People enjoy taking their vehicles to the auto repair shop as much as they enjoy visiting their dentists. That is, they dread doing so. Not only is it inconvenient, but the repair bill is a mystery to most drivers because they're uncertain regarding what needs to be fixed. Worse, few people can tell whether the mechanics are giving them a fair deal.
Unfortunately, when parts start failing due to wear or other factors, they need to be replaced. Likewise, when various systems (e.g. brakes, exhaust, fuel, etc.) begin to show signs of trouble, they need to be inspected. The problem is, many garages are less than trustworthy. We'll explore some of the shenanigans pulled by repair garages below. The following may encourage you to buy auto parts online and learn to install them yourself.
Why Labor Is So Expensive
It's rarely the cost of the parts that sends the bill through the roof. It's the labor. Mechanics will normally charge between $50 and $80 per hour (and more for specialty cars). The reason for the high hourly rate is due to the cost of maintaining the facility, tools, and paying wages, taxes, and insurance.
That said, a lot of garages will over-bill on the labor, knowing the customer will never know the difference. For example, if you need your alternator replaced, do you know how long the job should require to perform? Most people don't. So, the repair shop will bill the customer for two or three hours even if the job takes an hour and a half.
Paying The Flat Rate
A lot of people are unaware that repair shops use manuals that are provided by the automakers to determine how long each job will take. Initially, you might think that works in your favor. It's difficult to justify a bill based on four hours of labor when the manual lists the job at two hours. However, it can just as easily work in the garage's favor.
For example, suppose your catalytic converter is failing, so you drive your vehicle to your local mechanic. The manual for your make and model lists the job at two hours. Further suppose the technician is able to replace the catalytic converter in one hour. Even though it's arguably unfair, you'll still be charged for two hours of labor. The extra billable time is pure profit for the shop.
When The Work Isn't Performed
This problem is especially challenging because most people lack the skills or knowledge to know whether a particular task has been performed. For example, if you instruct your mechanic to swap out your failing fuel pump with a new OEM replacement, will you know whether the pump is new? Or, could your auto technician put in a badly-designed rebuilt without your knowledge? In most vehicles, this component is installed within the gas tank, so it's difficult to visually inspect the work.
This is an area in which trust plays a critical role. You should be able to take your vehicle to a mechanic who is experienced and willing to treat you fairly. Of course, the best time to begin looking for an honest repair shop is before your car breaks down.
Learning To Fix Your Car On Your Own
Most people are unwilling to lift the hood of their vehicle and get their hands dirty replacing or cleaning parts. Instead, they rely on their local mechanic. The irony is that a little automotive knowledge and a few tools is enough to replace hoses, plugs, and simple components without the help of a technician. It's also far less expensive.
Here's the takeaway: if you intend to continue having mechanics perform all of the maintenance and repair work on your vehicle, find someone you can trust. In the meantime, consider buying your auto parts online and learning how to install them on your own.
