Auto Repair Glossary

AAPEX is the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, showcasing the latest in automotive parts and services.

AARO is a Canadian trade association that represents and supports businesses in Ontario’s auto aftermarket industry.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a human–machine interface system designed to help drivers improve road safety while driving their vehicles.

Auto repair billing software streamlines invoicing, billing, and payments, helping shops increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.

An auto repair estimate provides a breakdown of expected costs for vehicle repairs, helping customers understand and prepare for the expenses involved.

Auto repair guides provide detailed instructions for diagnosing and fixing vehicle issues, helping technicians and DIY enthusiasts perform accurate repairs.

An auto repair shop is a business that specializes in diagnosing, servicing, and repairing vehicles to ensure they run smoothly and safely.

An auto repair technician is a professional who diagnoses, repairs, and maintains vehicles, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently.

Auto shop management software helps auto repair shops streamline daily operations like scheduling, invoicing, and inventory management to improve efficiency.

The automotive aftermarket refers to parts, accessories, and services available after the sale of a vehicle. It supports repair, maintenance, and customization needs.

Average Repair Order (ARO) is a key metric representing the average revenue generated per repair order in an auto repair shop.

Body shop is a facility where technicians repair and restore vehicle exteriors if they are damaged because of collisions or wear.

Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions systematically to manage a business's finances.

Canned jobs are routine, repeatable jobs that can be standardized in terms of time and cost for your shop.

Chilton Manual is an extensive manual that helps mechanics with maintenance and repairs on various vehicle models and makes.

Collision repair involves restoring a vehicle to its pre-accident condition through bodywork, frame alignment, and other repairs after a crash or accident.

Customer no-shows occur when a client misses a scheduled appointment without prior notice, impacting business operations and revenue.

Customer retention is a business's ability to retain its customers over time by fostering loyalty through quality service, personalized experiences, and communication.

Digital approvals allow auto repair shops to streamline repair authorizations, helping customers approve work quickly and remotely, and increasing efficiency and trust.

Digital invoices are electronic versions of paper invoices, enabling businesses to send and receive billing information more efficiently and securely.

A Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) uses technology to provide a detailed inspection report of a vehicle’s condition, shared electronically with the customer.

Email marketing is a form of direct marketing that can be used to inform customers, increase brand awareness and promote your shops services.

Enterprise management refers to overseeing and coordinating all business operations to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and profitability across large-scale organizations.

Estimates to invoices is a process in auto repair shops for converting initial cost estimates into final invoices after work completion, ensuring accurate billing.

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 the task.

Fleet maintenance management involves tracking, scheduling, and maintaining a fleet of vehicles to ensure they stay in optimal condition and minimize downtime.

Franchise management software helps franchises streamline operations, from communication to performance tracking, across multiple locations.

Franchise management refers to overseeing and coordinating franchise operations to ensure consistency, profitability, and growth across all franchise locations.

A general repair shop offers a wide range of automotive services, including maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs for various makes and models.

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.

Haynes Manual is an auto repair manual that helps mechanics with maintenance and repairs on various vehicle models and makes.

Heavy-duty truck repair specializes in the maintenance and repair of large commercial trucks, keeping them safe, reliable, and efficient on the road.

A labor rate calculator helps auto repair shops determine the hourly rate they should charge for labor to cover costs and maintain profitability.

Leads are potential customers who have expressed interest in your products or services.

Light-duty truck repair specializes in maintenance and repair services for smaller trucks, focusing on keeping these vehicles safe, reliable, and efficient.

A loyalty program is a marketing strategy that rewards customers for their repeat business, encouraging them to continue purchasing from a brand or business.

Mechanic efficiency refers to the effectiveness and productivity of automotive technicians in completing repairs and services.

A mobile auto repair shop offers convenient on-site vehicle repairs, bringing skilled mechanics and tools directly to the customer’s location.

Mobile Mechanics are mechanics who come to their customers' locations to provide vehicle maintenance and car repair services.

Multi-location repair shops are automotive repair businesses with more than one location, offering consistent service across various sites.

NAICS codes are classification systems used by businesses and governments to categorize industries and track economic data across North America.

OBD-II code is a standardized code generated by a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to find issues with engine, transmission or emissions system.

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.

Parts procurement refers to the process of sourcing and purchasing the necessary components, tools, or equipment for vehicle repair and maintenance.

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.

Profitability reports provide insights into a business’s financial health, showing revenue, expenses, and profits to guide better decision-making.

Quick lube shops specialize in providing fast, convenient oil changes and basic maintenance services, typically without appointments.

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that helps shop owners manage their finances anywhere, anytime.

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.

SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is an organization that showcases automotive aftermarket products and innovations at its annual trade show.

A service advisor is the link between the customer and the repair shop, coordinating vehicle services and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the repair process.

A shop handbook outlines policies, procedures, and expectations for auto repair shop employees, serving as a guide for smooth operations.

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 dealers are businesses specializing in tire sales, installation, and repair services for vehicles, often offering expert guidance on tire selection.

A tire shop is a business that specializes in selling, installing, and repairing tires for various vehicles, ensuring safe and efficient driving.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system that helps ensure that vehicle tires are properly inflated.

Truck repair shop software helps businesses manage daily operations like scheduling, invoicing, and inventory, making repair processes efficient and organized.

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.