Automotive Excellence SUMMER 2025_01_09-22-2025_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 50
PREPARING FOR
FALL CAR
CARE MONTH
TRAFFIC, TRUST & TICKET AVERAGE
BY AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE STAFF WRITER
E
very October, National Fall Car Care Month offers one of the best opportunities of the year for independent
repair shops to engage with new and existing customers. But the most successful shops do not wait until
October 1st to get started—they plan ahead.
In fact, what you do now, in late summer, will determine whether or not you drive traffic, build trust, and
boost average repair order (ARO) during the seasonal surge. Follow these five tips to prepare:
1 BUILD YOUR 60-DAY CAMPAIGN CALENDAR
Note: Because this article is being published just ahead of Fall Car Care Month, a 60‑day campaign
calendar is the most practical approach this season. However, shops should look to expand to a 90‑
day plan in future years. A longer window allows for more layered promotions, better scheduling, and
stronger supplier and community partnerships.
Fall Car Care Month is not a single promotion—it is a multi-touch campaign that educates, reminds,
and converts. Shops should build a basic calendar starting in late August or early September, broken
into three waves:
Pre-awareness
(Aug 25–Sept 15):
Social media tips (such
as “5 Signs Your Car’s Not
Ready for Fall”), teaser
emails, and SMS alerts
with limited-time booking links
Engagement
(Sept 15–Oct 10):
Direct mail
postcards, shop
signage, email
promotions, and technician-recorded videos
Close-Out (Oct 11–31):
“Last chance” offers,
follow-ups, and postservice satisfaction
check-ins
2 FOCUS ON THE FALL BIG 5
Create a bundled inspection service and focus on these commonly neglected systems:
BATTERY
HEALTH
PAGE 50
COOLING
SYSTEM
BRAKES &
TIRES
WIPER BLADES
& LIGHTING
ENGINE AIR &
CABIN FILTERS
