Liabilities, Lessons, and Lift Kits w/ Marty Woods: Pt 2 | Repair Shop Reckoning | Episode 7

Host Kevin Brown continues his conversation with Marty from Martin’s Tire & Service in Part 2 of this deep dive into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration. Marty breaks down the hefty financial investments required for equipment and training, emphasizing the need to set proper pricing to stay profitable. He critiques competitors offering free calibrations, calling out the unsustainability of such practices, and highlights strategies like charging research fees to improve insurance communication and reduce disputes.
The conversation shifts to better workflows, from charging $180 estimate fees to using tools like Revv for OEM-guided calibrations. Marty and Kevin discuss the pitfalls of rushed repairs, the importance of pre-alignment checks, and partnerships between body shops and service providers to share costs and boost efficiency.
Marty also tackles common ADAS missteps, from misaligned sensors to radar malfunctions, stressing manufacturer procedures and staff training to get it right. He shares hard-earned insights on managing customer expectations, justifying premium pricing, and collaborating with smaller shops to stay competitive in a market dominated by large chains.
This episode is packed with practical advice for tackling ADAS challenges while keeping your repair business ahead of the curve.

 

00:00 Introduction to ADAS
00:31 Investing in Equipment
01:05 Navigating Insurance Challenges
02:13 The Importance of Accurate Estimates
03:11 Charging for Calibration Services
04:55 Building Partnerships with Body Shops
06:33 The Role of Technology in Repairs
08:14 Understanding Calibration Requirements
09:12 Common Calibration Misunderstandings
10:00 Real-World Calibration Challenges
12:35 The Importance of Following Procedures
14:00 Customer Education and Communication
16:00 The Evolution of Automotive Technology
18:00 Calibration in High-End Vehicles
20:11 Liability and Documentation
22:00 Customer Expectations and Education
24:00 Augmented Reality and Calibration
25:40 Maintenance and Injector Cleaning
27:00 Tesla Calibration and Liability Concerns
29:30 Documentation and Customer Communication
32:00 Handling Customer Complaints
36:00 The Future of ADAS and Calibration
40:00 The Business of Auto Repair
45:00 Value Proposition in Auto Repair
52:00 Collaboration and Networking in the Industry