Seasonal Auto Repair Ad Strategy: When to Run Campaigns for Winter Tires and Spring A/C
When should auto repair shops run seasonal ad campaigns?
Auto repair shops should launch seasonal ad campaigns 4 to 6 weeks before peak demand. Winter tire campaigns perform best in September through November depending on climate. Spring A/C campaigns should start in February or March. Starting early captures customers planning ahead and avoids the rush when competitors flood search results.
Key Seasonal Campaign Windows for Auto Repair Shops
- September to November: Winter tires, battery checks, coolant flush
- November to January: 4WD service and winter preparedness packages
- February to April: A/C recharge, alignment checks, spring inspection
- April to June: Brake check, cabin air filter, summer road-trip prep
- July to August: Cooling system service and tire rotation
- Year-round: Oil change, check engine light diagnosis, brake pads
Why Timing Beats Budgeting
A $500 budget spent at the right time outperforms a $2,000 budget spent at the wrong time. Most shop owners increase budgets when they feel slow. That is usually after demand has already peaked. Plan your campaign calendar before the year starts. Schedule launches 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your target service season. Pause or reduce spend in your lowest-demand months.
Geo-Specific Seasonality
Seasons vary by region. A shop in Phoenix runs A/C campaigns almost year-round. A shop in Minneapolis needs winter tire ads as early as August. Know your local climate. Review your own past appointment data month by month. Your booking history is the most accurate seasonal guide you have.
Creating Seasonal Ad Copy That Works
Use urgency tied to real events. Winter is coming. Get your tires swapped before the first snow. Or tie it to a calendar milestone. Spring break road trip? Free 20-point inspection this week only. These messages feel relevant and prompt action. Generic ads that run year-round perform poorly because they never create urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pause my Google Ads during slow months?
Not necessarily. Lower spend, but do not go dark completely. Brand awareness built during slow months reduces effort needed when peak demand returns. Reduce your daily budget by 40 to 60 percent rather than pausing entirely.
How far in advance should I prepare seasonal ad creative?
Build creative at least 3 to 4 weeks before the campaign launch date. This allows time for review, testing, and any adjustments to targeting or landing pages.
Can I schedule Google Ads to run only during certain weeks?
Yes. Google Ads allows campaign scheduling by date range. Set start and end dates for each seasonal campaign. This prevents you from forgetting to pause campaigns after peak season ends.
What metrics should I track for seasonal auto repair campaigns?
Track impressions, click-through rate, conversion rate, and cost per booked appointment. Compare performance week over week and against the same period last year. Use these benchmarks to refine timing each season.
Get Listed Where Seasonal Shoppers Search
TrustedLocalAuto helps customers find local shops for every service, every season. List your shop and stay visible year-round.
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