12 Apps Every Auto Repair Mechanic Needs
The article lists 12 essential apps for auto repair mechanics, including diagnostic tools like Torque Pro and Car Scanner ELM OBD2, digital vehicle inspection apps such as Tekmetric Mobile and SafetyCulture, and service guide apps like BG Technician App, all designed to streamline vehicle diagnostics, repairs, inspections, and team management for mechanics, repair shops, dealerships, and DIYers.
Many mechanics and auto repair shops are finding success by utilizing new apps that can help speed up inspections, car repairs, diagnostic readings, and more. These apps can help everyone from dealerships and repair shops to mobile mechanics and DIYers. Here is a selection of the best mobile apps and online resources by use type.
Diagnostic and Code Reader Apps
Torque Pro:
- Vehicle diagnostics tool and scanner using an OBD II Bluetooth adapter.
- Provides GPS tracker logs with OBD engine logging.
- Works on most vehicles built after 2000 (and some as far back as 1996).
- Requires a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter.
- Available for $4.95 in the Google Play Store.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2:
- Offers OBD code scanning, sensor data, and the ability to reset DC fault codes.
- Uses an OBD 2 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter.
- Free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
RepairSolutions2:
- Guides users from diagnosis to fix, pairing with compatible OBD2 decoders and scanners.
- Provides a comprehensive automotive repair database with verified fixes from ASE Master Technicians.
- Requires an OBD2 scanner for most functions.
- Free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Digital Vehicle Inspection Apps
Tekmetric Mobile:
- Designed for the automotive industry to help with digital vehicle inspections.
- Allows technicians to take pictures and videos to show customers where repairs are needed.
- Includes time clock management for mechanics.
- Free with an active Tekmetric subscription for iOS and Android.
SafetyCulture:
- Workflow app for team collaboration and task management.
- Can be used for digital vehicle inspections.
- Free for teams with 10 people or less; available for iOS and Android.
Service Guide Apps
BG Technician App:
- Provides fluid application guides, tech tips, and service guides.
- Helps technicians discuss common car maintenance problems and solutions.
- Free for iOS and Android.
1A Auto Diagnostic & Repair:
- Offers over 19,000 repair videos from professional technicians.
- Allows users to shop for auto parts directly from the app.
- Free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
VIN Scanner Apps
Tekmetric Mobile:
- Can scan VIN codes and license plates to speed up check-in and build repair orders faster.
- Free with an active Tekmetric subscription for iOS and Android.
VIN Check Report:
- Scans VINs to show market value, vehicle history, recalls, and more.
- Free for Android users or via their website.
VIN Report:
- Scans VINs to retrieve title, recall, theft, and pricing information.
- Estimates depreciation and market value.
- Free in the Google Play Store or via their website.
Tire Apps
TireScan Advisor:
- Automates tire tread measurement using AI and mobile phone photos.
- Analyzes tread, TIN, and sidewall.
- Free in the Google Play Store.
Anyline:
- Reads sidewall, tread, TIN/DOT, sizing, make, and model in real-time.
- Designed for dealerships and large repair shops; pricing not disclosed.
Service Advisor Apps
BG Advisor App:
- Developed for automotive service advisors to assist with sales, training, and customer communication.
- Available for iPhone and Android.
Online Resources
YouTube
YouTube is a valuable resource for car repair professionals and DIYers. Recommended channels include:
- Enright Auto: New tools and repair techniques
- Brilliant Auto Care: Maintenance tips and guides
- Tuner World: DIY and performance videos
- Royalty Auto Service: Repair videos and industry updates
- Super Mario Diagnostics: Troubleshooting videos
- Rainman Ray’s Repairs: Repair and diagnostic videos
Free Tekmetric Resources
- Free invoice generator
- Free shop name generator
- Free automotive repair work order template
Reddit offers community support and advice. Useful subreddits include:
- r/mechanic: Repair advice
- r/Justrolledintotheshop: Humorous shop stories
- r/MechanicAdvice: General repair advice and discussion
Podcasts
Podcasts provide industry insights and entertainment:
- Automotive Diagnostic: Covers all aspects of auto repair
- Confessions of a Shop Owner: Industry insights
- The Jaded Mechanic: Reflections and insights
- Changing The Industry: Industry challenges and solutions
- Remarkable Results: Business strategies
- Gain Traction: Tire news
Are Mobile Apps Necessary for Auto Mechanics?
Mobile apps are more of a luxury than a necessity for mechanics, but they can help speed up repairs and boost efficiency. They also reduce paperwork and simplify workflows. For shops looking to stay competitive and productive, mobile apps can be a valuable tool.
Closing Thoughts
While these mechanic apps and resources can be useful, it's important to find those that fit your needs. Always read reviews and do your own research before downloading. Don’t hesitate to test new apps in your shop to see what works best for you.
The Tekmetric Shop Index: Benchmarking Tool for Auto Repair Shops
The Tekmetric Shop Index is a free benchmarking tool that allows auto repair shops to compare their key metrics against thousands of other shops nationwide. No Tekmetric account or commitment is required. The tool focuses on four key metrics:
1. Average Repair Order (ARO)
- Measures the average dollar amount per repair order.
- Indicates how well your shop is selling and completing work.
- Closely tied to digital vehicle inspection processes.
2. Car Count
- Measures the number of vehicles serviced in a given period.
- Important for understanding business volume and growth.
- Distinguishes between new and returning customers.
3. Parts Margin
- Percentage of profit earned on parts sold.
- Calculated as (retail price minus cost) divided by retail price.
- Small differences in margin can have a big impact over time.
4. Effective Labor Rate
- Actual dollar amount earned per labor hour after discounts and packaged pricing.
- Helps evaluate the effectiveness of your labor matrix.
These four metrics form the foundation of shop performance analysis. Benchmarking against real industry data can help identify areas for improvement and guide business decisions.
Supporting Shops by Enhancing Efficiency
Tekmetric has focused on product updates to improve operational efficiency, such as allowing multiple technicians to be assigned to a single job and releasing an Inventory Activity Feed for better inventory management. These updates help shops monitor changes, identify errors, and enhance training.
Commitment to Education and Learning Opportunities
Tekmetric participates in industry events and webinars to share knowledge and gather feedback. Presentations have covered topics like boosting profits through customer experience and leveraging digital tools for business growth.
Prioritizing Data Security
Tekmetric has achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance, ensuring the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.
Making More Money on Labor
Three ways to increase labor revenue:
- 1.Using a labor matrix
- 2.Creating custom labor rates
- 3.Applying a labor guide markup
A labor guide provides average times for different types of repair work, serving as a reference for setting labor rates and expectations.