Blog

The demand for reliable auto repair shops is growing with car ownership. The 2020 US Census indicated that almost 92% of US households had access to at least one vehicle, higher than in previous years. 

If you’ve ever considered owning or managing a repair shop, it’s a good time to do it. However, you need more than automotive expertise to successfully run an auto repair shop. 

What Does Auto Shop Management Include? 

Managing an auto shop includes overseeing the administrative and business aspects of the shop, from hiring and training mechanics to building relationships with customers. 

However, managing your team is a daily task, with administrative needs such as managing vacation, sick time, schedules, and evaluations. With quickly evolving equipment and technology, a shop manager must also ensure that employees are certified accordingly. 

An auto shop manager also needs to ensure that the shop’s goals are met, customers are happy, and the shop is making money.

Responsibilities 

Managing an auto repair shop requires a lot of responsibility, but you can be very successful if you’re an organized person with good communication skills.

All shop managers must manage their time to meet the customers’ expectations and maintain staff morale, all while meeting the shop’s financial goals.

While responsibilities may vary from shop to shop, some of the most common duties include:

• Hiring, training, and managing employees
• Contacting customers about the status of their vehicles
• Keeping track of service and inventory records
• Maintaining a record of accounts and financial information
• Ordering parts and supplies as needed
• Implementing a marketing plan to promote business
• Focusing on customer retention
• Preparing an annual operating budget
• Forecasting goals and objectives for the department
• Managing and controlling costs
• Establishing relationships with factory representatives
• Overseeing services after repair, such as test-driving and vehicle dropoff 

In addition to the above duties, shop managers must know how to store employee records and customer information safely. Also, you must secure all vehicles on the property along with any cash, checks, or credit card information.

Leading a Team 

If you’re wondering how to manage an auto repair shop, a trustworthy shop consists of a fantastic team of mechanics led by an honest and motivating shop manager. 

While automotive experience is necessary to run a shop, your team is your biggest asset.

Leading your team includes:

• Treating everyone with respect and professionalism
• Sharing the shop’s goals with employees (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
• Communicating performance expectations with each team member
• Leading positive and effective team meetings
• Performing employee evaluations and reviews
• Providing a positive working environment
• Giving good pay, benefits, or incentives
• Appreciating employees’ hard work
• Providing high-quality equipment and training
• Providing a safe work environment
• Allowing for communication and feedback from your employees
• Holding your team accountable
• Listening to concerns
• Offering continuous options for growth

Getting the Right Equipment 

In addition to automotive expertise, good communication, and solid leadership, securing the right equipment is essential for a successful auto repair shop. That doesn’t mean you have to spend top dollar on every piece of equipment, but you need to ensure that you get the right equipment for your shop’s needs. Usually, the right equipment doesn’t equal the most expensive equipment.

While every shop varies in size and focus, almost every shop will need the following equipment: 

Vehicle Lift

An automotive lift is the only way to get under a car to perform routine maintenance and diagnostics. However, before purchasing a lift, you must consider whether you have the space for a 2-post or 4-post lift, the power requirements, and what types of vehicles you’ll be working on. 

Air Compressor

Most shops will need a 60- or 120-gallon compressor to operate pneumatic hand tools or lifts. In this case, it’s a good idea to purchase the highest capacity within your budget to have the power you need to operate your tools. 

Jacks and stands

A high-quality, high-capacity jack is necessary to support your shop’s vehicles. You’ll also need strong jack stands and pole jacks. 

Oil drain and caddy

When you provide oil and transmission fluid changes, your shop will need an oil caddy with a large capacity. In addition, if you plan on working with cars on an auto lift, a standing oil caddy will make your mechanic’s job much more manageable.

Battery charger and jumper

While you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on this, you also don’t want to purchase the cheapest battery charger available. Since many of your customers will have dead car batteries or charging issues, you’ll want to have a decent jumper and charger on hand. 

Engine hoist

If you’re repairing, replacing, or rebuilding an engine, you will need an engine hoist. While you don’t need to purchase the top-of-the-line hoist, you’ll need one with the capacity for the largest engine you plan to service. 

Brake lathe

Purchasing a quality name-brand brake lathe will make your brake services more profitable and efficient.

Strut compressor

When working on suspension systems, you’ll want a good strut compressor that is durable and safe. A cheaper quality strut compressor can compromise your safety, so quality is a must.

Air conditioning machine

Your shop will need an air conditioning machine if you plan on recharging, recovering, or recycling A/C systems. In addition, an air conditioning machine will make diagnosing and flushing A/C systems more efficient and reliable.

Press

You’ll need a good press if you ever plan on working with bushings or bearings. A solid press will also bend any metal that you need to shape. 

A successful auto repair shop requires good leadership, the proper equipment, and automotive knowledge. Whether managing an auto repair shop for the first time or you’ve been doing it for decades, you know the importance of having a reliable and trustworthy automotive equipment parts partner. With over forty years of auto equipment experience, we have what it takes to help your shop run successfully. So let SVI be your partner- request a quote from us today!

Automotive supply chain problems began in 2020 and show no sign of letting up in the foreseeable future. However, auto shop owners who understand the root causes of these problems and how to address them will likely fare better than those who aren’t familiar with supply chain management in automobile industry.

Common Challenges in the Automotive Supply Chain

The automotive industry supply chain problems that affect your shop the most will likely depend on your shop’s location and the type of vehicles you work with. Even so, the following list outlines the four most common problems plaguing auto shop owners in the United States.

Inflation

The cost of tires rose a whopping 70% from 2022 to 2024. The cost of other car parts rose more than 8% from January 2022 to January 2023. What’s more, the impact inflation has had on other industries has forced auto shop owners to either pay mechanics more or risk losing skilled workers. Year-on-year labor rates have increased by nearly 5%.

Semiconductor Chip Shortages

The semiconductor chip shortage isn’t quite as bad as it was several years ago, but it’s still causing problems for auto manufacturers and repair shops. The good news is that governments around the world have taken measures to boost the semiconductor chip industry. If current trends persist, the semiconductor chip shortage should be a thing of the past in a few years. Unfortunately, geopolitical tensions could still make it difficult for auto shops to find and purchase the chips they need for certain repair jobs.

Labor Turnover

Many experienced mechanics are either retiring or transferring to different occupations. At the same time, there was a 20% shortfall in auto tech graduates from post-secondary educational institutions from 2020 to 2022. The US auto repair industry is facing a significant shortage of technicians at a time when demand is high due to an increase in vehicle ownership and owners keeping vehicles for longer than before.

Sadly, this is a problem that will likely persist or even get worse in the coming years. Working as an auto technician isn’t easy and many potential mechanics are picking other career paths. What’s more, it’s not as easy to learn the trade as it used to be. Vehicles are more complex than they were in times past, which means that aspiring auto technicians need additional schooling in order to handle a range of maintenance and repair jobs.

Geopolitical Tensions

Geopolitical tensions are so bad that some are referring to it as a “polycrisis”. Conflicts in the Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine, in the Sahel, and in the Balkans are sure to impact the supply chain in 2025. Trade wars could easily erupt this year due to tariffs. This will likely continue to put pressure on the automotive industry supply chain.

Overcoming These Supply Chain Shortages

While the problems may seem overwhelming, they do have solutions. The following measures won’t guarantee that you’ll never run out of needed parts or equipment, but they can greatly reduce the likelihood of supply chain shortages significantly impacting your business.

Identify Immediate Shortfalls

To run a successful business, you need more than just a good business model and a commitment to excellence. You also need wise financial management. Keep tabs on the cost of shop equipment and replacement parts to avoid significant shortfalls. Update financial records regularly to identify any immediate shortfalls that arise.

Avoid Inventory Scarcity

As inflation puts the squeeze on auto repair shop profits, it can be tempting to wait until the cost of certain parts and/or machinery comes down before making a purchase. However, in today’s environment, such a decision could cause serious problems for your shop. Use a program that keeps track of auto shop inventory in real time and replace your stock before you run out of commonly-used parts.

Collaborate with Industry Leaders

The best-known leaders in the auto repair industry are the companies that manufacture the equipment and parts you need to do your job. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these companies if you need a specific piece of equipment, advice on repairing or replacing certain machinery, or help with locating replacement parts. Car manufacturers are also ideal sources of information and assistance. Many collaborate with auto parts manufacturers to promote innovation and streamline production processes, so they’ll understand the shortfalls you’re facing and may be able to offer advice on how to deal with common supply chain problems.

Utilize Tech in Mitigating Order Backlogs

The auto tech industry is very much a hands-on industry. However, technology can play a vital role in not only helping your mechanics do their jobs but also handling tasks such as mitigating order backlogs. Find a program that works well for your shop, train your staff in how to use it, and put technology to work ensuring that each customer receives prompt attention and service.

Avoid Shipping Issues with Our OEM Domestic Car Lift Parts

Supply chain management in automobile industry repair shops is far more complicated than it was in years past. Auto shop owners face multiple challenges in finding specialized parts and qualified, experienced mechanics. At the same time, demand for auto repair services is higher than ever. Shops that are able to navigate automotive industry supply chain issues could perform well long term.A highly effective way to avoid supply chain problems is to partner with local suppliers. SVI Inc. has two ready-ship warehouses in the United States and stocks more than 40,000 items, including shop equipment and lift parts. We offer resource engineering to recreate discontinued parts or even design custom parts to meet your exact specifications. Our customer service department offers knowledgeable assistance and help with parts information, orders, and more. Contact us by phone or email to find out more about what we offer or to get a price quote for the products of your choice.

Two post car lifts are among the most often used lifts worldwide. When used appropriately, they’re safe and dependable, and they can raise a lot of weight.

Two-post lifts align the car in the bay from front to back. The lift provides additional drive-through clearance since the columns are straight across from each other, facing each other. The vehicle’s and lift’s centers of gravity are aligned, distributing the load evenly across the columns, carriage, and bearings.

In addition, the two-post lift allows the operator to quickly reach all sections of the vehicle, including the wheel assemblies.

How Much Space is Required for a 2-Post Lift?

Auto lifts are frequently placed to align with either the entry door or the servicing bay in most garage spaces. When you have more area to work with, you can install the lift in a corner or at an angle, depending on how much floor space and clearance height you need.

It’s recommended to leave at least two feet of space between your posts, lifted cars, and the side walls. Otherwise, you will struggle while trying to maneuver around the vehicle while placed on the lift. Furthermore, you will not have enough room to readily remove wheels, axles, or tight nuts with a long pry bar.

Provide at least 12 feet between the lift posts and the back wall when installing symmetrical lifts. Allow at least 9 feet between the lift posts and the nearest wall if you plan to buy an asymmetrical lift.

A 2-post lift is great for trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles because of these advantages. Although popular and relatively easy to use, it takes a little skill. Below is a step-by-step guide for how to position your truck on a 2-post lift.

How to Position Your Truck on a 2 Post Lift

Double-check Safety and Capacity

Before using your car lift, check the weight capacity to ensure that you are not attempting to move a truck that the lift cannot handle. Also, make sure your car lift is ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2011 or ANSI/UL 201 certified.

Clear the Space

To begin, remove any obstacles from the area. The space necessary for a 2-post lift includes a larger area with open entry ports. The surface should also be flat, with no bumps or slopes, as this can cause an accident.

Position the Vehicle

Place your truck between the lift columns in the proper location. Refer to the guide for positioning the automobile relative to the spotting dish. Confirm that the vehicle is properly positioned in the middle of the lifting podium. On both sides, the lifting posts should be symmetrical.

Put your car in park and use the emergency brake if you have an automatic transmission for additional safety. For manual transmission, put the car in first gear and apply wheel chocks on the back wheels.

Choose Correct Adapters

Examine the adapters to ensure they are tall enough to establish simultaneous contact with the lift points. Some trucks may require special height adapters to provide more room between the lift arm and the rocker panel.

Some height adapters have stacking pegs that connect to one another, giving the lift pad extra height and allowing it to stay on top of the rocker panel or frame.

In certain circumstances, a special truck adapter or frame cradle pads might be needed.

Position the Arms

Place the lift pads under the correct lift points. Then, raise the reclining swing arms to the manufacturer’s recommended lifting point under the vehicle. When you stretch the swing arms on most new model cars, an arrow directs you to the spot where the adapters should be placed. This spot is the starting location for the lift. You can reach the lifting points with extensions, which provide additional grip while also leveling the automobile during elevation.

Before starting to rise, confirm that the lift pads are correctly seated and locked.

Test the Lift

Examine the area for any obstacles before pressing the power button to elevate the vehicle. Next, activate the lifting unit and allow it to raise the car slightly above the ground. Once the wheels are roughly six inches off the ground, check to verify if they are level. Then try swaying the vehicle from the front or back to determine if it’s stable. If the truck bounces on the pads or feels otherwise unsteady, lower it to the ground quickly and reposition the pads as needed.

Make any necessary modifications after double-checking to ensure that lift contact is even and accurate.

When lifting, make sure the safety locks engage click after click, and remember to disengage them when the truck comes down.

Raise the Truck Fully

You can then lift the automobile to the desired height once you’ve ensured that it sits securely on the pads and isn’t swaying. Again, consult your owner’s handbook for the maximum allowed height that a truck can be raised on a two-post lift.

When lifting, make sure the safety locks engage click after click, and keep in mind that they’ll have to be disengaged as the truck is delivered. Before going beneath the vehicle, lower the lift to the locked position once you’ve reached the desired height.

Lowering the Vehicle

Before you lower the truck back to the ground, be sure there is no one or anything underneath it.

Release the lift’s safety locks and lower the vehicle gradually.

Finding the Right 2-Post Lift

Finding a dependable lift supplier with high-quality items doesn’t have to be complicated.

SVI International is committed to excellence. We provide 40,000 repair parts from 50 product lines as industry leaders in automotive and industrial equipment repair parts. Our products are distributed across three warehouses across the country, allowing for quick and reliable delivery.

We encourage you to contact us today if you seek specialty lifts. Call (800) 321-8173 or use our online form to contact us right now. We look forward to helping you with your auto lifts!

An automotive lift is no small investment. After researching the ideal lift for your auto repair shop or personal garage, making the purchase, and installing the system, protecting your investment must be explored.

A reliable lift is a critical component of any garage or auto repair shop. For many repair shops, an auto lift allows the location to remain open and profitable. Therefore, business owners and auto enthusiasts should seriously consider auto lift investment protection. Below, we discuss how performing routine maintenance and identifying the correct repair parts are two critical components in preserving the integrity of an automotive lift.

Auto Lift Maintenance Checklist

A thorough auto lift inspection checklist can be compartmentalized into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks. Gradually incorporate the checklists into your regular routine, and they will become habitual as time progresses. If needed, print the list and hang it in an accessible location around the shop or in your personal garage! Regardless of how the tasks are completed, consistent implementation will protect your auto lift investment.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect all moving parts visually
• Examine safety lock visually and audibly during operation
• Review the condition of all electrical connections (e.g. the power cord)
• Check for proper lift arm movement
• Evaluate cable connections for damage, including bends or cracks
• Inspect any hydraulic connections, if applicable
• Check movement controls, including the emergency stop

If you own and operate an automotive repair shop, consider training technicians to perform each maintenance checklist in rotation. As more of your specialists participate in maintenance, the chances of premature lift breakdown greatly diminish.

Weekly Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect cables and lifting mechanisms
• Wipe down and clean the entire lift, eliminating dirt or excess grease buildup
• Lubricate rollers and pivot points
• Test the movement controls fully
• Check the floor for stress cracks, especially near anchor bolts
• Inspect cylinder for complete range of motion

Weekly maintenance can be completed on any desired day of the week. Perhaps Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons tend to be slower. Perform the checklist during your free periods. Regardless of when you complete the tasks, spending 25-30 minutes performing another checklist on a weekly basis is imperative. Once more, cross-training technicians in auto lift maintenance guarantees that tasks are completed regularly and takes some of the burden off you!

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

• Lubricate drive screws, cables, and columns
• Clean beneath covers and protections to eliminate dirt or grease buildup
• Tighten floor anchor bolts
• Inspect the torque of bolts, safeties, and pivot pins
• Inspect length and tension of all cables
• For aesthetic purposes, sand over scratches and repaint, if desired – be careful not to paint over safety labels or warnings

Yearly Maintenance Checklist

While the previous checklists can be completed by a technician, the following steps should only be completed by a qualified lift inspector. If you own an auto lift, annual inspection is a priority. With a growing number of ANSI national standards, state codes, regulation, and maintenance requirements, a qualified lift inspector will protect your investment in the long run.

• Lubricate rub blocks, including any surface area in contact
• Change hydraulic fluid
• Inspect hydraulic/ air cylinder rods for damage
• Check cylinder mount for damage
• Replace the following: hydraulic hoses; chains and rollers; cables and sheaves; air and hydraulic cylinders (as required); and pumps and motors (as required)

Wire Rope Maintenance

Finally, wire ropes (lifting cables) merit special attention. The condition of a wire rope impacts the functionality of the lift and the safety of your technicians. If any defection or damage is detected, do not operate the lift.

• Wire ropes should be replaced every 3-5 years if damage or wear is not noticed before
• The rope must be replaced with broken wires are noticed
• Inspect for heat damage – if noticed, replace the rope
• Kinking, bird-caging, cutting, or crushing require replacement
• If connectors or wires are corroding, replace these specific parts
• If wear exceeds 10% of original diameter of any cable, replace the entire wire rope

Select the Proper Repair Parts for Your Auto Lift

Rebuilding or replacing auto lift is a major tool in maintaining the longevity of your auto lift investment. However, purchasing the wrong repair parts can be detrimental and costly. Purchase replacement parts from factory-authorized distributors only. Depending on the type of lift purchased, it may require a variety of accessories, supplies, and repair parts. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most common.

Above Ground 2-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Car door protection
• Height extensions
• Installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Swing arm shims
• Turf and utility tray jacks
• Turf and utility vehicle lifting attachments

Above Ground 4-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Lift installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box

In-Ground Front and Rear/ Fore and Aft Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Safety legs

In-Ground Side by Side Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Cassette/ pit lift aqua out water removal system
• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks

In-Ground Single Post Lifts

• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Safety legs

Aside from the general lift variety, specific auto lift brands require additional various repair parts. Selecting the proper parts for your specific lift is important as it ultimately impacts the integrity and lifespan of your lift.

SVI International: Auto Lift Repair Parts Leader

At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment.

We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.