Are you ready for another conversation about climate change?
It’s a recurring topic in the automotive industry, with some stakeholders wanting to reduce industry carbon emissions by 55% within the next decade.
One thing is clear: climate change discourse and policies will continue to affect the auto repair industry. Let’s break down some considerations for shops moving forward.Â
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The potential auto repair impact of climate change
Monitoring extreme weather events (and resulting vehicle damage)
Climate change means more frequent and severe weather events. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires, it’s all possible.
Lever Touch mentions that hail storms and heat waves can cause significant vehicle damage. They provide the example of a hail storm, which can cause dents in a customer’s vehicle. And they also discuss heat waves, which can impact a vehicle’s color and brightness.
So what does this mean for your shop? A higher frequency of these weather events can increase accidents and vehicle damage. Obviously, these conditions can create a higher demand for auto repair services.
You never want damage like this to happen to a customer’s (or potential customer’s) vehicle! But when these issues occur, you can build a strong reputation for reliable auto repair services. That way, your customer base can enjoy peace of mind knowing your shop is there to help if a severe weather event impacts them.
Evolving vehicle designs and emerging technologies
Due to climate change, there has been a push toward more sustainable transportation. This means there’s an increased adoption of emerging vehicle technology. Lever Touch brings one resulting factor from this shift into focus: the rise of electric, hybrid, and self-driving cars.
As a shop owner, you must adapt to this changing landscape of vehicle technology. Specifically, you must prepare your team with the necessary training and equipment.
Thankfully, there are helpful resources to help you prepare. Check out our latest podcast discussion with an industry expert for some helpful insight into the proactive steps your auto repair business can take.
Accounting for regulatory and policy changes
Governments worldwide have implemented stricter emission standards to address climate change. As a result, your auto repair shop must keep up with compliance requirements.
Creating a shop handbook can help you build a solid foundation for your auto repair business and the industry regulations it must abide by. Check out our free eBook for step-by-step advice on how to complete this necessary process.
Preparing for supply chain disruptions
Climate change-related events like natural disasters can disrupt automotive supply chains.
Mark Vernall details the potential domino effect these events can cause throughout his article, outlining how these disruptions can damage infrastructure like ports and warehouses. That can affect the availability of quality auto parts, hurting your shop’s ability to order the necessary parts for incoming repair orders.
Your auto repair shop will want to stay ahead of the curve to reduce this risk. Leveraging shop management software can help you manage your inventory effectively.
Adopting new sustainable practices
Auto repair shops may face pressure to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices. Plus, they must make their shop more sustainable.
Strategies to become a greener business can include using:
- Eco-friendly products
- Recyclable materialsÂ
- Energy-efficient technologiesÂ
- Local resources
Considering insurance and liabilities
Insurance companies may project increased frequency and severity of weather-related accidents moving forward. And according to Lever Touch, that can lead to higher insurance premiums for auto repair shops.
As a shop owner, you need to prepare for the impact of climate change trends on your operational expenses. Always plan for a potential increase moving forward. To account for this, set aside a savings bucket for these expenses. Then, add to the total every month.
Training your team
As we mentioned, the automotive industry is evolving. And climate change-related policies may speed up the introduction of new technologies.
Governments and manufacturers are moving towards electric vehicles. So, learning about repairing EVs and hybrid cars must become a top priority.
There’s a plus side to this evolution for auto repair businesses: new vehicle tech can mean new business opportunities for proactive shops. As the industry moves towards sustainability, so should your shop.
Auto technicians must stay updated with the latest advancements in-vehicle systems. They also need to know about the latest repair methods.
Wrapping up
The auto repair industry landscape is transforming in the face of climate change. Environmental responsibility is pushing manufacturers and engineers to prioritize eco-friendly vehicle designs.
We hope these climate change insights can help you run a proactive auto repair business!Â
FAQs
Climate change can impact the automotive industry due to frequent extreme weather, changing driving conditions, and a move toward electric vehicles.
Environmental issues for auto repair shops include:
- The disposal of hazardous materials
- Energy consumption
- Adapting to eco-friendly practices
The future of the auto repair industry involves embracing technological advancements. Your shop also needs to adapt to evolving emission standards and regulations.
Greenhouse gases produced by vehicles, including carbon dioxide, can have a harmful environmental impact.
