The Best Times to Take Your Car to the Auto Shop for the Shortest Wait 

Your time is valuable. The less of it you must spend in a service garage waiting room, the better. That’s why you need to know that automotive repair shop time estimates can vary greatly by the hour of the day, time of week or month, and even the season. Read on to find the likely best times to go to the auto shop for repairs based on wait times. 

It’s important to take your vehicle in for regular maintenance, which is why you want to know the best time to go to the auto shop. However, even with regular servicing you may run into times when roadside assistance will save the day, such as when you lock yourself out or your teen runs out of gas. If you do not have a plan, consider adding one. 

Why Timing Matters for Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance 

It matters because you have things to do. Work to get to, kids to drop off or pick up, errands to run. And you don’t want to spend your valuable weekends in a repair shop waiting room. 

By understanding the average wait time for service at the dealership and following the workflow patterns at your local shop, you’ll be able to plan your visit better, knowing exactly when to drop your car off and when to avoid peak times. 

Understanding Auto Shop Peak Hours 

Repair jobs can pile up just like traffic on a freeway. In both cases, it might be one minor problem that causes a slowdown for everyone. 

In the case of an auto shop, it’s a more complex job that might impact all the scheduled work behind it. The point is, get your car in as soon as possible in the morning, and you have a much better chance of getting ahead of those jobs that slow down everyone else. 

Identifying the Fast Lane: Optimal Times for Speedy Service 

Some days of the week are better than others for auto shop wait times. When you know the best day of the week for an oil change or other services, it gives you another factor to consider when assessing local repair shops. 

Midweek Magic: Why Wednesdays Can Be Ideal 

It’s all about the weekend! 

By Friday, it’s almost here. Your technicians are discussing their plans among themselves, texting those plans to their buddies or significant others, and maybe even sneaking a little longer lunch. On Mondays, it’s recovery time. They’re a little depressed because the weekend’s over, and maybe they’re working a little slower on account of weekend recovery. 

Bring your car in during the middle of the week — on a Wednesday, for instance — and you won’t have to compete with weekend realities. 

The Early Bird Specials: Benefits of Morning Appointments 

Consider your own place of employment. Aren’t the first jobs that get done the ones that show up first in your virtual or actual inbox? If it doesn’t work that way, your co-workers or clients grumble. And they have a point if they were the first in. Why aren’t they the first out? 

Works the same way at your auto repair garage. Those customers who’ve cooled their heels the longest generally get out of there first. 

The Seasonal Effect 

For this strategy to figure out the average body shop repair time, you need to think less about the workflow at your favorite garage and consider the impact of family budgets, travel plans, and celebrations. 

• People are still paying for the holidays in January and February, and they’ve got their holiday travel out of their systems. Therefore, car care isn’t top of mind (or in the wiped-out budget).
• In late spring, people plan their summer travels. But first, they need to make sure their ride will get them safely there and back. That means you’ve got some competition for mechanics’ attention.
• A fall auto repair checklist might be on your radar as the holiday season comes up again. You want to be sure the family will get to Mom’s for Thanksgiving and to whoever’s hosting the party this year. 

Does this auto repair shop time guide reflect the workflow and timing reality of every service garage in America? Of course not. Every shop has its own rhythm based on its popularity, the size of the community, whether that community drives used or new vehicles, and other factors. 

But it’s a start. Follow the auto shop wait times guidelines to see how well they apply to your favorite local garage, and then revise as necessary. 

Roadside Assistance Will Save You Time and Money 

We hope this helps you identify the best time to go to the auto shop. But it’s not always your choice. That’s why you need your auto insurance policy to include roadside assistance — 24/7 help whenever you need it. That could mean your car breaking down, a flat tire, a dead battery, collision damage, or any other reason. You or your spouse or driving-age child will get a technician who can provide the services your car needs, including a tow to the nearest service garage. 

Ask your Acceptance Insurance auto insurance agent for details. Call us at 877-405-7102 or get a quick online quote. You can also find an office near you to book a face-to-face.