Many factors go into deciding if it’s better to repair shop equipment or upgrade to a newer model. Modern Tire Dealer asked five Tire Dealer of the Year honorees what they consider when evaluating their shop equipment.

Before cars had electronic controls, most of what went wrong with them was something a technician could see, hear, smell, feel or sometimes even taste (ever sipped coffee next to a car with a coolant leak?).

New equipment acquisition represents both a substantial investment as well as an enjoyable experience. After all, who doesn’t love the look, feel and smell of new equipment? Plus, staying current in terms of features and operating condition makes the shop more efficient and more profitable.