Quantcast
Jump to content

I Must Be Insane - - It's my excuse for being a mechanic


Gonzo

Recommended Posts

I Must Be Insane

Insanity has been described as doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. Well, I must be insane, because every morning, as I drive to the shop and unlock the doors, I’m expecting today to be different than it was the day before. I haven’t exactly had any professional evaluations as to whether or not I’ve actually lost my mind or not, but I’ve got proof I must be at least a few sockets short in the old tool box. At least I have an excuse for what I do. How else can I explain dealing with all this car stuff if I’m not just a bit touched in the head? I’ll try to explain it, or at least try to make some sense of this senseless occupation I’m in.

Unlike a lot of trades where you learn the needed skills through college or trade schools, and then spend your career refining those skills, in this field nothing ever is the same. Just as soon as you master a system it becomes obsolete with something newer. Even though in a lot of professions the tools of the trade are improved from time to time the basic “product” doesn’t change. Now, you might find some people who will disagree, but let’s face it, a brick is a brick, wood is wood, dirt is dirt, and a doctor still only has two models to deal with.

Even changing oil isn’t a simple task anymore. It’s enough to drive a first year lube tech nuts trying to remember how to reset the oil lights. There’s everything from stomping the gas pedal three times to running through an on-screen menu, while holding down two buttons, or using a scanner to clear them. I can’t think of one person out there who has memorized all the different ways to reset the various oil reminder lights on every car. But, if there is, I really feel sorry for ya, dude. You need to find a new hobby; you’re just a little touched in the head fella.

Aside from your basic open end wrench and a screwdriver, there’s all these new-fangled tools and scanners and testing equipment you’ve got to learn. That alone can make a person dislodge a few marbles just trying to keep up with that stuff. Then, there are the various situations and interactions with the parts store, the other mechanics, busted knuckles, and of course, let’s not forget about the customer. I think I’m overdue for my trip to the sanitarium.

If you put the time into this job, take advancement classes, and study the latest systems you might be referred to as “an expert”. But, even then, you’re going to run across somebody who will say to you, “I hear you’re pretty good.” Honestly, I never know how to answer that; is it an insult or a complement? Depends on their tone of voice I guess. Sometimes I feel like the old gun slinger at the bar in an old western movie, you know the scene were this young whippersnapper comes strolling in and asks the same question to the old gun slinger?

Seriously, after three decades of doing this, I’m either completely crazy, or I must be pretty good at this car repair stuff. How should I answer that question? I’ll try anyway. I keep my piece, (peace) and answer with, “Sure am. What can I do for ya?” Even though, what I’d like to say is what that old gun slinger says to the young whippersnapper, “Ya come to find out? High noon, outside, be there.”

It’s just nuts I tell you, every day there’s a new challenge to my sanity. Take used car salesmen, no really… take them. These guys can be a shop’s best customer or some of their worst. The last one was no exception to that rule. His first comment to me was, “My boss said I needed to take this car to a reputable shop.” (I’m experiencing a few uncontrollable ticks and odd eyebrow twinges right about now. I usually get them when the crazy is about to come out, and I’m going to say something stupid that I’ll regret later.) My first thought is they know of a “non-reputable” shop out there and that’s where they get their cars serviced? Makes me want to go buy a car off of their lot right now. I guess this particular problem couldn’t be solved with the “Let’s swap parts until it’s fixed” method, so they’ve resorted to actually getting it diagnosed. And, I’ll bet this repair is either going to be way out of their budget, or be so simple that no matter what I charge it’s going to be too much. (Those twitches are getting a little more noticeable now.) Get the straight jacket and the rubber room ready, I’ll be there in a bit.

It turned out to be nothing major, just a faulty charging system. The computer picked up about a zillion codes for loss of communication due to low voltage. A new alternator and a bit of reflashing took care of the entire problem. Now, I had to deal with the boss.

Time for the interrogation and badgering over everything I described about the repair. Now I have to listen to how this guy could have done the entire repair with a rubber band and a toothbrush. Ok, call me crazy; call me nuts, I must be, to listen to this balderdash. I’ve heard it all before. Seriously, trying to belittle me only makes you … be little. I’m already so close to certifiable that trying to make me feel even more nuts than I already am ain’t going to make a bit of difference.

I know I’m not alone here; the line to the funny farm after too many years under the hood is quite long. Take this story another shop owner told me, “This guy wanted me to find a leak in his car. I checked it over but I didn’t find one. I thought I was losing my mind, he said there was a leak! I had to call him and tell him I couldn’t find it.” The customer answered, “That’s what I expected you to find.” Really? Now, if somebody tells me they have a leak in their car and I look for one and I don’t find it, I’m going to look again…, and again…, and again. But when the customer tells me there was never a leak and the only reason for all this fuss was to see how honest a mechanic I am, well crazy may not completely cover this one. He’s lucky to have kept his cool and not gone postal after that one!

 

Whether it’s because of the different cars, the different tools, or the different people at the counter, my sanity is always questionable. So, until I get checked out by the shrink, I’m going to go with the insanity plea as to why I’ve stayed at this trade for so long. Now it’s your turn to fess up. So, what’s your excuse?


View full article

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



Take from me, someone who has spent a lifetime in the auto business: after a while you can't help become a little battle-weary. The things we have seen over the decades has to take it's toll on you.

 

There are times when I just walk away. Let me give you a quick example. I walked into the waiting room the other day, and a customer yells out to me in front of other customers, "Joe, every time I come in here, I have to spend money. Your guys got me again." My reply, "Good morning to you too.", and I walked out of the office.

 

Apparently, this guy hit a pothole, split a tire in half and bent the wheel. Was he joking? Well, in comedy there is always a bit of truth.

 

If you think about what someone has to endure in this industry over time, it's amazing we all don't go postal!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Take from me, someone who has spent a lifetime in the auto business: after a while you can't help become a little battle-weary. The things we have seen over the decades has to take it's toll on you.

 

There are times when I just walk away. Let me give you a quick example. I walked into the waiting room the other day, and a customer yells out to me in front of other customers, "Joe, every time I come in here, I have to spend money. Your guys got me again." My reply, "Good morning to you too.", and I walked out of the office.

 

Apparently, this guy hit a pothole, split a tire in half and bent the wheel. Was he joking? Well, in comedy there is always a bit of truth.

 

If you think about what someone has to endure in this industry over time, it's amazing we all don't go postal!

Anymore, these type of situations make me laugh. Usually before the customer even realizes I'm laughing at them. I guess after you've been around as long as I have nothing surprises you anymore. It's a good to find a fresh "arsehole" with a different perspective on car repair. I would have walked by and said the same thing, but more than likely would have been laughing all the way to my office. LOL too funny.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gonzo, insanity is in the eye of the beholder. Its all about the individual reference point. I'll share a story with someone and they say "that's crazy", and I say naw..that's just Tuesday. Loved the article, as always.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
      The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
      Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
      And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.  
      Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi
      Many auto repair shops are still busy, and many are booked out from a few days to weeks.  After the initial shock of Covid, the recovery for our independent auto repair industry has been quite good, with many positive indicators for the future.
      However, how many of the auto repair shops that did suffer a great loss in business during the lockdown phase of Covid would have survived if not for the SBA loans, the Pay Protection Program and the Employee Retention Credit?  
      Building a cash reserve is crucial to prepare yourself for the next economic downturn.  How much should you set aside?  That depends on your business model, how much debt you have and other financial conditions.  Speak to your accountant, financial advisor and business coach, if you have one. 
      Rule of thumb, you should have at least three months of operating expenses set aside in a dedicated bank account.  Some accountants and financial advisors may suggest up to six months. 
    • By carmcapriotto
      Recorded Live at the 2023 Institute Summit, shop owner turned coach Jennifer Hulbert discusses the value of joining a coaching group. Find out what it's like to be in a coaching group with the Institute, and why she is passionate about celebrating other people's accomplishments.
      Jennifer Hulbert, Service Plus Automotive, Calcium, NY. Facilitator for the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence.
      Show Notes
      Has 3 coaching clients- discovering finances, gross profit, structuring segments of business, increasing billable hours, and implementing a parts matrix. Facilitating- a group usually consists of 18 to 20 shop owners. They are assigned a partner, they have an individual accountability partner along with access to their facilitator coach. Have three in-person meetings a year. Part of those in-person meetings is to evaluate the whole shop. Go in,  do a full evaluation of the shop, and give the owner feedback on areas for improvement. The other time is spent with training, and reviewing financial numbers, because if you don't know your numbers, you're never going to grow your business. In between, they have a couple of Zoom meetings as an entire group, and then the facilitator does reach out individually once a month.  Never be the smartest person in the room If you’re not learning, you’re not growing Celebrate other people's accomplishments Joining a coaching company- understand profits, understand the structure of a business, understand your numbers, and structure your finances to make a profit.  “Mama Bear of the Team”- Jennifer wants to see individual employees and their families succeed. Ensuring whatever decision you are making about the company is going to benefit your employees Women can do anything that a man can do Read the book “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business”- communicate clear goals, build a leadership team, and hold each other accountable. Increased sales by 38% 
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTO CARE Learn more about NAPA AUTO CARE and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com Connect with the Podcast: -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
         
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By ASOG Podcast
      Opening a Shop? Don't Make This Critical Mistake!
    • By carmcapriotto
      During Today's episode #104 The crew from SMP and I Talk About:
      What is a Chicken Flicker? Behind-the-scenes dirt on Kim & Brian from SMP What's the best part of your work day? What's the difference between a successful client and one that isn't? What would your advice be for a shop starting out that isn't able to hire someone like SMP? How cute is Dutton? Favorite Cartoon Character? What did you want to be when you grew up? What book are you reading now, if any?  
      This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:
       
      30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting  
      Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88
       
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Will diagnostic work overtake remove and replace work? How will you position and present your shop as a technologically advanced repair center? What training will our employees need? How will artificial intelligence impact our industry? Will we be prepared? Join Jake Sorensen, Chris Chesney and Derek Kaufman as they discuss the shop of the future. Jake Sorensen, 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All-Star technician of the year. Shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT Listen to Jake’s previous episodes HERE
      Chris Chesney, Training and Organizational Development, Repairify. Chris’ previous episodes HERE
      Derek Kaufman, Managing Partner, Schwartz Advisors, President of C3 Network. Listen to Derek’s previous episodes HERE
      Show Notes:
      Looking up and reading service procedures is already a must, but even more so as technology advances. Example: ADAS systems now require calibrations when performing repairs like an alignment or bumper cover removal. If you change a headlight assembly that requires bumper R&R, you may need to perform a radar calibration. The only way to know for sure is to read service information. Reading technical information/technical reading skills- much different than reading newspaper or Facebook posts, a book etc. Evelyn Wood speed reading course- reading with purpose An explosion of information- computing power for all industries  2022 captures over a trillion data points that will be aggregated to provide insights AI- mining data for trends Diffusion of innovation curve- 17+ years for EV’s We have expected Technicians to be masters of everything.  Many better diagnostic technicians are inefficient at R&R and do not enjoy it. Shift mindset to a technology industry Even today, electric vehicles account for 18% of new vehicles sold, and those won't be in our bays tomorrow. By 2030 the population of vehicles in operations, over 300 million, and only 8% will be electrified. Get ready, or some other service industry will beat you to the punch How are you presenting your shop to the public?
      Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.com
      Connect with the Podcast
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Subscribe on YouTube
      Visit us on the Web
      Follow on Facebook
      Become an Insider
      Buy me a coffee
      Important Books
      Support our partners:
           


      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...