How to Choose the Right Automotive Repair Software

Learn how to choose the right automotive repair software.


In the past, all maintenance and repair work on vehicles was done by hand, but today almost all of these manual jobs are being replaced with computers, for a faster and more efficient result.


Automotive repair software is an extremely powerful tool and was designed from the ground up specifically for the automotive repair industry. Here are several things you should look for when choosing your automotive repair software.

  • As an automotive repair shop owner your mechanic will be asked difficult questions by customers. Automotive repair software provides unique features during troubleshooting that will help your service advisor diagnose car troubles quickly and efficiently.

    If you are looking for an automotive repair software system that has all the bells and whistles as well as great functionality and user friendliness, there are several different automotive repair choices available to you.

  • Make sure you keep an eye out when it comes to the features of your automotive software. Each package comes with similarities as well as differences.

    A complete automotive software package will include the following features: maintenance plans, labor guide, online parts ordering, service reminders, thank you letters, service history, work orders, repair orders, full accounting, customer mail-outs, estimates/invoices and technician reports.

    When you are considering what automotive repair software to buy, think about the customer first.

  • When you purchase your automotive repair software, make sure you consider the environment you will be using it in. You need to make sure that the units that you are using can withstand harsh conditions, high temperatures, and dusty environments.

    While many people consider purchasing their automotive repair software outright, it makes much more sense to lease your software. Not only are costs lower, but you are not responsible if something goes wrong with the unit.

  • Always try to test out your automotive repair software before buying. This way you will have first hand experience with all of the small quirks and annoyances that come with every software program. Knowing these things will help you to decide on which program will help your employees to work quickly and more efficiently.

    Not only will test driving your automotive repair software allow you to get used to it, it will allow you to try out several different models at once and make the best decision for your repair shop.

  • Two of the most important factors when choosing automotive repair software are training and tech support. It will be essential to have all of your employees fully trained on how to use the software for obvious reasons. Tech support is also crucial. How many times have you had computer problems? Enough said.

  • The last thing to remember is that sometimes having less features is a good thing. The more complicated a system is the more chances people won't use it to its full potential. Figure out what are the essential things you need and build from there.

  • You should now have a much better idea on how to choose the right automotive repair software. Ultimately you will have to figure out what your needs are and go from there. Don't let sales agents push you into something you don't need.

    While you are here take a look around for other great how to articles.