How to Determine Auto Repair Labor Costs

Have you ever wondered how a shop determines how much labor to charge for a repair? Most service centers use a book, or computer software called a labor guide. This book lists practically every repair, for almost every car. This guide lists how long a specific repair should take for any make and model car, which allows a shop to estimate the labor charge before a hob is started. The guide gives the labor in time, not in dollars. The service center must multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours listed in the guide. For example, if a labor guide shows the number of hours it takes to rebuild a transmission, the service center would multiply its rate per hour by the number of hours to complete the job. Some shops consider their own experience when estimating the time for a specific repair. Look for a shop that specializes in the car or specific type of repair you need. If the repair you require is the shops specialty, the time it takes to complete the job can be cut in half.

If you are in a Denver auto repair shop for a repair and you suspect that you are being overcharged for the labor, try calling several other shops to ask them for an estimate on the amount of time they have listed in their labor guide. Most service centers will be glad to help you because they have a chance of getting a new customer. Ask them for the amount of time for the repair you need and the name of the labor guide they are using. If the labor price you are being charged does not agree with the labor guide, stop the repair before it starts and ask the service manager how he determined the labor price. If he cannot offer a good explanation, get out of there.You are the one in control. Make sure to get the repairs you want and nothing more.

How to Avoid Being a Bad Auto Repair Customer

Everyone would like to make a lasting and positive relationship with an Denver mechanic. There are a few things to avoid to ensure you are a good customer. First, never bicker and haggle over price. A customer that always comes in begging and argues over price will certainly end up on a mechanics bad side very quickly. Try to get the price settles quickly by doing research on the average price of the repair. You should know what the job will cost before you authorize starting on the project, so complaining after the job is finished. If you've done your homework and know you're getting a fair price, there's nothing wrong with acting as if you don't mind paying the price.

Another pro tip is to avoid spending too much time talking to mechanics and managers about things unrelated to your vehicle. A few kind words or some small talk is really all most mechanics have time for. This is especially true when you have them on the phone. You should state the reason for calling and get off the phone. Phone time takes the technician away from their work and other customers.

You can stay off a mechanics bad list by avoiding hanging over their shoulder to watch them work. This is uncomfortable for most people and can give the technician a sense of distrust. Wait in the customer lounge unless you are invited into the shop. Finally, if  you take your car to several shops don't attempt to haggle with this fact. If a manager believes that theirs is the only shop you visit, it puts you at an advantage.