Setting up a new automotive workshop is exciting — but it’s also one of the easiest times to overspend, under-spec, or miss a key piece of equipment that later creates bottlenecks.
This checklist is designed for Kiwi workshops planning a fit-out (or a major upgrade). It focuses on the practical stuff that impacts day-to-day workflow: vehicle mix, bay layout, throughput, and the equipment categories that keep jobs moving.
If you want a broader category overview first, start here: workshop equipment.
Here’s a practical workshop equipment checklist to help you plan your bays and buying order.
Step 1: confirm your workshop basics
Before you buy anything, lock in these inputs. They determine what “right equipment” actually means.
Vehicle mix: passenger, SUV, light commercial, heavy vehicle, CV/fleet
Jobs you’ll do most: tyres/alignment, servicing, diagnostics, brakes, A/C, fleet work, performance work
Bay count + workflow: how vehicles move through the workshop (avoid backtracking)
Ceiling height + power/air requirements: influences what equipment is feasible
Throughput target: how many vehicles per day/week you need to service profitably
Step 2: plan your bays before your shopping list
A common mistake is buying “good gear” without mapping it to bays.
A simple starting point:
Bay 1–2: core servicing + diagnostics (highest daily use)
Bay 3: wheel service / alignment (high throughput + strong revenue)
Bay 4: specialist work (A/C, brake testing, ADAS calibration, fleet)
Even a rough bay plan helps you avoid buying equipment that competes for the same space or creates downtime.
Step 3: workshop equipment checklist (by category)
Wheel service and wheel alignment
These are often the highest-throughput services in many workshops.
Tyre changer(s) suited to your vehicle mix
Wheel balancer(s) suitable for speed and repeatability
Wheel alignment capability (your target market may expect this as standard)
Explore: wheel service equipment →
Explore: wheel alignment machines →
Diagnostic equipment (don’t under-spec this)
Diagnostics influences almost every job — from check engine lights to modern drivability issues.
Checklist:
Scan tools aligned to your vehicle mix (light vehicle vs heavy vs CV)
Hybrid/EV capability if you service modern vehicles
Oscilloscope capability for deeper electrical troubleshooting
Update/support pathway (so your tools stay current)
Explore: diagnostic equipment →
ADAS calibration readiness
ADAS is moving from “nice to have” to “customers expect it”, especially on newer vehicles.
Checklist:
Space requirements (clean, controlled area)
Process workflow (calibration time + staff training)
Equipment aligned to the vehicles you service most
Explore: ADAS systems →
If brake testing is part of your service offering or compliance needs, choose equipment that supports confident measurement and reporting.
Checklist:
Brake testing method aligned to your use-case
Workflow fit (time per test, reporting, repeatability)
Safety considerations and training
Explore: brake testers →
Automotive air conditioning servicing
A/C work is common and can be a strong add-on revenue stream when equipped correctly.
Checklist:
Recovery and re-gassing capability suited to your expected volume
Safe handling procedures and training
Consumables + servicing considerations
Explore: automotive A/C service machines →
Performance testing (optional, specialist)
Not every workshop needs this — but if performance work is part of your offering, plan for it properly.
Checklist:
Space requirements and ventilation considerations
Repeatable testing and reporting capability
Safety and workflow planning
Explore: dynamometers →
Step 4: don’t forget the support side (it affects profitability)
Two workshops can buy similar equipment and get very different outcomes depending on setup, onboarding, and after-sales support.
When comparing options, ask:
Who helps with setup and onboarding?
What does after-sales support look like in NZ?
How do updates and troubleshooting work?
What’s the learning curve for staff?
For a broader browse page, you can also view workshop and compliance equipment.
Not sure where to start?
If you tell us your vehicle mix, bay space, and the services you want to offer — especially the jobs you’ll do most — we can recommend a practical setup that fits your workflow and budget.
