Techs Not Doing Their Job -Caution this is a Rant!

[@cardo1111]

The chain store didn't want to tell the customer they were not qualified to do the job. Instead of doing the right thing and sending them to a qualified shop, they wanted to make some money off the customer without regard to potentially destroying their engine. It's the bad apples that taint the whole industry.

[@vinces8974]

It seems as though lots of people don’t do their jobs anymore properly not just techs, Seems to be a rash of incompetence in every industry

[@waterloo123100]

Just seems like most people are getting lazy. In all fields

[@Sagittarius-88]

The incompetence in the workforce is nothing compared to the incompetence in the government. LoL

[@andygilbert1877]

Not just incompetent and lazy though, dishonest in this case. Theft basically.

[@TechMay]

Love the rants. That’s how mechanics get bad names !

[@diegorubio1073]

That’s why i tell the younger guys at the dealer I don’t care how fast I do things I care about the quality of my work and repairing the vehicle correctly .

[@detailedautodiagnostics]

You are 💯 % correct and you just blasted A LOT of people and YES we have a shit ton of hacks that need to go!!!!

[@chezplaysdandysworld]

I agree with this but the other side of this is that even around here.that shops are getting rid of the older and experienced techs for cheap inexpensive techs that know nothing like bigger companies have. As with that, some good people gets mixed up with that and never get taught right that want to learn.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

The other side is the good people working in other inustrys, making more money, less body pains less tool costs or none and being super happy. Not for all i guess. Then theres the techs that only know one brand or only know basic services. Knowing ONE brand and that's it....it's good if you stick to it, otherwise you're near useless in most cases IMO. Only knowing basic repairs well its ok for a beginner tech and that's it.

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Yep Sir ...

[@barryeverson9320]

I hate "technicians" that do that shit .. my former shop Forman at my dealership was getting away with that all the time . I would see him pull in recalls and never replace the parts . Just put the car up halfway on the lift X walk away for a few and come back and roll it out .. I get pissed when people do that shit . I understand as a dealer technician I am gonna get screwed on recalls and warranty jobs a lot but I still do the job correctly .. hacks who don't do their job should just give up and leave the trade .

[@dan260140]

That one dislike was the guy who topped off the universal coolant 😂

[@greasee.monkey7224]

I have worked with far too many of these people over the years. Want to sell simple, quick jobs instead of actually repairing the vehicle. Great rant, much needed for the hacks that just want to line their pockets. 👍👍

[@sydsyd]

There are many many people in industries that they DON'T BELONG! I agree with your rant!💯👍👍👍👍👍

[@stansbornak8116]

I am here for the rants!

[@2shops1roof]

@flat rate master agreed, same places that will charge the customer $100 "diag" to read a code only, then I have to explain that was not actually diagnosing anything. Only propagates the negative view many people have about techs and shops.

[@offroaddemon1991]

Your videos help me stay on track sometimes I slip a little into hack world then I just say to myself what would the flat rate master do and then I get back on track lmao

[@autodrglen5634]

A coolant flush would never have fixed an overheating anyways.

[@CubasAutomotive]

Semi blocked rad or small crud stuck on t-stat.... it could (not too caked*). Especially using certain air powered flushers (I've done it). Not many instances or times it could fix anything but there have been, I've seen it 1st hand.

[@autodrglen5634]

@@CubasAutomotive A flush is not a repair procedure to remove crud... It will not remove attached barniicel-like crud. There is no flow occuring during a flush that is greater than the normal flow from a water pump. You might add something that will dissolve a minute amount. But will not be significant in the face of the overwhelming significance of the amount needed to cause an over heat. A "flush" is not a flush... It is a fluid exchange service intended to prevent crud by removing the acids that build up and cause the crud. Changing the coolant after the problem has occured, is like changing your oil expecting it to reverse the damage done from failure to change it before.

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Not exactly true , Really weak coolant concentration , with fans coming at set temperature of 230 degrees F . Can overheat. Although very rare . A certain dodge caravan early 2000s comes to mind .

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@autodrglen5634 again.... I use a tool that uses air & water made by OTC, I believe. It well more powerful than a water pump using a powerwash type of power. Lol 😆 I've done it and have been successful, especially on older cars that need a "Hail Mary". It's not necessarily a proper repair procedure.... but as I said, not everyone can afford replacing it all, especially after this rona nonsense. Elderly clients, etc. No warranty or anything. But if it can prolong proper running of a 20 yr old vehicle it's a win. I'm not the only one who has done this and succeeded. Fellow YTer and friend has also done this, as EricO at SMA has as well.

[@autodrglen5634]

@@inverseuniverse5727 How did the coolant become weak? From repeatedly adding water only? Sounds like an unresolved root cause.

[@johnleinen9409]

Some shops use a Clear coolant and add the appropriate dye color to save money, as some red or new ford special green coolant is costly.

[@JB-423]

some just use a little water

[@michaelmclarney1994]

We have the same problems in the UK. I have a good independent garage local to me, they do the work properly and charge way less than the main agent 👍

[@shaneman20]

That kind of thing irks me something fierce. Even worse when that kind of thing happens in the same shop. If you can't diagnose issue or don't want to at least make an effort to try, do yourself a favor and stay on the lube rack or find some other mindless job to work. Period.

[@RenegadesGarage]

Flat Rate Master... That is exactly why I am the only one that works on my vehicles...

[@ghostwrench2292]

So true!

[@dro2204]

Customers need to understand. You get what you pay for... That goes for EVERYTHING!

[@StilettoSniper]

And that's bullshit too. I've had plenty of past experiences where I've had monkeys masquerading as mechanics fuck up my vehicles and I still received a bill from the shop for labor at $100+/hr and parts marked up more than 2x what they paid for them. You do NOT necessarily get quality by paying more, just like you don't turn a monkey into Einstein just by paying him more.

[@johnburgett5040]

The first thought I had when you said it was overheating was a bad water pump. Even more when you said it was dripping.

[@1337penguinman]

I work at one of those chain stores, but I try and do my job right. Gets somewhat difficult sometimes when after 15 mins of diag and I'm not ready to throw a part at it the boss tells me "take a guess and ship it." And before you say I'm either slow or exaggerating, I timed it once. He's not a tech himself (came up as a service writer) so he doesn't get that sometimes, yes, you can diag something that quick and other times you have to dig a little bit.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Sounds like coupon chain store disease? Or the flushed it and the water pump, or a poor connection someplace let go. Coolant is wrong on the ticket. Either is very possible.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

He was trying to get his 60 hours but only work 30 that’s the flat rate dealer life IN AND OUT AS MANY AS YOU CAN DO . You don’t want to be on the bottom of the spread sheet they post in the break room showing billed hours

[@harold6863]

We have a big flat screen monitor on the workshop wall. No one wants to be the lowest.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

Yeah guys are at the bottom of that list they don’t hang around too long what’s the time they get cut by management and then the guy who is the buffet is now at the bottom of the list so it’s a nasty attrition game they play

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@sonofmontezuma3732 it's a huge reason why I hate flat rate. No incentive to perform quality work, just cutthroat slimy mindset coupled with cutting corners.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

@@CubasAutomotive yes it’s very cut throat and the managers look always as long as they are making them money

[@ghostwrench2292]

I don’t give a fuck about the board in the break room! My cars leave my bay properly repaired and I’m proud of that. I’ve had to fix cars from guys at the top of the list before!

[@eddieds312]

When auto repair gives you lemons you make universal coolant

[@PhillyDee215]

I've worked in shops like that🤦‍♂️

[@CubasAutomotive]

I'm absolutely fine with the rants. This ticks me off to no end as well!! Or the lack of verifying the worked performed, for 2 reasons. To fix whatever issues the customer originally had or to just be sure there are no leaks or loose connections/hoses/something missed!! Grrrr..... too often I find a vehicle freshly done, and hose clamps are missing and pouring out coolant. Or new codes pop up due to lack of plugging something back in!! IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG to run a vehicle after and double check your work!! Have pride!! Show care in the work you do... ALWAYS do the best job possible no matter the task or don't do it at all!! **end of my rant** Lol thanks Mike. Love how you actually care about what you do and try to address these things

[@baileyhatfield4273]

One big thing there yeah. if you don't verify the repair...theres no point in doing it. Maybe you did fix that issue that they came in for, but maybe you go for a quick ride and huh somethings clunking REAL bad or huh sounds noise, huh the brakes don't feel great, got a mad vibration on and on. To be fair, one time i did like...an oiil change, that's it. Boss man said ''did u test drive it?''...it was like a 2 year old car, everything checked out good, looked good basically brand new. I went out for a ride, yep its good. When doing actual repairs sure test drive but yeah.

[@ghostwrench2292]

I don’t know how a tech can send out a car with his name on RO without being certain the car is fixed.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Soooo What Was The Problem That Caused the Leak FRM 😮😲

[@LoneWolfSparty]

Probably thermostat/water outlet housing. Possibly water pump or maybe coolant pipe if it's a 1.8.

[@frugalprepper]

We maybe it needed a flush, but now it's leaking. And maybe he put universal coolant on the ticket but actually used some Dexcool!

[@ericgunter45]

Just this week a guy dropped off a 2016 Silverado. The quick lube place told him he needed a harmonic balancer and that it was so bad it was dangerous to drive it.

[@gregsmobileautomotiveacrep1731]

LoL, I had a customer a few years ago that had the mixed coolant makes mud problem on an Impala, heater core, radiator was needing a flush and refill. Sent them to a good radiator shop, because I didn't have the ability to do it. About a year later the customer gets ahold of me for a CEL and a window regulator, and asks if I can install a new coolant bottle because the old one is stianed. I say sure, take care of the CEL, and replace the regulator, go to do the bottle, pull the cap off of the radiator to get ahold of the little overflow hose, and there's still this sludge in the radiator. I ask the custo.I when they pick up the car, they say they didn't go where I recommended, and the shop they took it to said they replaced the radiator and it wouldn't need a flush! I dont think they even replaced the radiator, but they charged over 500 to do it.

[@Dc5Knightv2]

When I see that I have the customer come to the back and take a look to show I’m not lying about the other shop messing up otr lying and I get them to take it back or call them to complain and maybe they will pay the bill we gave for the new parts or repairs

[@WBOS72]

So sad, those hacks need to be held accountable.

[@ryans8309]

And this is why people don't trust shops.I see it all the time, Do it right or don't do it at all.

[@anthonygm85]

Do the job right take pride in your work even if it cost you a little money and time When did we lose the pride for the job

[@TheOverisel]

Many many chain shops, independents and even dealers have no diagnosticians in their employ. Ironically those shops continue to take on jobs they know they do NOT have the ability to repair. The Louisiana shop owner Louis Altizan has a Q&A podcast and he insists the customer - when presented with a diagnosis simply ask "If I pay you for the repair you just mentioned WILL IT FIX THE PROBLEM?" If they him and haw- or say NO then go to another shop. Of course there are some electrical gremlins that can be trial and error but in my town plenty of shops and dealers fire the parts cannon - the customer pays and the problem was NOT fixed.

[@foodskewed9197]

I put a steering rack in fusion the other day. Came from another shop and they said it was physically broken plus it had a bunch of parts cannon parts on it. Turns out the pscm just went bad and kept telling the car it was turning left so it would bind when you tried to turn right. I hate people that give honest, good technicians bad names

[@dro2204]

That also could be that the other shop doesn't diagnose very well... There's plenty of techs who THINK they can diagnose but in reality couldn't diagnose a broken spark plug wire

[@nbates723]

@@dro2204 I’m a truck mechanic. Last night, I was on google trying to find some info about a code that’s not in the troubleshooting guide. I came across 1 of these “ask the expert” pages. Somebody posted about a problem with their Freightliner Cascadia. The “expert” asked if he had checked his spark plugs

[@theswissmechanic]

Universal Coolant is bullshit. Maybe 30 years ago when all cars used IAT (Green dyed) coolant, yes there was a universal coolant because there wasn't many options. Modern day cars don't take universal coolant. IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) stopped being used in the early 2000s. GM stopped it in the 90's and switched to Dexcool, which isn't really compatible with ANYTHING. The other American brands all are HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant based. Then you have the import brands which varies widly. BMW has always used SHOAT (Silicate-enhanced HOAT), Audi/VW uses SHOAT, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), or SOAT (Silicate-enhanced OAT) depending on the year of the vehicle. MB uses SHOAT or SOAT. Asian manufacturers don't really vary and used HOAT in the 90's years and have switched to POAT (Phosphate-Enhanced OAT). With so many coolant types with different metallurgy and components, there is no such thing as Universal Coolant and the only shops selling coolant drain and fills/flushes with Universal Coolant are cheap hacks throwing in the cheapest coolant they could buy by the barrel instead of just stocking/ordering-on-demand the correct coolant for a vehicle. Thank you for coming to my tedTalk

[@StilettoSniper]

I do not favor universal coolants any more than I favor universal transmission fluid as they all represent serious compromises in function over convenience. One thing I would point out though is that DexCool is not entirely unique to itself. Rather, it is an OAT. There are several primary and third party branded OAT coolants that are specifically designed to be 100% compatible in vehicles requiring GM DexCool (which is made for GM by Havoline).

[@theswissmechanic]

@@StilettoSniper from my experience dexcool doesn't like to play nice when mixed with others and is generally formulated differently. So for GM vehicles, it's better to just put in dexcool or dexcool-specced coolant instead of mixing coolants around. So in my mind, it's in its own category. There's a huge science behind the formulations that can be delved into but it's simpler for techs just to remember, 'Put the coolant specification the manufacturer calls for'.

[@StilettoSniper]

@@theswissmechanic Yes, I totally agree with you on this "it's better to just put in dexcool or dexcool-specced coolant instead of mixing coolants around". Techs should not try to be amateur chemists.

[@theswissmechanic]

​@@StilettoSniper Yep. But also cheap shops will be cheap shops. Firestone has uses BARRELS of 'universal coolant' and after I educated myself on the differences, I pushed for 'Genuine' or 'Equivalent Spec' coolant for any coolant services I recommended instead of their 'coolant flush'. The machine wasn't bad, but I prefer my vacuum filler at the dealership now.

[@StilettoSniper]

@@theswissmechanic You are exactly right in my book! And this is why I do my own coolant changes and never take it into a shop, because I have zero trust in any so-called "professional" performing the job correctly any longer. So instead, I purchase the correct OEM-spec coolant for my vehicles and have invested in access to factory service manuals to identify the correct procedure for each vehicle I own. And purchase the correct tools to perform the job, including a brass vacuum fill tool. And when one of my vehicles needed a new radiator, I did a complete flush of the old coolant and replaced the radiator, hoses, clamps and thermostat myself with OE and OEM parts for a small fraction of what I would have been charged for substandard work.

[@larryborkstrom3580]

It's a shame they give the techs who do the right thing a bad name with themselves for what they do

[@snapmac5547]

My experiences with this type of ''service'' is why I do my own work now. A lot of good techs out there but no one wants to be taken advantage of.

[@StilettoSniper]

100% agree with you SnapMac. The good techs out there are few and far between unfortunately, seems like no one gives a shit about performing the repair and not doing more damage to the customer's vehicle than it came in with. Which is why I, like you, have been doing as many of the repairs I can on my vehicles for the last few decades. It's not just auto repair though; try and find a plumber that isn't afraid of soldering copper pipe nowadays!

[@jamespizzi6689]

I have seen a lot of chain store sell flushes at the front counter, for an issue. Years ago I walked away from a job , because they sold a brake flush to a guy that had a bad master cylinder. What he needed was a proper inspection and repair not a flush. He left there $100 out and a soft pedal. I heard all this happened just during the interview.

[@terryharvey4811]

Do BURGER FLIPPERS have to provide their own tools, ie; flipper, burger press ???? Do they have to do training every year when the new model year burger comes out ??? Slaving over a hot grill in an air conditioned building at 12.00 to 15.00 per hour, no tool investment, SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN TO ME !!!!! Had one shop, till they finally closed, that I'm pretty sure that I fixed as many, if not more of their PROBLEM CARS as they did... ALL TOO COMMON ANY MORE. LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND/OR ABILITY, NO PRIDE IN WORKMANSHIP... SAD. We see it way too often. It's become TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN at many shops !!!

[@ironman1518.]

ONE reason I still do my OWN work myself. I hire a young guy who can get up and down from the floor and under the cars easier than I can.

[@StilettoSniper]

100% agree. Except now that I am older, I invest in power tools, Bendpak lift, comfy creepers, etc that make it easier to get this old body where it needs to be so that I can STILL do the work myself correctly the first time around.

[@pelotas56]

Speaking of hacks there is plenty and a really limited supply of good techs in the field. Most shops in my area are giving good techs a 40% pay increase so as stay working for them.

[@ghostwrench2292]

Wow. I was impressed with a 20% pay raise recently.

[@pelotas56]

@@ghostwrench2292 right, shoot im impressed with anything above the normal 3%ish raise they always give. But yeah some gave anything form 10 to 40%. Obviously im sure it depends on where you stood on the pay bracket Before hand. Shows how much they really want good people to stay.

[@1971anaconda]

These make me laugh as you see it more in the US as in Australia we don’t have shops like quicky lube here 🇦🇺

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

*Flat Rate Master pops up recommended for me* “Caution this is a rant.” Oh yeah, definitely gonna check this out.

[@gcaprice406]

Wondering if you would consider doing a video on working with repair warranty companies/ which companies are better to work with than others. Also maybe one working with ARI/ fleet operations, I’d like to consider working with both myself at my shop.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Where exactly was the leak?

[@flatratemaster]

Water pump

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@flatratemaster now I'm not in suspense anymore. 😄

[@UNEEK_LOGIK]

What’s wrong with selling a Wallet Flush?? That’s the pre-diagnosis.. come back next oil change then we will fine the leak or real problem 😂

[@TheMechanicj]

Don’t call them hack mechanic that’s offensive to me just call them hack pretend mechanics

[@meanodustino9563]

Yeah. I hate this crap, had a vehicle come in for a bit of a “noise” they drove 8hrs for a holiday and thought to come to a honda dealership. Tech got in it and as he went to pull it into the shop “BANG!” Clunk🙄 bearings all over the ground. Transfer case didn’t have a fill plug. They JUST has their transmission and fluids checked at…….yup you guessed it! JIFFYLUBE👍 amazing after 8hours of driving it made it across 2 provinces 😄

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Had a guy get his relatively new like idk mid 2010s 2015 2016 car checked out at a local dealer... ok yep they passed it, fantastic. He calls me i think the next day maybe two days after '''my car is grinding''. I go there, the brake rotors are shot, the pads are down to metal, they've been gone for a long time, horrific. I mean, glad it passed inspection no problem, shit might go there next time i need one LOL. Joking aside, you expect FAR MORE, first off, from any basic inspection aka like 7 11 30 pt inspections during simple services, LET ALONE a SAFETY inspection. Tires brakes and i guess making sure the whole damn thing isnt falling apart, those are the fundamentals. Can't even check some brakes smh.

[@chrisfreeman3279]

Why the he'll would anyone be wearing flip flops in a garage🙄

[@fordtechchris]

But FRM, if we can't beat them, we join them! Come to the dark side... Flushes all day and no come backs because your customers never come back 😂

[@P.A.C.E.automotive]

We got a clear universal coolant (no, not just water).

[@Greg18m7]

Poor customer man that just makes me sad

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

Hamburger technician lol

[@ZombieCraftSlaya]

Not defending the actions but when I worked at a chain store the universal coolant when we would do a drain in fill would be green but then turn the color of the orginal coolant more than likely they just topped it off tho smh

[@jamespn]

Luckily the shop didn’t do more damage, just eat the $100 and lesson learned.

[@StilettoSniper]

Yeah, I'm sick of that. Rather take the $100 and invest it into tools that enable me to fix the problem myself.

[@Andy-ms9vi]

They should have sold the wallet flush, too.

[@StilettoSniper]

Those are reserved for transmission issues!

[@TyphaDog]

I realize I am late here, but how is this different from stealing? So messed up. I'm a shade tree guy, but I would never go this route. It would head to someone like you if I was unsure. Thank you for your channel. Buy you a scotch one day!

[@michaelszweda]

That's why good technicians have a tool boxes with about 60 70 80 thousand dollars and they know what they're doing when you come to a shop but these guys are all hacks these little young kids

[@baileyhatfield4273]

I'm young and i'm gonna do things right, if i have an issue, not sure what to do, ill ask somebody or think through it logically. This issue is with dumb chain stores and flat rate and hell even hourly, its lazy mfs all around. I grew up knowing you work for what you get, you don't get paid to sit around and fuckup. I know some people with nice boxes and tons of tools that don't do good work so.

[@donaldhollums3278]

No doubt FRM’s shop will have a new repeat customer. Too bad the name of the “ Chain Shop” couldn’t get called out. I wonder if it was Walmart?

[@TheThreeLeggedChair]

crappy people do crappy jobs.

[@ronjohnson8119]

Chain shop. Say no more.

[@nitrous07me]

Quick easy money 😂

[@EE-vh1gc]

The flat rate master is overheating

[@ezeeduzzit]

When is it not a rant

[@tammywelcher6039]

This is what you call a rant?

[@CheapHomeTech]

Welcome to the world of automechanics. This is why we need video of everything that happens in a shop we leave a car at. I'd say more than 90% of the time the mechanic does not do his job right.

[@wag1492]

You're assuming alot.. world's greatest detective here

[@rontiemens2553]

What, specifically, do you think he is unjustifiably assuming?

[@dro2204]

Found the chain store tech.. Feelings are hurt...

[@wag1492]

Awww boo... down spike! Rush to defend your hero

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

Chain store goes out of business due to negative customer reviews...