If you are planning how to start a mechanical workshop or improve the one you have, this guide is for you. It explains how to open a car repair shop, choose services that sell, set up your space, use the right tools, and how to run a successful workshop. You will also see how roadworthy certificates or rego inspections and pre-purchase inspections can lift profit and build trust.

Step 1: Choose your money makers first

Pick the services that will pay the bills before you buy tools or paint the walls.

• Core services: logbook servicing, brakes, suspension, cooling, batteries, basic diagnostics.

• Diagnostic and electrical: fault finding, ADAS checks if you offer them, key programming if you are qualified.

• Compliance and inspections: roadworthy certificates/rego inspections. 

• Add-ons: tyres if you have space, wheel alignments, air-con regas.

These choices guide your layout, training, and tool list.

Step 2: Plan a layout that saves steps

A good auto repair shop setup for maximum profit keeps techs moving in one direction and reduces backtracking.

• Reception and intake: easy parking, clear signs, tidy counter, printed checklists.

• Quick service bay near parts: filters, fluids, common fasteners close by.

• Diagnostics bay: stable power, ventilation, desk for laptop and scan tools, secure Wi-Fi.

• Hoists in a row: shared tool boards between bays, waste oil close to work areas.

• Battery and electrical corner: bench supply, battery tester, charger, safe storage.

Put hourly tools within reach, weekly tools on mobile trolleys, and occasional tools on higher shelves.

Step 3: Buy diagnostic tools before fancy extras

Guessing and swapping parts wastes time and money. Diagnostics help you quote with confidence and fix cars faster.

Essential diagnostic kit:

• Professional scan tool with strong coverage and quick updates

• Battery tester and charger or power supply

• Smoke machine for intake and EVAP leaks

• Multimeter and test light

• Bright torch or headlamp

• Rugged tablet or laptop stand with reliable Wi-Fi

Why us: Premium Diagnostic Equipment supplies quality tools with real technical back up. You get help when you need it so your bay keeps moving.

Step 4: Add roadworthy certificates or rego inspections

From our own experience, compliance checks create steady work and bring in repair jobs.

What you need:

• Approved roadworthy testing equipment based on your local rules

• A clear process with a checklist

• Simple pass or fail communication with next steps

Even when a car passes, you earn trust. When it fails, you can offer the required repairs in a clear and fair way.

👉Set up your inspection bay the right way. Explore AutoTest Products | Roadworthy Testing Equipment

Step 5: Offer pre-purchase inspections

These are fast to deliver, low cost to set up, and great for building your reputation.

Simple workflow in 45 to 60 minutes:

1. Scan the vehicle for DTCs and check live data.

2. Test the battery and print a report.

3. Use a torch for a visual check of tyres, brakes, leaks, suspension, bodywork, coolant, and service stickers.

4. Road test and note braking, steering, and noises.

5. Add a PPSR certificate to confirm no finance owing and not stolen.

6. Give a plain English report with green, yellow, and red items and rough repair prices.

Tools required: scan tool, battery tester, torch, tread depth gauge, OBD extension cable, and a simple report template.

Step 6: Expand into ADAS calibrations

Once your diagnostics setup is solid, expanding into ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibrations can open a high-value revenue stream.

Modern vehicles require camera and radar calibrations after repairs, windscreen replacements, suspension work, and even wheel alignments. Workshops that can perform these calibrations in-house save their customers a trip to the dealer and keep that income themselves.

To get started, you’ll need:

• An ADAS calibration frame (with radar, camera, and alignment targets)

• A scan tool with ADAS calibration support

• A level surface and good lighting

Premium Diagnostic Equipment offers a full range of ADAS calibration tools  including the:

Topdon ADAS Radar 3-in-1 Calibration Kit 

TOPDON PX1000 Basic Package 

Topdon PX1000 Deluxe Package 

Topdon PX1000 Max Package 

Topdon ADAS solutions  are designed for workshops wanting to add calibration services without the dealer price tag.

Adding ADAS expands your reputation as a modern, full-service repairer and gives your workshop an edge with insurance and fleet clients.

Step 7: Set prices that protect profit

• Use menu pricing for standard services.

• Charge a diagnostic fee that you credit to the repair if approved.

• Create inspection bundles such as roadworthy plus safety checks.

• Send SMS estimates with photos for fast approvals.

• Use a parts margin and a labour matrix to keep gross profit steady.

Step 8: Upsell the right way

Upselling means showing customers what will keep their car safe and reliable.

• Use photos and short videos from the bay.

• Explain the data in simple terms. Example: battery at 58% state of health may cause cold start issues.

• Offer quick add-ons while the car is already on the hoist.

• Give clear options for now or later, and explain the risk of waiting.

Step 9: Build a team for steady throughput

• One senior diagnostician handles complex problems. Juniors handle routine work.

• Hold a short daily meeting to plan vehicles, parts arrivals, and roadblocks.

• Use checklists to reduce comebacks and improve handovers.

• Keep training active for new systems, EV and hybrid safety, and basic programming.

Step 10: Track the numbers that matter

• First time fix rate

• Average repair order and gross profit per hour

• Technician efficiency

• Comeback rate

• Quote conversion rate

 Bonus Section: For mobile mechanics

If you run a mobile-only business, you can still offer high-value inspection services without a workshop.

Pre-purchase inspections are perfect for mobile setups, all you need is a reliable scan tool, a battery tester, and an inspection checklist. Buyers will pay for trusted advice before handing over cash, and you can complete most checks in under an hour.

You can also become authorised (depending on your state) to perform mobile roadworthy certificates or safety checks, which add a strong revenue stream with minimal overhead.

By marketing these services on social media or Google Business, mobile mechanics can grow quickly through convenience and fast turnaround especially for customers buying or selling vehicles privately.

Additional Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips

• Keep a calendar for the diagnostics bay so complex work does not block hoists.

• Stock fast-moving service parts within arm’s reach.

• Record a short video that explains what a roadworthy check includes.

Mistakes

• Buying niche tools before you have steady revenue services in place.

• Skipping a battery support unit during programming or long diagnostics.

• Running inspections without a written process.

A smart layout, clear services, and the right diagnostic tools make profit more predictable. Roadworthy certificates or rego inspections and pre-purchase inspections add steady work and honest upsell chances. That is how to set up an automotive workshop for maximum profit and how to run a successful workshop with confidence.

Explore AutoTest Products | Roadworthy Testing Equipment

Related reading:

The Essential Roadworthy Testing Equipment You Need: A Guide for Mechanics