Cars are not so easy to repair nowadays. For every vehicle that needs to be repaired, they need to be diagnosed. Just like doctors that take MRI’s, CAT scans, and blood work to determine what is wrong with someone's health. Technicians must test all fuses, look for electrical draws, and scan many computers. Each of these tests and scans take time, knowledge, and resources to complete. The test and scans determine the root cause of your vehicle's problems. These computers allow for the vehicles to be more advanced than they used to be, but it causes them to be difficult to repair and maintain. To complete most repairs,technicians need to use a diagnostic tool that requires special training. There is also the cost of the scan tools and other value that some shops may add. These factors all go into the overall price of car repairs.
Diagnostic labor and training
Cars are no longer just nuts and bolts, they have nuts, bolts and could have up to 200 computers inside them. These computers require scanning to identify the problem. The more “fancy” vehicles like the European and Exotic vehicles have even more computers. These vehicles can sometimes take up to an hour or more to scan. There are also many tests and procedures a tech will have to go through for each vehicle. People wonder why it is so expensive to fix their vehicle, but they do not realize what the tech must do to fix their car.
For a technician or mechanic to do the vehicle repair correctly, they must know how to use the scan tools and what to scan for. Cars are getting more technologically advanced, which means technicians need to know or be trained in how to scan the computers to find out what is wrong with the car. Some shops send their technicians to special training for their tools and procedures. This may include PICO scope training, and car make specific training. These training classes can be expensive, but they alsoprovide a great return for the technicians.
Expensive tools and equipment
Along with the training and experience that technicians or mechanics need, they also need the proper tools to complete the scans. The best auto shops have the tools needed to complete the job properly. There are specific tools for each car make that are relevant for the same car make. There are also specific tools for European and Japanese vehicles. This means that shops that purchase these tools might have to spend $4,000 - $12,000 just for a tool for one car make.
The PICO scope is an example of one tool that is used. This tool allows the tech to check and scan the computers in vehicles to make sure they are working properly. Just like a heart monitor that doctors use to check the vital signs of a patient, Technicians need to use a PICO scope to check on the computers of a vehicle. Some of the tools and scanners that repair shops use charge a monthly subscription fee, for these tools to work properly there is also IT support for the tools.
A lot of the equipment that is needed for auto repair shops could be anywhere from a few hundred to fifty thousand. This is obviously a wide range of prices, but it is the truth. A simple tool like sockets and wrenches could be as “inexpensive” as $300 compared to other necessary tools and equipment. For instance, a tire machine, which is especially important for any shop that wants to mount and balance tires, which is necessary for proper repairs and maintenance could be anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.
Some technicians that work at repair shops are so experienced and highly educated that they are guaranteed to get the job done right. They might be a little more expensive than your friend in his garage and might have some experience but could cause other problems with your vehicle, especially if he or she does not fix your car properly. Great repair shops have technicians that have the experience and education to back up their work and they will be guaranteed to get the job done right. Some repair shops might even hire ASE Master Certified Technicians. These Technicians have passed at least 8 ASE tests to be considered Master Technicians. But Technicians that are considered ASE certified are the best of the best, and shops that hire these technicians care about their clients by providing them with the best technicians to work on their vehicles.
Insurance and liabilities
Like all businesses out there, there are many insurance requirements for that business to run. For example, workers compensation, and renter’s insurance. Also, for repair shops they also need to have the garage keeper's liability, and loaner vehicles insurance. Although not many shops offer loaners so this insurance does not apply to all shops. With all these insurances combined, an average repair shop may need to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 a month on insurance depending on the size of the repair shop.
The value that the best repair shops may add
- - 3 year/36,000-mile warranty. So, you do not have to worry if something goes wrong with your vehicle that has been recently fixed.
- - Loaner cars for when you just cannot go without a vehicle
- Wash and vacuum all vehicles. You get your vehicle back nice and clean as well as fixed properly.
- Better client service, where you are treated as a person not just a number.
In summary, with the excessive cost of having the proper tools to diagnose your vehicle and then adding Technician's wages and other employees' salaries, property and employer taxes, utilities, insurance, and mortgage or rent, the cost of doing business at a repair shop is costly. The overhead expenses for any repair shop are high. To stay in business, auto repair shops need to break- even at least if not, they will go out of business because of how much expenses goes into running an auto repair shop. Hopefully, the above content made it easier for you to understand why auto repair shops tend to be expensive. Also, remember when dealing with auto repair shops it is important to remember how good the client experience is. If you are welcomed, appreciated, and your service had value in the shop you go to. Other than the price, you have no problems with the shop, then that could be just where the auto repairs industry is heading, and it is important to understand the costs that go into running a shop or any business for that matter.
Where do you find the right mechanic that brings value with their services?
At Elite Auto Repair we want the best for our clients so they can be safe on the road with their families. Elite has been in business for 24+ years. They serve their clients with honesty and transparency. We have 3 ASE Certified Master Technicians and one Technician that is 3 tests away from being a world-class Technician, we are honored by having these surgical technicians waiting to solve your automotive needs. If you want to find a good mechanic that stands by their work and offers a Nationwide Warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, then Elite Auto Repair has the mechanics for you. They provide the value and quality service that you deserve. If you are still hesitant, read a review from one of our loyal clients “Very thorough and professional. Their diagnosis and attention to detail is A+. The front desk was very friendly and understanding. They do great work, is it cheap? Not exactly. But it is fair pricing for the quality of work and peace of mind. I will be a return customer.” So, if you want honesty and transparency, and you are in the Warwick area, then call Elite Auto today at 401-736-8942 to schedule your appointment or you can make an appointment at eliteautori.com.