12 minute read
Upgrading your tools and equiment
Upgrading Tools and Equipment
- by Jeff Smit
Buying new equipment for your workshop can be a substantial investment, but isn’t it exciting? Who doesn’t love the look, feel and smell of new equipment? But that’s superficial – what really matters is that new equipment means you are keeping up with, or perhaps getting ahead of, the game and the result of that must mean greater efficiency and profit.
Repair and diagnostic equipment is the lifeblood of every automotive repair workshop. Age, wear and tear, and taking advantage of new equipment capabilities to increase productivity mean that shops must routinely consider when it’s time to expand and upgrade.
Survival into the next five to ten years will warrant investment in tools, equipment and training. Those who don’t commit to this investment will struggle to survive.
Any statistics you read about car ownership in Australia are flashing green lights for the auto aftermarket and the repair workshops that are gearing up for it. In January this year, just under 80,000 new cars were sold, and that is 11 percent higher than January 2020. The COVID-19 lockdown had a lot to do with the built-up demand.
It’s not just the number of vehicles, but the range of makes that workshops are expected to cope with. On top of that, each make has its own technology profile. The vehicles now finding their way into the aftermarket workshops (yes, cars still need servicing and still break down) are full of specialised and sophisticated electronics.
The response to the common complaint ‘I can’t afford it’, can only be ‘Can you afford not to?’
Take the humble scan tool. Many workshop owners bought one of the first scan tools on the market more than 15 years ago, and that was considered a huge expense at more than $10,000. To offset this investment, we advised the industry to introduce a scan tool fee and many did so. After a few years the scan tool was paid off, so the fee helped to purchase a second scan tool, and this cycle continues. In most workshops, the relatively small fee charged out on diagnostic invoices paid for the latest tools, plus regular updates.
The other essential tool for today’s workshop is data or information, and reliable data costs money. A data fee was then applied by most workshops on invoices where data additional to the workshop’s knowledge was needed to complete the repair.
If properly applied, the data fee should cover the outlay, as well as generating a profit – reinforcing the term ‘investment’. Any investment in a workshop should deliver a profit. Once that is understood, there should be little hesitation about investing in new tools and equipment.
One of the great Capricorn Member benefits is complimentary access (worth $876 excl. GST) to Capricorn Service Data which is, without doubt, an incredibly valuable workshop information resource for servicing modern vehicles. Recently, Capricorn Service Data have launched the Service Advisor feature which gives automotive workshop offices, reception staff and technical staff the ability to quickly and easily determine what OEM services are required and what optional work should be recommended for each customer’s vehicle.
In view of the rapidly escalating technologies being introduced into new vehicles, workshop owners need to start planning in some detail for the next five or ten years. This could involve decisions on where you want to be in the market. Is yours going to be the workshop that customers trust to serve and repair their late model vehicles, or do you stay in the ‘grease and oil change’ group?
Many studies have shown that the average motor vehicle owner prefers a workshop that can not only service their vehicle but repair it when something goes wrong. In many situations where a workshop has to turn away a customer because of a lack of tools or equipment, that customer is most likely never to return. Before making any decision on what tools or equipment to purchase, or what training to undertake, ask around of fellow technicians and Capricorn Members. Find out what they use, what works, and what doesn’t. Network knowledge and experience are still the best research you can find, so if you are in a network, use it. You won’t regret it.
When considering your next piece of equipment, consider this – does it allow a technician to analyse and diagnose a problem vehicle in a non-intrusive way? Workshops should strive to develop techniques and processes using the latest tools and equipment to undertake as much testing and diagnostics as possible without pulling anything apart. Those who can change and follow this concept will benefit the most.
Without new equipment, workshops cannot take advantage of modern techniques and processes. Innovations such as being able to live-remote to another similar tool is but one example of diagnostictool evolution. It allows a technician to communicate with a technician in another shop for advice.
Regardless of the type of automotive tool, after a technician understands the tool, software should be updated monthly for current vehicle coverage.
Workshops need to understand that all electronics have a lifespan. A diagnostic tool is a viable money maker for a finite number of years. Scan and diagnostic tools are continually evolving, increasingly sophisticated and easier to use. Updating hardware or software is a must to stay competitive.
Other innovations in diagnostic tools allow remote access to a customer’s vehicle for full scan and diagnostics, reporting back on faults and suggested repairs. These tools continue to evolve with everexpanding capabilities.
Once you decide to invest in tools, equipment and training, don’t forget to tell your customers about your latest investment. They need to be reassured that you are the best workshop for them and that you are able not only to service their vehicle but also to look after it when a problem arises.
So get ready for the next decade. It’s going to be a great ride for those with the tools, equipment and know-how.
Capricorn Finance is here to help you get the new equipment you need. Email lending@capricorn.coop.
Classifieds Advertising Guidelines
Do you have a business for sale, have equipment that you need to get rid of, or are you just looking for a part that you haven’t been able to find? If the answer is yes, then you should advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds; it’s FREE to do so. See below for details.
• The Capricorn Classifieds are for Capricorn Members only to advertise. Payment is to be organised between advertiser and purchaser. • Parts or equipment that relate to your business only may be advertised. • Businesses for sale may be advertised. • Cars for sale cannot be advertised. • Classifieds are on a first come, first served basis. Depending on the number received, your classified may not appear immediately. • No positions vacant. • No pictures to be submitted. • By submitting the Online Capricorn Classifieds Ad Form, you acknowledge that the price of any goods or services shown is inclusive of GST.
D. and S. Moore, MJ Mechanical, Hobart TAS
Fantastic Mechanical Workshop, an opportunity too good to miss! Ph: Rob Davies – 0411 958 121
Mechanical workshop Newcastle NSW
including Mainline AWD Premium Dyno, 2 hoists. Established business. E Safety inspection station. Owner retiring WIWO $110,000 email qik01@hotmail.com
Mechanical Workshop, Woodford QLD
Fully equip family business servicing the community since 1995. Well established customer base, large 4 bay shed (long lease available) 3 hoists, office, amenities and wash bay. Enquiries 0408767366 or dawnevandriver@hotmail.com
Macas Mechanical Repairs, Mechanical Workshop, Port Macquarie NSW.
Town is booming and this great earner could be yours! Prime location, large loyal customer base, excellent google reviews. 4 hoists, wheel aligner, injector bench, scan tool etc. Price/ lease negotiable. www.macasmechanical.com.au or call Maca on 0414 850 365.
Automotive workshop business for sale Hornsby area Sydney
Large well established business of 11 years, Large customer base, long lease. Large workshop with good off street parking for many cars, 3 hoists, tyre machine, wheel balancer, wheel aligner, brake lathe and much more. Very Well equipt. Looking for WIWO sale $300,000. Call Gavin 02 9487 7346
Shoreline Panel & Paint
One man band. Turnover averaging $230k. Gross annual profit averaging $65k over the last 13 years. 180m2 concrete tilt panel workshop 28k per annum rent. Cartar lift, Commodore diesel heated spray booth. $150k for business. U2/12 Griffin Drive Dunsborough 6281. Call 0413 930 286.
Harris Best Panelbeaters Business, Marlborough NZ
Expressions of Interest, long established busy panel shop in a prime location. Turn key operation. Wheel Aligner and Hoist. Potential to grow. Price $97K. Call Trevor 0272464108 all reasonable offers considered.
Tin Can Bay Workshop/Mechanic
Want a Sea change? Well established business, with great returning customers. Tyre Bay and 3 Hoists, and fully stocked. Owner retiring due to ill health. Phone 0438 632 951
2WD Dynotech, Rockhampton QLD
With extras, fan, ramps, new computer and more, ready to plug and play $33,695+ neg. - Shipping to be calculated. Photos by request. Contact Rhys - rhys@tsomechanical.com.au or 0402 742 733
Workshop service station, Richmond TAS.
Well established independent service station with mechanics workshop long lease offered, Good strong customer base with huge potential, owner retiring. Call 0408906076
Automotive Mechanical & Suspension Business, Myaree WA.
Established 1974, huge client base, excellent reputation, 3 units on long lease, 4 hoists incl wheel aligning hoist, all equipment & stock, office manager & mechanic happy to stay if required. Contact Graeme 08 9330 3231 or graeme@g-mac.com.au
Automotive workshop, Tauranga CBD, NZ
Since 2011. WoF AVIC. Spacious. 2 hoists, tyre machine, balancer etc. courtesy car,. reasonable rent, good lease/landlord. good returns and potential to increase turnover, inquire today $200,000. Andrew 022 6469334
Automotive Repair Workshop, Sunshine Coast QLD
3 hoists and lot of equipment, high profile frontage. Long Established family run business, large client base. Come and enjoy the Sunny Lifestyle so the Owner can retire. $134,000 WIWO. Call Richard 07 5493 6000
Mechanical Workshop, Melbourne VIC
Established in 1962 with current owner for 12yrs, located in Bayside, mechanical service & sales, very prominent loc. Owner retiring. Ph: 0411 460 460
Siemens Exhaust Tube Bender - Rapid make press type 1¼in to 2½in. Tooling has had minimal use. $6,500. Press Hydraulic 35 ton Manual plus air over hydraulic operation. $1,500.Suspension Spring Compressor - Hydraulic operation automotive. $500. Call Denise 07 5520 2755
How to Advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds
1. Send an email to ignition@capricorn.coop with the following details: your Member number, business name, contact details and details of your advert (no more than 30 words). 2. Capricorn must receive your classified advert by the 16th of the month preceding the publication month. If we have not received your classified advert by this date it will be published in the following month depending on the number of adverts received. 3. Check out your advert and fellow Members’ classifieds in the next edition of Ignition.
Email: ignition@capricorn.coop
Publisher's General Disclaimer
All information, material and content contained in this edition of Ignition is provided or sourced by Capricorn Society Limited (“Capricorn”) for general information only and is not intended to be advice or comment on any particular matter or subject. Before acting on any information you should consider the relevance of it to your own circumstances and, if necessary, take professional advice. Capricorn makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any material (including, without limitation, any third party supplier advertisement in respect of which Capricorn merely acts as a conduit) included in this edition of Ignition. To the fullest extent permitted by law Capricorn, its officers, employees, agents and representatives disclaim any and all liability to you or any other person for any loss or damage whatsoever connected with: (i) reliance on material in Ignition; or (ii) inaccuracy, error or omission in material in Ignition. Capricorn, Stronger With Capricorn, Ignition, Capricorn Travel, Capricorn Mutual and the boomerangs device are trademarks or registered trademarks of Capricorn. If you have any news or information that you think would be of interest to your fellow members, please send the information to Capricorn via email ignition@capricorn.coop.
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