I’m Not A REAL MECHANIC Because I decline Hack Jobs???

Hey Good People,
There is a difference between an auto repair shop business owner versus a mechanic. Before I owned a shop, I had time to take on projects and go behind other people's mess and fix it. I had a couple bad experiences that taught me not to try to be the Hero. Sometimes things ain't worth doing, and all money ain't good money.
I have nothing to prove to anyone, especially people who are judging my decisions based off of a 60 second short they seen lol.
I thank all of you for subscribing to my channel and getting to know me and my wife and see that our intentions are good. We're just trying to run a business with integrity and make an honest living just like everyone else.
Leave you comments below, I love hearing from you guys!
Grab some MERCH : alex-the-car-d...
My favorite Tools From Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/alexthecardoctor

[@fehoward1900]

I was that mechanic when I was younger that could never get it right. I always made mistakes and I had a manger that just wouldn't give me a break. Finally, I had a guy that took me and said just slow down and if you have a question about something look it up or ask. Nothing wrong with doing a second check over.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

That’s right! I always tell my guys, come and ask question, come and get me if you need help.

[@stevenbarber2703]

i wish more people were like that :)

[@s.j.5850]

Double check & triple check like Alex says (because you may have other things on your mind).

[@warrenlewis3977]

​I see the Harbor Freight rachet and sockets at 33:50 lol. I can dig it 😅

[@HipHopBeatSource]

It is so rare these days to see a woman help build anything with her husband. Car Doc you are blessed beyond belief bro.

[@sdowdy9965]

It actually isn't. Change the crowd you run with. Respectfully.

[@bernardstevens3613]

Take care of your Family! I'm glad you have your priorities in order! I appreciate the Level of Quality you demand in your shop! Thanks for a Great Video!

[@sneelectronics8339]

Your wife is so cool there for you at work having your back. When my wife did th same client gave her a nick name..SHADOW 🤦🏾🤷🏿

[@THEPAPASMURFTHEOG]

Alex, you're good people.. you take responsibilty for your mess ups. and I like how u corrected it, without blaming the customer. Mrs car Dr, good to see you too my friend. keep up the great work my friends. thank you for all the videos, they're so educational; I hope everyone in your family gets to feelings better soon..

[@JustMe-pu3xm]

Alex is a man of integrity and accountability.. much respect 👍🏾

[@ZGDX_Smiling_]

*I can go off feel when tighten down all bolts, Engine bolts are a whole different story.*

[@Tythecarguyy]

Just declined an axle job dude thought he broke the axle shaft into the transmission turned out that was just the style of axle (2008 Chevy Malibu) and he had been prying on, beating up the input shaft of the transmission 😭

[@housepumpinpc3983]

You are a man with integrity. If you aren't messing up sometimes, you're probably not working.

[@royardfajardo4601]

New mic is working out great and sounding clear. With this set up, both of you can be heard clearly, even when you're a little further from each other.

[@josedelarosa6449]

I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy. Love your videos 🎉 Never second guess your first thought, it never works out.

[@aaliyahstar7803]

Love the way your wife compliments you. Men also deserve them from time to time. I do the same to mine love to see his face light up. Ladies compliment your men they be eating it up ❤

[@nathancamenzuli3329]

I started out working with a guy while doing my first year of mechanic school, I didn’t last 3 days with this guy and at the time I was devastated, I was scared of continuing to work in the trade but I insisted against the words of others and didn’t give up, today I have been employed with the same mechanic for a year and a half and also after work I do some mobile mechanic work, safe to say never give up in your dreams! ❤

[@dennisvandergriff7757]

You are superb!. Integrity and honest, may God bless you all and your business 🙏.

[@JayJay-mm3rm]

Love your channel, I just subscribed the other day..I installed my first cv axle on my 2008 nissan sentra, and some of your pointers helped me out...thank you 🎉...runs better now, I just gotta change the drum brakes on the back and front pads and then install a new Strut on the passenger front side..

[@csinalabama73]

It's the same in every single trade. When people ask how cheap you can do it, tell them you only do work the right way. Nobody goes to their doctor, dentist or accountant and asks them how cheap they can do it.

[@mgreenmg4919mg]

the best thing I can say is you definitely need a smoke machine to do the EVAP test. It will definitely save you a lot of time. There are some cheap ones online brother. love the videos as a new subscriber.. please keep up the good work. Definitely believe in you my man, and your passion for Quality and customer service.... FYI I see our personalities are just alike😂😎💯

[@ii-molon-labe-ii6814]

We love you Alex! No need to explain yourself brother! I wish i could meet you one day! -Kentucky-

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

⁠I’ve done it on a semi truck. I was being rushed on a job had to drain the oil and after all done I put the new gasket on the drain plug without taking the old one off causing it to leak but caught thank god on test drive before handing over to customer. It would be nice if management and customers could just slow down a little and not rush repairs.

[@chiefordnance]

Now it's German spec? GUTEN TIGHT 😂

[@monterreymxisfun3627]

When you buy a car, it often has poorly done work by the previous owner. Having a mechanic that's willing to untangle such messes is very important. I think I found one in Lawton, Oklahoma. As a customer, if it takes less than six months to untangle such messes, I consider that above and beyond.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

See if this mechanic has a cousin, brother or sister mechanic in southeastern PA 🤣🙏🙏🏽

[@codyhernandez1738]

The only doctor that I trust is Alex

[@wholeblends6224]

He doesn’t know anything about mechanics 🧰

[@gerardorios2676]

instead of blowing through stuff, I use my smoke machine to blow air through it and see if the valve opens and lets the air out or not. But that vacuum pump alex has is good to without needing a smoke machine. I just like the smoke machine for a visual look.

[@Gary-Ewing]

Hey Alex, IT TAKES A LOT TO TELL PEOPLE YOU MADE A MISTAKE!! For that I promise you have earned a load of points. Humbleness is what will get you far in life. No one wants to work with people who can't own up to their mistakes. Good deal brother! About the HACK job.. I think this should be something that you would need to discuss with the customer. Let them know up front of what they would need - In this case an entire motor and make them sign a waiver or a contract. CYA (Cover Your Azz) If something is too complicated, then you did the right thing. You are a project manager and every job you take on is a project.. If you feel like the project is something you dont want to work on, no shame in being up front and firm. Just tell them "Garbage in, Garbage out"...

[@mds2465]

I also remember you said that you work with another shop that you refer customers with German cars too. That's always good to know if there is a specialty shop in your area.

[@malikdey-nativemoor2923]

Ehh tight!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm weak. We love y'all. Actually got me thinking on joining the family mechanic business, my cousin could use the help

[@imfloridano5448]

To blow into the evap system design a low pressure nozzle device using your shop air at about 5-10 psi continuous

[@JimSix-jo6hf]

dang Alex it stinks about the boat engine, yes small block Chevys like a lot of timing, they will not misfire at idle with too much advance like most engines, but it looks like a piston failed, most reman engines come with cheap cast pistons detonation will break them real fast, since it looks like a piston and rod bearing replacement anyhow try to get a piston that will reduce chamber size, get comression over 9 to 1, then mark TDC on the balancer, about 38 degrees at 4,000 is about right for 9.5 to 1 with 93 octane it will go faster, I promise

[@superstartrill]

Not seeing Alex smile was scary. Hope that tech gets it together

[@Iatehmem]

Alex is a really nice boss. My paw paw would just smack me before yelling😂

[@rplace8737]

I just found your channel. You earned my sub with your honesty. I wish you success in your business. I will be watching.

[@nicholasharwood6688]

Great leadership from telling a costumer, what you did. You don’t find to many owners/leaders with that mentality

[@iracalbert6595]

No only a good mechanic but A Good Man 💯

[@Lordprimate]

i agree, and watched another video you did covering this topic. However, i have to say it does kinda have to suck for the person on the other end. they come to you because someone else fucked their shit up .. and the person that can more then likely do the job correctly , denies it , for liability reason. they have no choice but to back to the shitty mech. that sux. like i said though you have the right and absolutely should be able to deny work any time you wish., on any basis.. doent me that it doesnt suck for the person on the other end.

[@Mikey-wf9py]

I see issues with Hondas dilution in the oil... Injectors. I know it's a little bit older ones but still that's what a lot of people are buying because that's the generation that poor folks like me can afford. Unfortunately we get stuck with it. That's the tough part about not having a lot of money. You're always going to end up with somebody else's BS so you got to keep an eye on what you're buying

[@celestial4762]

We all make mistakes. I've had my couple run in's with only making the drain plug... we'll use it nicely: Finger tight. It happens in my shop as it's just my father and myself and I get distracted, have to answer the phone or answer the door. Many a times I've gotten that weird feeling even after lowerinig the vehicle I second-guess myself and think "Did I tighten that thing down?"

[@s.j.5850]

Making a mistake with a drain plug can be a costly mistake. What happens if all the oil drain out while the engine is running?

[@celestial4762]

@s.j.5850 you're correct, the engine pops. But at the end of the day a mistake is a mistake. It's not like techs go out of their way to just purposely leave drain plugs loose. I mean unless they have a grudge against someone.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

@@celestial4762I’ve done it on a semi truck. I was being rushed on a job had to drain the oil and after all done I put the new gasket on the drain plug without taking the old one off causing it to leak but caught thank god on test drive before handing over to customer. It would be nice if management and customers could just slow down a little and not rush repairs.

[@chiefordnance]

In the Army I would've had him carry a 3/4" torque wrench or the 1" Manual Impact Wrench for a week.

[@sdowdy9965]

I'm glad everyone is doing well Nephew!

[@germaineboulware8697]

U the man bro. Learning a lot.

[@AlonzoJohnson-l4m]

Me too😮

[@jessiebrown2987]

Man, I turned down a lot of stuff even though sometime I go back and forth with myself and I want to take the job. But I think about the liability and the time that's in it. Is it worth it? Nope you right I agree 1,000%.

[@TheCapitalB]

This is the best I mean the best channel on KZbin! Love and blessing family as always from North Cakalakaak -in Alex voice 😆

[@davlet53209]

That’s something I learned as a tech

[@JerryCannon-m1e]

I decline lawn equipment repair too. I ain't got time for folk wanting to take me to court

[@mds2465]

Yes you can blow smoke through vacuum hoses to check for vacuum leaks. People do that all the time. The best way to check for vacuum leaks is with a smoke machine.

[@davidlopez7330]

All money is not good money love it. I was once working with a colombian dudd and we kept on working on the car and still had issues. We decided to just junk thr car and he told " uno se pone a trabajar tanto que dejas de gacer dinero" translates to english one starts working so much that you stop making money. Its stuck with me forever.

[@christopherharsha7102]

Those some good mics I can damn near feel the car running through them and you cutting it off. 😂

[@FreshBeatsification]

Damn Firestone. When I worked at Enterprise rental cars, Firestone would try to charge us for all kinds of unnecessary work, I had to keep a close eye on them for years.

[@PhilStewart-xf9rp]

Most of the time when a "customer" brings you a car to "repair" someone else's hackery, there is ALOT MORE HACKERY in other areas of that vehicle and they only brought to you because it is too hacked to be hacked again

[@yactabay]

Better to loose than so tight he ruins the threads. Then taking it out is a pain. Then after that either fix the threads or install a new oil pan. I would rather install a new oil pan and check for stuff the magnet might not catch. You can check the oil pump filter/screen/strainer. Pick your word for it. Strainer is probably best.

[@AllanHoliday-s7z]

Best to use torque wrench. Some cars use aluminum pans like Subaru. Also be very cautious in removing and tightening the oil plugs due to you can cross thread the threads very easy on Aluminum pans. Also always replace the gasket if car requires a gasket.

[@nigeltapp7370]

I can say this ignore the ones that's saying you're not a mechanic, because some car you don't wanna work on Half of these. No good mechanics. Don't want to even touch a car that have that type of problems like that truck Keep doing what you doing. Keep the customers happy.

[@renj6531]

Big box hmm " Pep boyz" as much as walmart screws up simple oil changes I rule them out on account they dont do brakes.

[@s.j.5850]

You often get what you pay for in regard to oil changes. How much are they paying their mechanics? Are they inclined to do a good job? When in doubt just do it yourself if you're mechanically inclined, that way you know what you did & did not do.

[@lucidethos]

9:55 Alex the Rizz Doctor !! 😅😅

[@Gooose1309]

ALEX!! Missed your videos. Hope the kids are alright, don’t forget. Family always comes first ☑️

[@BKD414]

LOL @ your Wife overheating at the begining, thatss real love. But That Raider was insanely modified by Mcgivor himself, you def dont want to tear that rabbit whole down, be setback 3 months too much a risk. Productivity wins

[@masterofnone7846]

Don't be 2 nice Alex!Employees need to know ur business is on da line everytime a car comes thru.Never be afraid to fire someone it's strictly business.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

This is true! Slow to hire, quick to fire!

[@s.j.5850]

You have to be on point when you are working on someone's car. They do not want to hear excuses when things go wrong. You need sharp mechanics to work on cars, the more meticulous the better.

[@scamchan]

If the job that costly to do then you need a deposit down before you start turning wrenches on it. PERIOD and if they not willing to put the deposit down. You probably need a diagnostic fee too.

[@cliveleslie7004]

Amen all money is not good money good decision keep the shop flowing in and out jobs love that decision.

[@travisstigers7458]

Firestone is known for up charging!! You come in for a oil change and you leave with their sorry blowout tires and a brake job and you didn't need any of them

[@curtisj2165]

Alex you are right not to touch those German money pits. They can be expensive nightmares that will have their owners crying when they get their bill

[@s.j.5850]

That's what happens when you put form over function (reliability). They may look nice, but they tend to have a lot of issues & the parts are expensive.

[@joshimirobot8266]

It doesn’t take long for that oil to leak out completely, I do my own oil changes and I’m finally starting to develop that mmm feel for the drain plug after many years! My favorite engine to do oil changes has to be the dreaded 3.6 pentastar… my least favorite 2.5 VW, that cover is a pain in the * when you can’t fully lift the car up! How about yours Dr?

[@ozzmann3217]

Snap on makes the best hand tools imo… not scanners or anything electric I run Milwaukee but I do keep the long 3/8 14.4 ratchet and the 3/8 14.4 impact gun solely bc the trigger with what I work on sometimes you are hanging one handed and gotta reach something with the other arm both directions besides that Milwaukee beats the power there too

[@vincenth3481]

Love the videos, Family comes first. Hope All is well!

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Hope that tech understands baseball because he has one more strike.

[@Kevo_OTM]

I see your eyes mr Alex take a good rest for a moment u got this buddy take care

[@orinmangar2333]

That is crazy. He should go over the tightening of the drain bolt twice. Make that a habit. If a tech can't do a successful oil change, he has no business working on cars. Period. You need to let him go, and hire someone else. I would check the work of the new employee until I am assured he is competent.

[@s.j.5850]

Harsh but true. Those are costly mistakes that were caught early. Could have been a lot worse - engines are not cheap.

[@tedwilliams8766]

alex, the mic sounds great!! when it comes to car shield, id say goodbye. they dont care about you if theyre not paying your rates and they dont care about their customers if they want to haggle about which parts to pay for which takes up your customers time and your time. car shield might have started out as a benefit but its sounding like a liability now. jmho. question. do you have a recommendation for a $500ish scanner? im not a pro but im very capable mechanically. i have an autel mx808v but looking for something with bi-directional controls for doing some testing. was looking at topdon or autel but would appreciate your recommendation. thank you.

[@kennycunningham8721]

I was in business from 1980 to 2015 and there is a handful of things I would not touch one was if you are smart enough to get your parts then surly you can do the job the 2nd was if someone started the job the they can finish it I don't want it.

[@s.j.5850]

For me each situation is unique, but you are right to have rules on what you will work on due to your past experience. Some jobs become pandora's box jobs & some customer attitudes are not worth the headache.

[@joeabate1397]

Firestone did the loop on the brake hose that made the brakes to overheat that’s my guess doc

[@nymack66]

Like my father told me, son, even the best carpenter in the world will not work on all homes.

[@izzyram31490]

There are not too many mechanics like Alex, the car doctor.. I see the frustration with the failure of your tech.

[@xknucklebusterrr3852]

After I tighten or torque drain plugs I apply security seal. If it’s not there it’s not tight or it ain’t right.

[@johnsullivan1038]

It's on your shoulders too make it better than when it comes into the shop!

[@k1assic]

Firestone at it again lol😂 that's my guess on the brakes

[@SLF-nw2yc]

If the drain plug wasn't tight I'd go ahead and check the filter as well.

[@mhk67091]

You advanced the timing that caused engine knock or detonation in the combustion chamber.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

What you mean how?

[@Lexicon345]

You sound like Kat Williams. I love it. Great job man!

[@MrDino237]

Nothing like a honest mechanic

[@QuantumShow2022]

22:00 a shadetree guy told me I had a bad da-da-daa, but I needed a whatsmajig, but to make sure I keep an eye on my doohickey but it's okay for now :D

[@bobbywhite1309]

Its a purge valve its not closing all the way sometimes

[@diondebrue3851]

When I was in the streets I would always tell the guys all money ain't good money indeed!!!!!!!!!!

[@patsgarage8370]

Yes car shield is a trip and a few others

[@anthonydargenio3536]

Whatever you think it will cost to fix double the price and if the customer is willing to pay it make it worth your time....

[@adamgoof]

They're about to torque wrench different items when they do oil changes that's what they tell me at , Volkswagen

[@jthonn]

There is only one way to do any job, do it right, and do it right the first time. Do we make mistakes? Yes everybody does and as long as you make it right is all that matters, and most people understand that. There are some that don't, we won't go there right now. When you own your own business, you have to make a profit or you won't be around long. Never worry about what the other guy is doing. Hack jobs, no way! Sorry about the boat engine, I hope you find a decent mechanic, lmao. They claim that you don't really have "break in" periods anymore, but I always take it easy for a while, even on a rebuilt engine, heck, even on a valve job. Just my 2 cents. Just keep on strokin' Alex and it will all come out in the wash. Have a good one.

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

It’s time consuming like building a race car go from one problem to the next

[@cloutgod2081]

Torque wrench Joe😂😂😂😂 gotta love this Fool

[@michaelbryant4820]

Your to the point it sounds like you should choose your customers. You already see what you’re going to get into and going to be on the phone trying to get more and more approved to make worth while.

[@quizzkid1]

Yes, l blows through stuff just to get a personal accurate reading of what I work on if I need to

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Everyone makes mistakes, I don't care if you have 50 years of experience, we all mess up once in awhile. Learning from it is another thing, some people step up, while others don't and keep doing it over and over again. Unfortunately sometimes you have to let that person go. As a boss you can only cover for someone so many times, as your business and rep can take a hit with these big mistakes and comebacks, there is a limit to everything. As I'm sure you are aware, rushing a job, in itself, can be a recipe for disaster, I've seen it time and time again working at a dealership. Pushing your workers beyond reason.... is never a good idea.

[@s.j.5850]

A loose drain plug is not a "mistake", especially when you were the one who screwed it in the first place. It's the one plug you have to tighten when you put it in - not sometime later. Since you cannot see if it's tight by eye, tighten it ASAP.

[@JacksAutoDiagnostics]

That's a large shop! I think I will stay in my backyard. While I do have a day job, I'm shop foreman at a tire shop. I have no interest in paying shop rent! The current owner has been in business over 20 years and the shop payment not rent was only 1400. Everything was more affordable just a few years ago.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Listen, to keep it real with ya, I miss working out of my front yard sometimes 😩

[@luisbaez8492]

@alexthecardoctor did you pay your ticket? lol. Love the content. Keep them coming.

[@thomaslee4725]

Dear Alex, being in the same industry but now retired. You have to pick and choose your battles. My friend some battles or in and out some battles are a week. Some battles are worth it. Some aren't for you my friend. You got a good name. You got a good heart. Get a core of customers that are wonderful that don't mind paying keep on their car. Keep them happy. Keep them going over your career. You will find that's better for you. Your wife. The business keeps you out of trouble. Keep shariff Raff away from your place. I'm sorry I have to say it like that but you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's kind of people that come up here and say hey man. Can I spend $3 on a on a terror every single day? God forgive them but it is necessary. You run a good great business. I thank you for that. God bless!

[@warrenlewis3977]

I see those Harbor Freight sockets !! 😅

[@WhereHasMySanityGone]

Wow... hearing more and more bad stuff about Carshield and Endurance.. They are good as taking ppl 💸 and even better at NOT paying for customer repairs. SMH

[@Mikey-wf9py]

One day at a time. It's worth it! It's so worth it being sober. I promise you

[@horacecurtis5883]

Alex i wish all mechanics was like you I'm from B-more

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It’s some good ones out there, they’re just not online 👨🏽‍🔧🩺 Shout out to B-More!

[@mlee5091]

over filling fuel tank,

[@alexandergunaka666]

I tell all car shield customers up front the issue and unfortunately they must pay me and get reimbursed by them. This way I avoid both ends of the argument.

[@AlonzoJohnson-l4m]

Top shirt collar placement