How do mechanics determine labor hours?
How do mechanics determine labor hours?
Most auto repair shops quote labor charges using a “flat rate” manual or computer program that provides the average time it takes an experienced technician to perform a given car repair. That flat-rate time is then multiplied by the shop’s hourly labor rate to reach the total labor charge for the service.
How does labor time work in auto repair?
Part of the labor charged to the customer goes to the technician repairing the vehicle. The technician will quote the job at a certain amount of ‘hours’ or ‘tenths’. Let’s say for instance you need a water pump changed. The job might pay two and a half hours of labor time to the technician fixing it.
What to do if mechanic won’t show you labor hours?
Ask for a breakdown of the labor hours you’re being charged for, then ask to see the labor hours in the guide. If they don’t want to show you, or start making excuses to explain a discrepancy, or if the hours don’t match, it’s time to take your business elsewhere.
How many book hours does it take to repair a car?
You can also look at it as 2.5 book hours. That is the amount of time it should take for the average mechanic to do that certain repair. Some guys are slower than the allowed time, and some guys are faster than the allowed time.
How is flat rate labor applied to labor guide?
How and Why Flat Rate Labor Works Flat-rate labor is applied to labor guides. A certain amount of time is involved on replacing a car starter on a certain year, make and model vehicle. If the labor guide dictates it takes 2.3 hours to replace the starter, then the customer pays for the new starter, plus the 2.3 hours of labor to install it.
Part of the labor charged to the customer goes to the technician repairing the vehicle. The technician will quote the job at a certain amount of ‘hours’ or ‘tenths’. Let’s say for instance you need a water pump changed. The job might pay two and a half hours of labor time to the technician fixing it.
Ask for a breakdown of the labor hours you’re being charged for, then ask to see the labor hours in the guide. If they don’t want to show you, or start making excuses to explain a discrepancy, or if the hours don’t match, it’s time to take your business elsewhere.
What happens when it’s time to pay a mechanic?
If it’s time to pay and the costs go up significantly, something may be wrong. The shop may have made an honest mistake on the estimate, services required, or the final paperwork. But it’s also possible that someone is taking you for a ride. Most shops will honor original estimates at a loss in order to get your repeat business.
How does repairpal come up with labor estimates?
These estimates are developed by Master ASE Certified mechanics and based on both manufacturer and aftermarket parts. For labor pricing, we rely on labor guides and expert input. RepairPal is the leading source of estimates for Cars.com, Consumer Reports and Napa AutoCare.
