As any automotive repair business knows, automotive maintenance and repair equipment are vital to the success of your business. The auto repair shop equipment you buy is an investment and should fit your auto repair equipment needs perfectly.

Whether you need automotive repair equipment, automotive maintenance equipment or auto body shop equipment, the right car repair equipment manufacturer is out there to meet your needs. Compare the auto repair equipment available, decide if auto body shop equipment is right for you and purchase auto garage equipment from a reputable manufacturer, dealer or supplier.

1. Compare the auto repair equipment available, asking for feedback from your mechanics about the features they think are important for your shop and your repeat customers.

2. Find auto body shop equipment and decide if it's for you based on the repairs you generally do for your customers.

3. Purchase auto repair equipment from a reputable seller and consider used equipment to help you cut investment costs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare the auto repair equipment available

There are a number of different pieces of auto repair equipment every auto repair shop should have. The basics include a lift, air compressor, wheel racks (for balancing and alignment) and diagnostic tools.

I recommend: Automotive Diagnostic Tools offers a variety of automotive diagnostic tools and equipment. These include code scanners, multi-meters, fuel injection and electrical testers, among many others. Automotive Service Equipment offers equipment for every one of your auto repair shop needs, including lifts, antifreeze recyclers, air compressors and tools, engine stands and more.

Find auto body shop equipment and decide if it's for you

Auto body equipment is for the aesthetic repair of a vehicle. If you do not wish to offer these services, you won't need this equipment. But if you do want to offer auto body repair services, you will need some basic equipment to do a quality job. A paint booth is one of those investments. This can be small, portable or the size of an entire building. Other auto body shop equipment you may need includes air compressor and air tools, pulling posts and lifts.

I recommend: Tools USA supplies a large variety of paint booths, pulling post and clamps, lifts and many other auto body shop tools and equipment. Auto Body Toolmart has been in business for over 25 years and offers all the basics of auto body shop equipment, tools and supplies.

Purchase auto repair equipment from a reputable seller

When looking for a reputable auto repair equipment seller, look for a company who has been in business a long time, can give you references or a list of companies they sell to and have solid warranties, guarantees and return policies.

I recommend: USA Tools, Inc. boasts more than 20 years in business offering top-of-the-line, quality name products for any and all automotive repairs. Among the aspects of what they deem to be "the best in customer service and satisfaction," USA Tools, Inc. offers real-time shipping calculations for the most accurate costs and flat rate shipping charges for freight truck orders. ToolDesk.com LLC also offers a wide range of reputable, name-brand auto repair tools and supplies while offering reasonable return and warranty policies and some free shipping offers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Add all new auto repair or auto maintenance equipment on to your business insurance to protect it from damage, fire, theft or other disasters.