Aging Cars…And Service Techs

One of our company’s practices as we meet with clients in October and November is discussing the dealer’s goals and concerns for the upcoming year.  Two items mentioned in almost every discussion: growing Service, and finding more techs for the expected growth. 

Service is booming, with some dealerships having to turn away service customers. Why? In May of this year, the average age of cars on American roads reached 12.6 years old – two months older than last year’s average.  CDK’s Service Shopper 4.0 Study reported that for the first time in three years, more vehicle owners – 27% – said they will do everything they can to keep their vehicle in pristine shape, when asked about their maintenance plan. 

The Technician Shortage Problem

You’re going to have Service Customers, but what about Service Technicians to perform the work?  The availability of qualified technicians has been an industry issue for some time.  One factor is older pros retiring and not enough up-and-comers in the ranks.  Recruiting new technicians is a struggle, even though the potential for a rewarding and lucrative career is a very achievable possibility.

Best Recruitment Practices

 So what are the best new-hire practices? From an article titled ‘34 Ways to Improve Your Technician Recruiting‘ found on Wrenchway.com,  these insights from people in dealership service and service recruiting firms stood out:

• Follow-up and communication are key – most techs work during the day so responding to calls, texts, and emails is difficult, be open to calls after hours
• Culture trumps strategy…When your techs are advocates for the store, recruiting happens naturally.  Show your current techs some love and let them help you
• A Junior College instructor said he received hundreds of emails yearly from companies needing techs, less than a dozen phone calls, and an even smaller number of shops recruiting students face-to-face, his suggestion – set up a mentorship system, take time to find the right one
• Focus more on being the right place for techs, your recruitment efforts will yield more rewards

Share Your Story

Good points worthy of consideration, and if your dealership has a good story to tell, share it. 

We produced a web video with the dealer on camera saying the name of his dealership, then right into, “We’re hiring, make your next move your best move!”  What followed was a testimonial from a tech with 9 years of experience talking about having the latest tools, flexible hours, a climate-controlled environment, and then “whatever you need, you get. Can’t ask for more than that.”  The response was exactly what you would expect. The final scene was the call for action:  Apply Now! They did.

If your 2025 goals include growing your dealership’s Service profitability by adding more Service Techs, start now!