How can auto repair shops make more money on labor?

3 ways your shop can make more money on labor: 1. By using a labor matrix 2. By creating custom labor rates 3. By applying a labor guide markup

What factors affect labor times in auto repair shops?

Factors That Can Affect Labor Times for Auto Repair Shops...Age of Vehicle...Geographic Location...Experience of Technician...Customer Needs...Relationship With Customers

Tekmetric and SiriusXM Partner to Provide Enhanced Customer Experience at Auto Repair Shops

Tekmetric and SiriusXM have partnered to enhance the customer experience at auto repair shops by integrating SiriusXM's entertainment services with Tekmetric's shop management software, aiming to improve customer satisfaction and engagement during vehicle service visits.

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Customer Experience

SiriusXM and Tekmetric to Provide Enhanced Customer Experience at Auto Repair Shops

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April 10, 2024

Read time: 1 min

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“We recognize the immense opportunity this collaboration with SiriusXM presents for repair shop owners,” said David Weiner, Chief Revenue Officer for Tekmetric. “At Tekmetric, our goal is to provide shop owners with a wide range of options to enhance their customer experience. Enabling a complimentary SiriusXM subscription on our platform is just one way we empower shop owners to offer added value, sustaining loyalty and satisfaction among their customers.”

In addition to enhancing customer experience, this integration is streamlined for shop owners to easily apply it to their shop. With just two clicks, shop owners can seamlessly activate the integration and begin providing the SiriusXM trial subscription to customers as a thank you after service visits. For instructions to enroll your shop today, please click on this link: https://siriusxmforshops.com/Tekmetric.

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“Tekmetric offers an innovative technology solution to auto repair shops, and we are excited to add access to SiriusXM’s extensive lineup of music, sports, talk and entertainment programming to customers of shops leveraging their platform,” said Gail Berger, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President, and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships.

This is available at no cost to repair shops or their customers, and no credit card is required to start listening. For more information about the integration between Tekmetric and SiriusXM, please visit https://www.tekmetric.com/integrations/siriusxm

👉 Ready to grow your automotive business? [Book a personalized Tekmetric Demo Here]

FAQ

While it might not seem too obvious at first, there’s a unique opportunity for independent repair shops to enter the digital age. With the right tools for the job, auto repair shops can meet customer expectations at every step of the way, from texting inspection findings right to customers down to cardless payment options.

With the right features, independent auto repair shops can work faster, smarter, and more efficiently, while delivering the amazing customer service we’ve all come to expect.

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Look For These Modern Customer Service Features in Auto Repair Shop Software

June 4, 2024

Read time: 1 min

Mechanics need the best tools to perform repairs efficiently and safely. With so many brands in the automotive industry, it can be hard to sift through the noise to find the right automotive tool brand for you. Whether you are a beginner or an expert mechanic, this guide will help identify the best brands for you.

Below, we have highlighted the top automotive tool brands to help you select the best tools for your needs. We have hand-selected these brands to provide a variety of price points and quality levels. Each brand has something unique to offer and we hope this guide helps you narrow down your choices.

14 best automotive mechanic tool brands listed with logos.

Our Top-Rated Mechanic Tool Brands

While every mechanic tool brand has something unique to offer, these high-quality brands stood out to us based on value, reviews, durability, and performance. Tekmetric reviewed these brands without any affiliate commission to remove bias.

Matco Tools: Premium tools for everyone

Matco is a prominent brand in the automotive tool space because of its reputation for durable and reliable products. Featuring a wide variety of hand tools (and apparel) at reasonable prices, Matco has become a leading brand. Products include wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers and more. This brand is a great option for mechanics looking for quality tools that are built to last.

Kobalt: Budget-friendly tools

Kobalt has become a popular choice for mechanics looking for professional-grade tools without breaking the bank. They have found the perfect balance of quality and price. Plus, they are easy to find and readily available at Lowes and Amazon. However, if you are looking for highly specialized tools, Kobalt may not offer every tool you need. In addition, you may find better quality from other brands but quality comes at a cost.

Wright Tool: American-made tools

Wright is an innovative USA tool supplier that has created a reputation for quality long-lasting tools. Wright features an extensive product range including wrenches, sockets, hammers, tool storage, screwdrivers, and more. Wright is a great option for those looking for innovation and American-made tools.

Snap-On Tools: Professional-grade hand tools

Snap-On has become synonymous with exceptional quality, precision, and durability, making it a preferred choice among professional automotive mechanics. The premium pricing will be easily justified by professional mechanics and those looking to make an investment but may not be the best choice for casual or DIYers. Snap-On is a great choice for those looking for top-notch quality and performance.

Craftsman Tools: Reliable and budget-friendly

Craftsman is another popular choice for mechanics looking for quality tools without the premium price tag. Craftsman offers a wide variety of tools including sockets, torque wrenches, and ergonomic power tools. Craftsman is a great choice for those looking to find a balance between price and quality. Craftsman is available at most of the large retailers including Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot.

OTC: Diagnostic and specialty tools

OTC is a reputable brand offering specialty equipment for mechanics. OTC specializes in jacks, diagnostics and speciality equipment. They do not offer every tool you will need but they have select specialized tools that can be hard to find elsewhere. OTC is a great choice for mechanics looking for technical products or needing specialized equipment.

Tek-Tip: Don't forget to look at warranties when comparing the best mechanic tool brands.

Husky: Affordable quality tools

Husky is a big name in the automotive tool space because they have found the right balance of quality and price. They have a large selection of tools and back them up with a lifetime warranty. Products include mechanic tools sets, wrenches, sockets, and more. Husky is easy to find at Home Depot, Amazon, and other large retailers. Most users will like Husky but if you want to make a larger financial investment, you can find higher-quality brands elsewhere.

Proto: Durable and innovative tools

Proto is a reputable brand in the automotive tool industry, offering durable, high-quality tools that are often favorably compared to other brands. Products include adjustable wrenches, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and more. They offer innovative designs and competitive pricing which make them a viable option for professional mechanics.

Blackhawk: Specialty shop equipment

Blackhawk is another specialty brand offering jacks, stands, ramps, creepers, and shop equipment. While they do not sell every product mechanics need, they specialize in a few key products and have made a good name for themselves. Blackhawk is available at some major retailers including Amazon and Northern Tool.

Milwaukee Tool: Cordless power tools

Milwaukee is a big name in the tool space in general and has been building its presence in the automotive space. Milwaukee offers a wide variety of tools including power tools, lighting, safety equipment, mechanic tool sets, wrenches, and more. They specialize in innovative cordless power tools and can be found at Amazon, Ace Hardware and Home Depot.

DeWalt: Reputable retail supplier

DeWalt is a large supplier of automotive tools and typically caters to both DIY and professional mechanics alike. They offer a comprehensive product line featuring wrenches, power tools, tool kits, storage, hand tools, and more. DeWalt is a great option for those looking for a reputable brand that is easy to find at Amazon, Lowes and Ace Hardware.

Mac Tools: Premium-grade tools

Mac Tools is a leading brand in the automotive space and is recognized for durability and quality. They offer almost every tool a mechanic will need but they are not available at most retailers (buy from a franchise or their website). Despite being harder to locate, Mac Tools is included in this list for a reason and has a lot to offer mechanics looking for professional-grade tools.

Makita: Automotive power tools and batteries

Makita is a reputable automotive tool company specializing in power tools and batteries. If you stay within the Makita ecosystem, their batteries can power over 325 different tools. Power tool products include drive impact wrenches, grinders, lighting, and more. Makita is a top choice for mechanics looking for cordless power tools at a good price.

SK Tools: Renowned quality

With over 100 years of experience, SK has created a reputation for delivering quality tools that last. SK offers mechanic tool sets, sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, tool storage, and more. You can purchase SK Tools on their website, Amazon, and other popular retailers. SK is a great choice for those looking for quality tools at an affordable price point.

How to Pick the Best Tool Brand for You

Price, durability, warranty, and brand reputation are some of the biggest factors when looking for the best tool brand for you. When selecting your brand, make sure it meets your specific needs, budget, and has a strong reputation.

Price

Price is an important factor to consider when looking for the best mechanic tool brand. Consider if it is worth it to purchase a higher quality brand to ensure your tools last longer and need to be replaced less frequently. Lastly, consider additional costs such as batteries, electricity, and storage.

Durability

When selecting your brand, durability is an important factor to consider. Some brands are cheaper but will cost you more over a lifetime if you have to replace them regularly. If the tool has an active lifetime warranty, then this factor holds less importance. Lastly, consider how much you use your tools. Every day? Once a month? If you use tools every day, the extra expense of quality tools may be justified.

Warranty

When looking for the best mechanic tool brands, warranties can be one of the most important factors to consider. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, others offer limited warranties or no warranty at all. Replacement costs can be substantial so make sure you research beforehand.

Reviews

Reviews offer first-hand perspectives of how the tool performed for others. Research each tool and also research the brand as a whole and see how other mechanics are liking the tool/brand.

Essential Tools for Mechanics

Every automotive mechanic should have these hand tools to assist with common repairs and streamline their workflow. While not exhaustive, this list will handle the majority of common car repairs.

OBD Scanner
Lighting
Shop stool
Ratchet wrenches
Socket set
Screwdriver
Power tools
Creeper
Car lift or jack
Fluid funnels
Pry bar
Pliers
Hammer
Toolbox/storage

Tek-Tip: Don't forget to pair your favorite tools with the best shop management software in the industry.

Closing thoughts

Choosing the right mechanic tool brand is essential for maximizing performance and efficiency in your work. You can make an informed decision by considering your specific needs, researching brand reviews, and finding the right warranty. Our top brands mentioned in this blog have earned the trust of professionals for their reliability and durability, so invest wisely in the one that best suits your needs.

Thought Leadership

14 Best Mechanic Tools Brands (2026 Guide)

January 7, 2025

Read time: 7 min

Adjusting your pricing on parts to make a profit is pretty straightforward. But when it comes to labor times for auto repair shops…that’s where things can get a bit tricky. Yes, you need competitive labor rates, but you also need to keep those rates reasonable so you don’t scare off your customers with sky-high prices.

3 ways your shop can make more money on labor:

1.By using a labor matrix
2.By creating custom labor rates
3.By applying a labor guide markup

Before we dive into the differences between these three methods for setting the best labor times at your shop, here’s a quick refresher on the one thing these methods have in common: the labor guide.

What is a Labor Guide?

A labor guide is like the gospel of labor times for auto repair shops. It tells you how long, on average, it takes to complete different types of repair work. Remember that the times listed in auto repair labor guides are averages, so it’s best to treat them as a starting point.

Factors That Can Affect Labor Times for Auto Repair Shops

Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider when determining how much to mark up (or mark down) your shop’s labor rates.


Age of Vehicle	Older vehicles are often trickier to fix, especially because finding parts for them can require a time-consuming hunt across parts suppliers. You can make up for the time spent hunting down uncommon parts by charging more for all repairs involving vehicles over a certain age.
Geographic Location	Some areas lead to different types of repair challenges that can affect the time it takes for repairs. For example, shops in Syracuse, New York—the snowiest city in America—might find themselves working with cars that have rust, which can significantly add to the time it takes to remove or even clean certain parts.
Experience of Technician	Chances are, you’re already paying experienced technicians a higher base salary or hourly rate. However, certain situations might call for cranking up those numbers, like if you really need to put their skills to the test for a tricky repair for a client who wants it done ASAP.
Customer Needs	You can offer customers who need their cars back fast a “Pro Tech” rate, where your tech wraps up the job in record time. When you’re asking techs to complete a job faster than the time on the labor guide, and still do a good job, the customer is getting special service. Be sure to let customers know that speediness comes with a surcharge.
Relationship With Customers	It’s a good idea to consider giving loyal customers a special rate as a token of appreciation. With that said, industry leaders advise sticking to your labor rates as much as possible, because if it becomes a habit, you risk financially harming your business.

How to Choose a Reliable Labor Guide

A reliable auto repair labor guide is foundational for your shop when you’re setting labor rates, so you’ll want to use a labor guide that stays up-to-date with the latest labor times in the industry. Just like many people use online directories instead of the Yellow Pages, many auto repair shops use digital labor guides that are constantly updated with the latest labor times.

When seeking out a digital labor guide, look for one that:

Offers consistent, comprehensive data on labor times from industry leaders, so you can set accurate labor rates that will keep your shop profitable
Adds labor times for new vehicles and jobs periodically, so your shop’s pricing can stay competitive
Integrates with your auto repair shop management software, so you don’t have to dig through multiple systems