase self-discharge.

5. Use a hydrometer to check acid levels on serviceable batteries. This can be done at any time; however, resources often suggest performing this check after replenishing the water levels to examine acid levels consistently.

6. While the battery is charging, perform a charge test. A charge test ensures that every battery is working properly. If a battery has to be replaced, it is better to perform the replacement during a charge cycle than while in operation.

7. Clean battery tanks. Keeping battery tanks clean reduces surface discharge.

8. Perform an amp-draw test. The amp-draw test ensures that the battery is performing as it should, according to its’ proper specifications. To properly check scissor lift battery performance, a carbon pile battery tester or another high-quality battery tester will be required.

Unfortunately, every scissor lift battery will lose the ability to recharge and operate efficiently eventually. However, performing simple maintenance on a regular basis can extend the lifespan of your batteries.

SVI: Diverse Automotive Lift Parts Provider

When your scissor lift fails, having a trustworthy equipment provider on-call is essential to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. At SVI, we are known for our reliability, innovative solutions, and superb customer service.

With over 40,000 products, our diverse product line serves as a one-stop shop for equipment parts, lifting equipment, fluid delivery products, RELS brake lathes, and so much more.

We know that downtime can be costly, so our 3 ready-ship warehouses provide on-time delivery and same-day shipping for in-stock parts.

An SVI specialist would love to get in touch about serving your needs, including any questions or concerns you may have. To get in touch, give us a call at (800) 321-8173 or complete our online contact form. We always respond quickly!