With advancements in technology the auto industry is changing rapidly.  With this change comes several innovations that mechanics will need to learn to work on to attract new auto repair shop customers.  For many, this will include extensive training and an investment in education.  The good news is that many of these new features will provide auto shops with additional revenue sources.  As with any industry, the companies that take the initiative to stay ahead of the curve and learn the technology will reap the benefits of an ever growing customer base.  Along with changes in technology there are also several cosmetic trends that have taken a grip on the industry.  Auto shops that expand into fabrication are showing a significant bump in business as happy customers tend to return for maintenance and repairs.  Here we’ve compiled some trends that are beginning to take off and will require the attention of auto repair shop owners.

Back To Stock

In the past twenty years many car owners have made modifications to classic cars to make them appear and operate more modern.  That trend has since turned to where many owners are now looking to bring back the original stock appearance of their vehicles.  This can be an expensive undertaking and those shops with experience in doing so stand to make considerable profits.

Electric Car Modifications

On the other end of the spectrum, electric car owners are now looking to improve on the manufacturers design and increase the power of their vehicles.  This can be tricky and will require mechanics that have expertise working on these types of cars.  The fact that this is a fairly new market presents a great opportunity for shop owners to get a leg up on the competition.

Electric And Hybrid Conversions

Another trend involving new technology includes updating classic cars to run on electric and hybrid systems.  These types of conversions do not come cheap and currently there aren’t many shops with the expertise to do so.  With gas prices and environmental concerns those that own classic cars are looking for ways to make their vehicles more efficient.

System Warning Light Improvements

In the past a car’s warning lights only came on when you already have a problem.  In many cases this can be too late to prevent further damage.  With technological advances warning light systems are becoming more predictive and letting drivers know of a potential issue prior to a breakdown.  These systems are new and can be complicated but are also starting to become prevalent in new cars.

Parking Assistance

Most drivers would agree that parallel parking can be a nightmare especially in crowded cities.  Parking assistance is a feature that has become standard on a lot of new vehicles.  The systems that make this possible are computerized and require a well trained technician to work on them.  This is something that needs to be reliable as a failure can result in accidents and added expenses for car owners.

Smart Headlights

This is a feature that is beginning to take off for several reasons.  Smart headlights automatically adjust to brighten darker roads and also automatically dim so high beams don’t blind oncoming traffic.  It’s an important safety feature in which the technology is still evolving.  As with any new technology there can be bugs to work out which will require a skilled technician to repair.

Autonomous Systems

This of course is the biggest innovation taking place in the auto industry.  Not only are self driving cars being developed there are other autonomous options that are currently available.  Responsive handling, traction and cruise control options are becoming more prevalent.  With a move to automated systems to upgrade safety these are systems mechanics will need to be familiar with.

An investment in the equipment and education needed to work on innovative technology systems will soon be a requirement to run a successful auto repair shop.  As vehicles with this technology begin to age mechanics will need the expertise in order to remain competitive with larger dealerships.  Quikstone Capital Solutions provides small business owners with the means to make the necessary improvements to keep up with the times.  Consider a merchant cash advance to provide the funding needed to increase auto shop revenue.