An auto repair shop needs to be designed with functionality and customer service in mind. Each component of your auto repair shop layout serves a practical purpose, and everything should work together to allow your operations to flow smoothly.
The auto repair industry is constantly changing, and your auto repair shop layout needs to keep up. Beyond technology, your garage needs to find new ways to create competitive edges, and optimising car repair shop layout is one way your business can stand out.
An optimised auto repair shop layout is essential for creating a safe and productive environment. By revamping your garage layout, you could see more efficiency amongst your staff, a reduction in accidents, and an improved customer experience.
If you’re designing a new garage layout or upgrading your existing set-up, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ve put together some effective ways to improve your auto repair shop layout, so your garage operations can run as smoothly as possible. With these tips, you can improve your workplace efficiency and grow your business.
One of the first things you need to consider when evaluating your auto repair shop layout is the tools and equipment you’ll need.
Garage equipment like automotive lifts, engine hoists, and lift tables have specific installation requirements and need to be researched in advance. You also need to ensure your flooring can handle these types of installations.
Once you acquire the equipment you need, ensure it’s easily accessible and that your setup fits the needs of your team. If certain tools are outdated or poorly designed, they may be slowing down your garage operations.
Integrating garage management software will help you track equipment and streamline your workflow. TechMan’s all-in-one garage management system comes equipped with everything you need to run an efficient and profitable workshop. Contact us to request a demo.
Investing in modern and reliable auto repair shop equipment will make your job easier and help your garage run smoothly.
The size of your auto repair shop layout is just as essential as how you use it. With proper space allocation, your team can work on multiple vehicles in a relatively compact area.
If you’re starting from scratch, plan for exactly how much space you need. From office space to open areas for loading and manoeuvring vehicles, machinery and tool storage, and customer service areas, there are many factors to consider.
Alongside the existing setup, think about your garage’s future. You don’t want to limit your potential to expand due to insufficient space and deprive yourself of the chance of taking on more customers in the future. It’s better to have more space than you need, than to need more space than you have.
A garage has many safety hazards, like heavy equipment, cars on lifts, risks of fires due to mechanical or electrical faults, and so much more. A well-designed auto repair shop layout will keep you and your employees safe.
Designate spaces for protective equipment near where your mechanics work and restrict customer access to certain areas to minimise accidents.
Good lighting is another essential component of a safe auto repair shop design. Proper lighting ensures that your store looks good and reduces the risk of customers tripping over objects and mechanics making mistakes. It’s also important to have well-marked emergency exits and maintain clear paths to them.
Making your garage a safe space will help you serve your customers more effectively.
Safety, efficiency, and production are key factors to consider when you’re designing your auto repair shop layout. With these in mind, you’ll want to limit unnecessary movement and avoid repetition as much as possible.
Create dedicated bays for different services and keep a reserved bay for electric vehicles (EVs), with specialised tools that are organised and ready for use. You also need to ensure there are enough overhead doors for easy vehicle access.
A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 7.5 metres of centre aisle space to allow for safe and accessible vehicle movement.
Operating an efficient auto repair shop layout is all about planning and designing your garage with future expansion in mind. You need to think about where you want your business to be in the future and how your layout can support that vision.
The automotive industry continues to see big changes, like the introduction of electric vehicles and other sustainability initiatives, that will affect garage operations. So, consider the future equipment you’ll need, as well as additional bays and even customer amenities.
A modern garage not only needs to upgrade its layout but also embrace new technologies. Garage software is a great tool to use to stay organised and effectively track customer appointments.
TechMan’s GMS helps you stay on top of every aspect of garage operations and ensures that you’re always one step ahead. By thinking ahead, you can avoid costly redesigns and any disruptions to your workflow.
The key to running a successful auto repair shop is efficiency. Alongside your physical auto repair shop layout, you also need to consider your digital layout. A garage management system can help you expand on the efficiency of the physical layout of your auto repair shop and organise your operations better.
If you’re looking for garage management software to optimise your workflow, we can assist you.
TechMan’s comprehensive garage management software is designed to help you transform the efficiency and productivity of your garage.
With features like personnel management, stock control, accounting, and reporting, you can easily monitor your garage operations to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Our user-friendly garage management system will help you improve the satisfaction of your customers and employees and keep your garage in excellent condition.
Click here to learn more about our services or contact us to request a demo now.
Explore TechMan in real-time in a working garage and see how our extensive integrations can simplify your operations and save hours of time every day.
