My Store
Episode 6: Mobile Mechanics
For auto shop owners and techs, think of mobile mechanics in two ways: Mobile auto repair and mobile diagnostics.
Audra Fordin, a 4th-generation mechanic, isn’t convinced.
There’s more talk about mobile mechanics these days, and she’s even tinkered with the idea. But she wonders if it’s more an “interest” than a “need.” Some people are buying their own cheaper car parts online and then hiring a mobile mechanic to do the install. Or some people simply can’t bring their car in the shop that day and need a little help.
The trouble with it? Some equipment, like a lift, just can’t be taken on the road. And like all trends, are mobile mechanics just a passing thing, or here to stay?
Charles Sanville, “The Humble Mechanic,” sees the mobile mechanic business in three ways:
Mobile diagnostics. For Charles, this is the most interesting definition: Mobile diagnosis and mobile programming. Think of it as a tech who drives to your shop with the tools you don’t own, such as that scan tool for a 2020 Mercedes Benz—and does that piece of the work for a fee.
Mobile auto repair. For a shop owner or the individual tech, it’s the ability to change out a timing belt, battery, or air filter on the side of the road or in someone’s driveway. The tech comes to the problem, wherever it may be.
Here to stay. However you define it, the trend isn’t going away. And it’s a great idea for that star technician who doesn’t have the resources to open a shop of his or her own but wants to start a business.
Up next: Watch Shop Goals Episode 7 The Repair is Only as Good as Its Parts.
Got #ShopGoals of your own?
One thing all the best shops have in common is Interstate Batteries. Always fresh. Always in stock. Always outrageously dependable. Learn more about the service and support you’ll receive when you become a dealer.
BECOME A DEALERRelated Posts
SHOP GOALS: Video Series on How to Build the Best Shop on the Block
Watch as three new- and old-school mechanics talk shop in a working garage about how to tackle the challenges facing the automotive business today.
Partnering for a Better Future
"As members of the automotive industry, we all need to step up to help TechForce elevate their mission to inspire future technicians." -Tom Gray, Vice President of Marketing
4 Ways to Drive More Sales for Your Shop
There are a lot of factors that determine whether a customer will become loyal to your shop. With so much competition for automotive repair business, can you say you are doing enough to build loyalty with those who visit your shop?
Because I'm a Technician
Interstate Batteries® is partnering with TechForce Foundation on Labor Day weekend to support their “Because I’m a Technician” campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to showcase the social and economic potentials of pursuing a career as a professional tech, debunk false stereotypes associated with the industry, and encourage parents and to consider technical college as an alternative to a 4-year college.
Challenging Perceptions and Championing Technicians
Interstate Batteries is taking a stand for the technicians of today and tomorrow by pledging to raise awareness about the benefits that come with a career as a mechanic.
Earn Customer Loyalty and Increase Sales for Your Shop
Hayley Horn, Interstate Batteries® Consumer Insights Manager, taught attendees how to build trust with customers during her presentation at the Digital Dealer 27 Conference (DD27) in Las Vegas. Her presentation, Your Promiscuous Customer: The True Meaning of Loyalty in Today’s World of Automotive Repair, provided attendees with insights into the dual behavior of customers and eight tips to build trust with customers to capture more of their business. 6.3.1
.png)
Grow Sales at Your Shop with a Multi-Point Inspection
Consumers have a laundry list of things to remember to do, from paying bills to their grocery shopping. Car maintenance tends to fall at the bottom of that list and their vehicle care can suffer as a result.
Interstate Batteries® Continues Its Efforts to Champion Automotive Technicians, Joins Forces with Universal Technical Institute Among Others
According to a 2017 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 74,100 new automotive and diesel technicians must be added to the workforce every year until 2026 to meet the demand. Realizing the impact this will have on the automotive industry, Interstate Batteries®, the No. 1 automotive replacement battery brand, is taking a stand for the technicians of today and tomorrow by raising awareness about technician careers.
Mentoring in the Workplace Helps Retain Top Tech Talent
It doesn't take an automotive industry veteran to tell you that there is a significant shortage of qualified technicians or that the shortage is impacting shop owners both big and small. Due to the insufficient pool of applicants, shop owners are having to take crucial measures to ensure they are attracting and retaining top talent techs.
Taking a Stand for the Technicians of Today and Tomorrow
Interstate Batteries teamed up with automotive industry experts to talk truths, myths and big fat lies of being a mechanic during its #ShiftTheMyth Twitter Chat on Tuesday, July 24.
Don’t Get Stranded: Here are Top States for Dead Car Batteries
A dead car battery can lead to dire consequences. Extreme weather, vehicle age and poor maintenance are just several reasons your battery can die. Interstate Batteries ranked all 50 states to see which were prone to dead car batteries and several are in need of a recharge.
What Dad Taught Us About Auto Repair and Cars
This Father's Day, we share real-life lessons from the dads who taught America how to turn a wrench. Profound, funny or practical, fathers taught daughters and sons what they could about life, cars and fixing both.
.png)
What Is an AGM Battery and What’s the Big Deal?
The lead-acid battery hasn’t needed to change in 160 years. Then the driving experience evolved.
Meet the Experts: #ShiftTheMyth Twitter Chat Panel
Whether you grew up tinkering under the hood or discovered your passion when you first felt the hum of an engine rev to life, cars play an essential role in all of our lives. However, negative misconceptions about what it takes to be mechanic are keeping younger generations from pursuing this career. Interstate Batteries is working to shift these myths. Join us on Tuesday, July 24th from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT for a Twitter Chat with experts in the auto repair industry who will provide insights and advice for the technicians of tomorrow. Follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #ShiftTheMyth.
Episode 1: Newbies in the Bay—Mechanic Apprenticeship
If you run a shop, or you’re looking to get hired in one, what’s the best way to survive mechanic apprenticeship? Break it, then fix it.
Episode 2: Training Johnny New Guy—Becoming a Mechanic
When it comes to new techs, shop owners need to rethink the process of becoming a mechanic, every step of the way.
Episode 3: Talking to Customers
Want to know how to get new customers and increase sales? A little empathy goes a long way.
Episode 4: Fresh Training Done Daily
The road to becoming a mechanic is paved with a lot of emergency exits to pull over and learn on the fly.
Episode 5: Is the Dipstick Dead? The New School on Car Diagnostic Tools
The cost of a new diagnostic scanner, plus old-school tools like a car lift, can make the dream of running your own auto shop seem too expensive. Here’s how to overcome it.
Episode 6: Mobile Mechanics
For auto shop owners and techs, think of mobile mechanics in two ways: Mobile auto repair and mobile diagnostics.
Episode 7: The Repair Is Only as Good as Its Parts—OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Thinking about installing customer-supplied parts? Here’s what you need to know.
Episode 8: How to Boost Car Count
Starting your own free car maintenance classes could have the biggest impact on your auto repair shop marketing plan.
Episode 9: Social Media for Auto Repair Shops
Don't know how to use social media? Cool. Chances are, somebody in your auto repair shop does.
Art Gallery Meets Auto Repair
“Jewelry, pottery, wood-burned art – what we get is a lot of people coming in just to check out our gallery, and then they become clients.”
8 Tips to Give Your Auto Repair Shop a Lift
When auto shop owners give advice, we listen. Here are eight tips from shop owners across the country.
Back