Auto Repair Articles

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Because average isn’t your goal.

Tighten up your numbers, sharpen your decisions, and make the hustle pay off—with strategic educational insights for automotive repair shop owners like you.

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An auto repair shop owner stands in his garage, weighing whether it’s time to hire a CPA for help with cash flow, business strategy, and tax planning.

Do You Need a CPA for Your Auto Repair Shop?

You’re running a busy shop—but your financials aren’t helping you make decisions.If your numbers are unclear, outdated, or not helping you plan...

automotive repair
A bearded auto repair shop owner stands at a service desk, partially silhouetted by overhead light, reviewing operations. A laptop on the desk displays a softly blurred Tekmetric software interface. The background shows a realistic repair shop with cars in bays and tools on the walls.

The Best Auto Repair Shop Software Packages in 2025

Running an auto repair shop in 2025 means juggling more complexity—and more opportunity—than ever. It’s not just about fixing cars anymore. You’re...

automotive repair
A realistic photo of a new automotive alternator partially unpacked from a cardboard box labeled “TARIFF APPLIED.” A printed invoice on the workbench shows a part cost of $859, a tariff tax of $395.04, and a total of $1,254.04. The scene is set in a clean, well-lit auto repair workspace with balanced lighting and subtle shadows.

How Tariffs Will Affect Auto Repair Shops (and What to Do About It)

Tariffs aren’t just a headline—they’re a real cost hitting small business owners across the country. Whether you’re running an auto repair shop,...

automotive repair
Auto repair shop owner reviews monthly financial statements with her accountant during a strategy session, highlighting the importance of regular financial check-ins.

Why Auto Repair Shops Need Monthly Financial Statements

Looking at your shop’s financial statements once a year might be enough to get your tax return filed—but there’s a good chance you’re missing...

automotive repair
A black trash bin in an auto repair shop is filled with new automotive parts and U.S. dollar bills. Visible parts include a shiny brake rotor, spark plugs, an air filter, a green coil spring, oil filter, headlight, drive belt, and bearings. A blurred figure in a dark uniform stands in the background near a lifted vehicle. The image conveys the concept of profit loss from unbilled parts.

Parts Used vs. Parts Billed: Fix the Leak, Save Your Margin

If your parts margin looks solid but something still feels off in your numbers... it might be time to take a closer look at the parts you're not...

automotive repair
Two auto repair shop owners, a man and a woman, standing in a busy shop with their pockets pulled out to show they’re short on cash despite steady business.

Profit Looks Good But Cash Feels Tight? Here’s What’s Going On.

Ever looked at your profit and loss statement, saw a decent number at the bottom, and thought:“Cool… so where the heck is the money?” You’re not...

automotive repair
Mechanic in a well-organized auto repair shop using a tablet to review a labor matrix on a digital interface, with shelves and tools in the background. Warm lighting highlights the mechanic's focus on efficient labor management.

How a Labor Matrix Can Boost Your Shop's Profitability

As a small or medium-sized business owner, you’re always on the lookout for tools to enhance profitability and streamline operations. One underrated...

automotive repair
wrench and metal gears placed on top of financial reports with charts and graphs, symbolizing the connection between auto repair shop pricing strategies, markup, and profit margin analysis. The image emphasizes the importance of smart financial management in the automotive industry.

Markup and Profit Margin: How Auto Repair Shops Can Price Smarter

Think You’re Pricing Right? You Might Be Losing Money Running an auto repair shop isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about making real money. But...

automotive repair
Professional male with pencil behind his ear like a stereotypical accountant, with tape over his mouth to symbolize an accountant who does not communicate.

Is Your Accountant Silent? The Hidden Cost of Poor Communication

You’ve got cars in the bays, a solid team of techs, and steady work coming in. So why does it feel like you’re still guessing when it comes to your...

automotive repair
Two auto repair shop professionals in navy blue polo shirts reviewing financial and operational data on a laptop. In the background, mechanics are working on vehicles in a clean and organized workshop. The image represents strategic planning, efficiency, and business growth—key elements for running a profitable auto repair shop.

Smart Moves to Make Your Auto Repair Shop More Profitable in 2025

Running an auto repair shop isn't just about turning wrenches—it’s about running a business that thrives. And guess what? The shops that dominate the...

automotive repair
Choose the best software for your auto repair shop in 2024.

The Best Auto Repair Shop Software Packages in 2024

Do you feel like the software at your shop is slowing you down? What is the best software and is "the best" what is really best for you? Choosing the...

automotive repair
Kaizen CPAs team members celebrate their participation in VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2024.

KAIZEN CPAs Attends VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo

We had an amazing time at this year's VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, an event for automotive professionals! Our team had the opportunity to connect...

automotive repair
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