Auto Repair Glossary
Welcome to your go-to resource for understanding the terms used in the auto repair industry and management software
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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a human–machine interface system designed to help drivers improve road safety while driving their vehicles.
The automotive aftermarket refers to parts, accessories, and services available after the sale of a vehicle. It supports repair, maintenance, and customization needs.
Auto shop management software helps auto repair shops streamline daily operations like scheduling, invoicing, and inventory management to improve efficiency.
Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions systematically to manage a business's finances.
Collision repair involves restoring a vehicle to its pre-accident condition through bodywork, frame alignment, and other repairs after a crash or accident.
Customer retention is a business's ability to retain its customers over time by fostering loyalty through quality service, personalized experiences, and communication.
Email marketing is a form of direct marketing that can be used to inform customers, increase brand awareness and promote your shops services.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are eco-friendly cars powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
Flat rate pay is a compensation structure where technicians are paid a fixed amount for each job, regardless of the time it takes to finish
Fleet maintenance management involves tracking, scheduling, and maintaining a fleet of vehicles to ensure they stay in optimal condition and minimize downtime.
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google's analytics platform, offering advanced tracking and insights into user behavior across websites and apps.
A Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps, improving visibility and customer engagement.
Google Reviews are customer feedback and ratings left on a business’s Google profile, helping users evaluate products, services, and overall experience.
Leads are potential customers who have expressed interest in your products or services.
A loyalty program is a marketing strategy that rewards customers for their repeat business, encouraging them to continue purchasing from a brand or business.
NAICS codes are classification systems used by businesses and governments to categorize industries and track economic data across North America.
OEM parts refer to the components that are made by the original manufacturer of the vehicle.
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration and is a part of the United States Department of Labor.
A repair order is a document outlining the work needed on a vehicle and its estimated costs. It's key in managing repairs and customer expectations.
Responsive web design is an approach that ensures websites function well on any device, adapting to various screen sizes for optimal user experience.
Return on investment (ROI) is a measure used to calculate the efficiency or profitability of an investment.
Search engine visibility refers to how easily your website or content appears in search engine results when users look for related topics or keywords.
A service advisor is the link between the customer and the repair shop, coordinating vehicle services and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the repair process.
Truck repair shop software helps businesses manage daily operations like scheduling, invoicing, and inventory, making repair processes efficient and organized.
AAPEX is the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, showcasing the latest in automotive parts and services.
Pay Per Click Ads is a form of online marketing where the advertiser only pays for an ad when the user clicks on it.
Profit margin is the percentage of revenue that exceeds total costs, indicating how much profit a business makes on its sales.
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that helps shop owners manage their finances anywhere, anytime.
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is an organization that showcases automotive aftermarket products and innovations at its annual trade show.
Social Media Marketing is a part of digital marketing that helps auto shop’s build brand awareness, attract new customers and promote shop services.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system that helps ensure that vehicle tires are properly inflated.
Mechanic efficiency refers to the effectiveness and productivity of automotive technicians in completing repairs and services.
A Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) uses technology to provide a detailed inspection report of a vehicle’s condition, shared electronically with the customer.
Franchise management refers to overseeing and coordinating franchise operations to ensure consistency, profitability, and growth across all franchise locations.
Enterprise management refers to overseeing and coordinating all business operations to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and profitability across large-scale organizations.
Digital invoices are electronic versions of paper invoices, enabling businesses to send and receive billing information more efficiently and securely.
An auto repair shop is a business that specializes in diagnosing, servicing, and repairing vehicles to ensure they run smoothly and safely.
A labor rate calculator helps auto repair shops determine the hourly rate they should charge for labor to cover costs and maintain profitability.
Multi-location repair shops are automotive repair businesses with more than one location, offering consistent service across various sites.
Auto repair billing software streamlines invoicing, billing, and payments, helping shops increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.
Profitability reports provide insights into a business’s financial health, showing revenue, expenses, and profits to guide better decision-making.
A tire shop is a business that specializes in selling, installing, and repairing tires for various vehicles, ensuring safe and efficient driving.
Parts procurement refers to the process of sourcing and purchasing the necessary components, tools, or equipment for vehicle repair and maintenance.
A general repair shop offers a wide range of automotive services, including maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs for various makes and models.
Franchise management software helps franchises streamline operations, from communication to performance tracking, across multiple locations.
Tire dealers are businesses specializing in tire sales, installation, and repair services for vehicles, often offering expert guidance on tire selection.
Quick lube shops specialize in providing fast, convenient oil changes and basic maintenance services, typically without appointments.
Vehicle inspection reports document a vehicle's condition and identify any repairs or maintenance needs, helping auto repair shops and owners ensure safety and reliability.
Light-duty truck repair specializes in maintenance and repair services for smaller trucks, focusing on keeping these vehicles safe, reliable, and efficient.
Heavy-duty truck repair specializes in the maintenance and repair of large commercial trucks, keeping them safe, reliable, and efficient on the road.
A mobile auto repair shop offers convenient on-site vehicle repairs, bringing skilled mechanics and tools directly to the customer’s location.
An auto repair estimate provides a breakdown of expected costs for vehicle repairs, helping customers understand and prepare for the expenses involved.
Digital approvals allow auto repair shops to streamline repair authorizations, helping customers approve work quickly and remotely, and increasing efficiency and trust.
Estimates to invoices is a process in auto repair shops for converting initial cost estimates into final invoices after work completion, ensuring accurate billing.
Auto repair guides provide detailed instructions for diagnosing and fixing vehicle issues, helping technicians and DIY enthusiasts perform accurate repairs.
Customer no-shows occur when a client misses a scheduled appointment without prior notice, impacting business operations and revenue.
A shop handbook outlines policies, procedures, and expectations for auto repair shop employees, serving as a guide for smooth operations.
Chilton Manual is an extensive manual that helps mechanics with maintenance and repairs on various vehicle models and makes.
Canned jobs are routine, repeatable jobs that can be standardized in terms of time and cost for your shop.
AARO is a Canadian trade association that represents and supports businesses in Ontario’s auto aftermarket industry.
Mobile Mechanics are mechanics who come to their customers' locations to provide vehicle maintenance and car repair services.
Haynes Manual is an auto repair manual that helps mechanics with maintenance and repairs on various vehicle models and makes.
Body shop is a facility where technicians repair and restore vehicle exteriors if they are damaged because of collisions or wear.
OBD-II code is a standardized code generated by a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to find issues with engine, transmission or emissions system.
