State of the Auto repair Industry
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State of the Auto repair Industry
This is in reply to your tweet, “Why Your Employees May Be Looking to Quit. ”.
The State of the Auto Repair Industry in 2026
People often ask me what I think about the state of the motor trade today. As someone who has owned and run a garage in Halifax, West Yorkshire, for almost fifty years, I have seen many changes come and go. We have survived recessions, fuel crises, changing governments, new vehicle technology, and more recently, the rise of electric vehicles and increasing business costs.
So, what is the current state of the auto repair industry?
The answer is not straightforward because there are many factors involved. However, in my opinion, one thing remains as important today as it was when I first started in business back in 1989: how you treat people.
By people, I mean both your customers and your staff.
Looking After Your Staff: State of the Auto repair Industry
Over the years, I have learned that good employees are worth their weight in gold. Many of my staff have been with me for a long time, and I regard them as part of the Pellon family.
When times become difficult, it is often the small and medium-sized garages that come through strongest. One of the reasons for this is that independent businesses tend to have closer relationships with their employees.
We all hear stories about large national chains putting pressure on staff to sell additional work or meet targets. I have never believed in that approach. Customers are not stupid. They can usually tell when they are being sold something they do not need.
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, I have always preferred to reward staff through sensible bonus schemes and by creating a workplace where people feel valued. The bonuses are not linked to selling unnecessary repairs. Instead, they recognise hard work, loyalty, and teamwork.
I am proud to say that many of my staff have established good lives for themselves, bought homes, raised families, and built successful careers within the business.
That is how it should be.
Customers Can Spot a Good Garage
One thing I have noticed over the years is that customers appreciate honesty.
If a vehicle needs repairs, then we explain why. If it does not need repairs, then we say so.
Sometimes we repair components rather than replacing expensive assemblies. Sometimes we can weld a new flexi pipe into an exhaust system rather than fitting a complete exhaust. Sometimes a legal puncture repair will save a customer the cost of a new tyre.
We are not in the business of creating work. We are in the business of solving problems.
Customers remember that.
Many of our customers have been coming to us for years. Some now bring their children and grandchildren to us. That level of trust takes decades to build but only moments to lose.
The Technology Revolution: State of the Auto repair Industry
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been vehicle technology.
Today’s cars are effectively computers on wheels. Modern vehicles are packed with sensors, cameras, radar systems, tyre pressure monitoring systems, driver assistance technology, and complex electronic control units.
Even a routine wheel alignment can involve recalibrating steering angle sensors and safety systems.
At Pellon Tyres, we have had to invest heavily in modern equipment to keep pace with these developments. Our latest wheel alignment equipment and MOT testing systems represent a significant investment, but it is necessary if independent garages are to continue servicing modern vehicles properly.
The days of simply repairing mechanical components are largely gone. Today’s technicians need to be mechanics, electricians, computer operators, and diagnostic specialists all rolled into one.
Electric Vehicles Are Changing the Industry
Electric vehicles are becoming more common on the roads of Halifax and Calderdale.
Although EVs generally require less routine maintenance than petrol and diesel cars, they still need tyres, suspension repairs, wheel alignments, brakes, batteries, air conditioning servicing, and MOT testing.
Many people believed electric vehicles would dramatically reduce work for independent garages. In reality, the industry is adapting and finding new opportunities.
What has changed is the level of training and investment required to work safely on these vehicles.
Garages must continually invest in staff training, specialist tools, and safety equipment.
Rising Costs for Small Businesses: State of the Auto repair Industry
Running a garage today is not cheap.
Energy costs, business rates, wages, National Insurance contributions, equipment purchases, training costs, insurance, waste disposal charges, and environmental regulations continue to increase.
Like many businesses, we are always looking for ways to improve efficiency. Recently, we invested in a new Solax solar energy system at our Halifax depot to help reduce electricity costs and make the business more sustainable for the future.
Every pound saved helps us remain competitive while continuing to provide quality service to our customers.
The Skills Shortage
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the motor trade today is finding skilled staff.
Across the UK, garages are struggling to recruit qualified technicians.
Many young people are encouraged towards university education, while practical trades are often overlooked. Unfortunately, this has created a shortage of skilled mechanics and technicians.
The irony is that modern vehicle technicians require considerable technical knowledge and often enjoy rewarding careers with excellent prospects.
I firmly believe that apprenticeship schemes are part of the solution.
Some of the best technicians I have worked with started as apprentices. Given the right training, support, and opportunities, young people can build long and successful careers in the motor industry.
Looking Ahead: State of the Auto repair Industry
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about the future.
People are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. Modern cars are expensive to replace, so owners are increasingly choosing to maintain and repair them properly.
That means independent garages continue to play a vital role in keeping Britain moving.
Technology will continue to evolve. Electric vehicles will become more common. Artificial intelligence and advanced diagnostics will become increasingly important. Government regulations will continue to change.
However, the fundamentals remain exactly the same.
Treat customers honestly.
Look after your staff.
Invest in good equipment.
Provide quality workmanship.
And never recommend work that a customer does not need.
Those principles have served Pellon Tyre and Autocentre well for almost fifty years, and I believe they will continue to do so for many years to come.
