More Beer For Your Horses

Many people try to save on auto repair and service costs by using coupons or going in for low-priced advertised specials like the $ 29.95 oil change. Or, the super low transmission service? Then, there’s the one- size- fits- all “Brake Specials”. Any of this sound familiar?

Here’s and example of some fuzzy math
Think about what you really get for that advertised special.
IF the price of one oil filter and 5 quarts l of mid-range quality petroleum motor oil will run 21.00 dollars.
AND IF the shop’s labor rate is comparable to the greater Arizona State average of 75-110 dollars per hour.

THEN the REMAINEDER EQAULS about 8 dollars an hour in labor ?? So where’s the catch? They use a sub-standard oil filter that cost $2.50 add low grade oil (bought by the barrel) that averages 2:00 dollars a quart. This equals a cost of $12.50 with a gross profit of $ 16.50 for a half hours work. Multiply that times two for an hourly shop rate of $33.00 dollars an hour. Compare that to the State average and what do you see? A business owner who will quickly be out of business.

So where is the beer going? 1. Lowest cost (least experienced) employee is usually assigned the oil changes. He’s changing the oil – but in order to save time – to get the car out as soon as possible – he is not doing a full service (per the auto manufacturer’s requirements). Full-service at that mileage interval, usually requires a minimum of 30 minutes to check and/or adjust items listed.

Keeping with the oil change example, what you are really getting for your money is a filter that doesn’t filter very well which leaves a lot of contaminants in your oil. This will lead to costly future engine damage. Other major systems on your car are also being ignored. However, the low-tech auto employee may have instructions to defer to a more experience mechanic or shop foreman who will “FIND” costly repair work that MUST be done.

The same is true with cut rate brake jobs, and by the way, what’s at stake if your brakes fail to work properly? The old adage is true in this case that you get what you pay for. Are you really getting more beer for your horses??

What about the high priced Dealerships or Franchise operators?? Let’s take a look at their operation. They have extremely high overhead. The service department helps pay for all the new cars and trucks on the lot waiting to be sold. – in addition to the other daily cost of doing business. Franchise operators pay high fees and MUST meet minimum sales goals. In other words, they push parts and service on people. Less beer for the horses.

So where’s the Beer?
Consider independent shops who don’t have high vehicle flooring or high franchise costs. Are you thinking now that if you go to an independent auto expert instead of the BIG Boys you‘ll lose consumer protection?….wrong. The same consumer protection laws are STILL THERE here for ALL of us to use. At an independent repair shop, you might actually see or be dealing with the owner who has worked hard to build a business and will try their best to resolve all issues. The Big Boys are often owned by big corporations or absentee owners and have layers of protection. The franchisor is interested in protecting their image and franchisee. If their reputation is damaged they have the covering of the national name to help them buffer bad service.

As with so many things in life, when it comes to money – get an estimate in writing. If an Independent shop does not want to write it down and provide a guarantee, simply consider another shop. Make it a point to meet the owner or shop foreman, check out their facility and follow your gut instinct. Is it clean and well maintained? Do the mechanics look like professionals or somebody you’d hate to run into on a dark night? This all has to do with the self-imposed quality of work that the mechanic/technician abides by. If he doesn’t care what he or his work environment looks like – then chances are he doesn’t care much about your vehicle either. And the bottom line: If the boss doesn’t care then neither will the employees.

Article provided by RC of RC Performance, LLC located at 3550 Sabin Brown Rd, Ste 4, in Wickenburg, AZ. RC is also the owner of Arizona Shelby Cobras – the only licensed Shelby Cobra dealer in the greater Southwest.
Call 888-684-2533 or visit their web at www.arizonarcperformance or www.arizonashelbycobras.

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