Parts and Labor

As an individual that ekes out a living writing about automobiles, I often get asked a question followed quickly by another question. Something like: "Oh, you know about cars, can I ask you a question"? This loaded question then leads into a story about how someone's car or truck went to a mechanic or dealer for repair, and whether the price they paid, or are about to pay, was worth the services rendered. The underlying implication is that most mechanics are somehow crooked, and that there is some sort of bamboozling going on. While there may in fact be some unethical behavior going on out in the garages and service bays of the world, this is an unfortunate aspect of any industry. The key to avoiding misunderstanding and unnecessarily high repair bills is communication and common sense.

Part of the Problem
One of the major breakdowns between customer and automobile repair occurs when the difference between parts and labor is not fully understood. While a part may cost but a few bucks, removing and replacing it may take a longer than thought. A cylinder head gasket is a perfect example. The cylinder head gasket itself can cost fewer than 20 dollars. Replacing it can cost 100 times as much. The problem is that the engine must be disassembled to replace it. Replacing a head gasket is literally automobile head surgery. Moving further into a job such as are is the underlying reasons a cylinder head gasket would fail in the first place, and the engine damage that can be caused post-head gasket failure. Since malfunctioning cooling systems are the number one cause of head gasket failure, work there will also likely mean other work will be required as well.

Add and Subtract
Another piece to the puzzle is that all automobiles are not created equal. The amount of time required to replace the heater core or air conditioning compressor on one automobile may be one hour, where as a the same job on another automobile can require many more. A reputable automobile repair shop or dealer will be able to calculate the number of hours required to perform a repair, combine it with the price of a part, and give the customer a best possible estimate on the final cost of the repair bill before the work is done. Time estimates are standardized by the task at hand AND by make and model of automobile. Even with standardization, unforeseen problems can arise, and the original estimate can change. The drawback to standardization is that the customer doesn't get reimbursed if the job takes less time than estimated—even if this is the case.

Writing Up Service
The first person the customer comes into contact with at the dealer or shop is known as the service writer. If a customer has an air conditioner that blows hot, or a radiator that doesn't cool, the service writer is the first person to hear about it. The service writer then communicates to the service department what the problem is. A good service writer can listen to the needs of the customer and communicate these needs to the mechanics. With the sheer number of different problems that can occur with an automobile, the service writer has a tough job. The customer—being able to clearly communicate with the service writer what the automotive problem is—is the first step in getting the repair completed to satisfaction. When talking to the service writer about an automobile repair, try to communicate as clearly as possible what the problem is.

Beware Repair
If a breakdown of communication begins even before the job starts, the best path to take is another. Seeking a second opinion is common with medical issues and is also a good path to satisfactory automobile repair. Trust is built on communication. If the service writer or mechanic cannot clearly communicate what the solution to your automobile problems may be—then move on until you find someone that can. Even with the good majority of service writers, mechanics and repair shops doing honest work, there will always be a few shops out there attempting to cash in on unnecessary repairs. The way to avoid these shops is to stick to only the scheduled maintenance outlined by the people that manufactured the automobile. Steer clear of snake oil and miracle cures promising everlasting engines or untold improvements in mileage and performance.