For garages and MOTs
Google Business Profile Support for Garages
Drivers searching for a garage, MOT or tyre fitting usually want somewhere nearby, open now and well reviewed. Because garages normally have public premises, your Google Business Profile shows your address, hours and directions directly on the map. If it is suspended, duplicated or out of date, we can help you resolve it.
- Storefront profile reviews
- Help with ownership and duplicates
- Suspension and appeal guidance
Independent service. Not affiliated with Google. Outcomes are decided by Google.
Why it matters
Why garages rely on their Google profile
Illustrative. Outcomes are decided by Google.
A garage is a destination. People search for it, check the opening hours, look at reviews about honesty and pricing, then tap for directions. Your Google Business Profile drives much of that journey, from the pin on the map to the phone number people call when their car will not start. If the hours are wrong or the profile is suspended, drivers may turn up to a closed garage or never find you.
Garages also tend to have long histories. The site may have changed hands, been renamed, or operated under a franchise or brand before. That can leave old profiles, lost owner access or edits suggested by the public that change your details. Some garages also run a separate MOT centre, tyre bay or car sales operation on the same site, which raises questions about how many profiles are appropriate.
Common issues
Common profile problems for garages
Old profiles after a change of owner
When a garage changes hands, the previous owner's profile may still exist or still be controlled by them. That can cause duplicates, wrong details and difficulty gaining access.
Public edits changing your details
Customers and other users can suggest edits. Occasionally hours, categories or even the business name change without you noticing, which can confuse drivers and cost bookings.
Several departments on one site
MOT testing, servicing, tyres and car sales on one site do not automatically each qualify for a profile. Separate listings need to meet Google's guidelines.
Pin in the wrong place
On industrial estates or rural roads, the map pin can land at the wrong unit or entrance, sending customers to the wrong place and prompting incorrect suggested edits.
Getting the setup right
Getting the storefront setup right for a garage
Garages usually receive customers at their premises, so the profile is normally a storefront with the address shown. Google expects the location to be staffed during the hours listed and to have permanent signage. The map pin should sit on your actual entrance. If you also offer mobile services, such as mobile mechanics or recovery, you may be able to add a service area as well.
Where a site has distinct departments, such as a car dealership and a separate service centre, Google's guidelines may allow separate profiles if each has its own customer facing operation, and in some cases its own hours or category. Simply creating profiles for MOTs, tyres and servicing at the same counter is usually treated as duplication. We can review your site and explain the options.
Verification and appeals
Evidence that may help garages
Evidence should be genuine, current and consistent with your profile. What is relevant depends on the case.
- Photos of permanent signage and the garage frontage from the road
- Workshop interior showing ramps, equipment and branded areas
- Business rates bill, lease or utility bill for the premises
- MOT testing station approval details, where you carry out MOTs
- Motor trade insurance in the business name
- Customer invoices issued under the trading name and address
How we help
How we can support your business
- 1
Explain the history
Tell us about the problem, any recent change of ownership or name, and whether other departments or businesses operate from your site.
- 2
Check listings and details
We look for duplicates, check who owns each profile and review your address, pin, hours and categories against the guidelines.
- 3
Plan corrections
We help you prioritise ownership requests, duplicate handling and corrections, and prepare clear evidence showing your premises, signage and entrance.
- 4
Support Google's process
We guide you through appeals, verification or ownership requests and help you understand any response. Google makes the final decision.
FAQs
Questions from garages
We bought a garage and the old owner still controls the Google profile. What now?
If the previous owner will not transfer it, you may be able to use Google's ownership request process for that location. You will usually need to show that you now run the business, for example with a lease or business rates bill. Depending on the circumstances, a new profile may sometimes be more appropriate, and we can help you decide.
Can our MOT centre have its own profile separate from the garage?
Possibly, but only if it operates as a distinct department that meets Google's guidelines, for example with its own customer facing area or hours. If MOTs are booked and handled at the same counter as servicing, a single profile with accurate categories and services is usually the correct approach.
Someone changed our opening hours on Google. How did that happen?
Google accepts suggested edits from users and may apply them if it believes they are accurate. Owners are often notified, but changes can still slip through. Keeping your hours, photos and details current, and checking the profile regularly, reduces the chance of unwanted edits. We can review what has changed and help you correct it.
Our pin shows the wrong unit on the industrial estate. Can this be fixed?
Usually, yes. Owners can adjust the map pin position, although significant changes to location details can trigger reverification. It helps to have photos of your signage and entrance ready. If the change causes a review or suspension, we can help you prepare the evidence and appeal.
Free case review
Tell Us What's Happening
Tell us what is happening with your car repair and maintenance Business Profile. We will review the details and explain the likely cause and your options.
- 1You send the details
Takes about two minutes. Screenshots can follow later.
- 2We review your case
We look at what has happened and what may have caused it.
- 3We talk you through it
Using your preferred method: phone, WhatsApp or email.
We never ask for your Google password. Your details are only used to respond to your enquiry.
Keep exploring
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Problems often overlap. These services are closely connected to this one.
Need Help With Your Business Profile?
Tell us what has happened and we will review your case, explain the likely cause and set out the options available to you.