Two Shop Owners React: TikTok Mechanics

David and Lucas get on their high horse and talk about how mobile mechanics on TikTok "just don't get it".
But they do it with love...
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[@SaerTurner]

As a Mobile mechanic no mater how simple or stupid it is We have to charge for every thing time is time and money and mobile we have drive time Fuel and insurance ..so in this I personally would charge my Diagnostic Rate witch is my minimum Charge ....... we do not have the privilege of the customer brining there car to us every minute as a mobile for no mater what is money

[@absolutetinker1267]

Funny. I'm the shade tree mechanic that you all dislike so much :-) I don't have a garage with a nice lift, much as I wish I did. But that doesn't mean I can't do a solid professional job of the things I do. Back when I was younger in the early 80's the trick to getting a good fill of the cooling system was a jack and jack stands. Get the rad cap higher than anything else in the system and it would bleed the air out nicely. Today I do love the vacuum fill but mostly because a lot of the cars are SUV's and they all have the dual HVAC systems that are such a pain to bleed air out of. The way the designers build those things, the back HVAC unit has an air trap built in because the lines often come into the bottom of the heater core and trap the air such that it can only be pushed out by the flow of the coolant. Your skill as a mechanic/technician and your willingness to do the job right no matter where you happen to be working is what equals good work that holds up, discounting the issues we have with parts quality lately. And I really can hold that shade tree mechanic title. As a teenager I changed more than 1 engine using a handy oak tree and a come along 🙂

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

Nothing wrong with shade trees. It's the shade tree telling customers that the legit shop is screwing them over with their prices that really irk us.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

That was scary, but I get to see that same kind of stuff going on in shops that are brick and mortar in established for 20 or 30 years. He would think they cannot last that long.. I wish I had $100 bill for every time I seen a customers car towed back to a body shop that did not use a vacuum, purge and fill on an engine. As you know, my business model is mobile and I’m called into shops to aid in diagnostic or repairs, and in many shops, you would not believe how many overheating engines I get to see cars running around the shop or driven down to alignment shop with no coolant in them thank God it’s only a couple blocks of driving with no coolant, and then drive back to the shop. We all know that little rubber seal on the water pump must love spinning at high RPMs with no coolant or lubricant, because the coolant is the Lubricant on that water pump, shaft, seal.. I see many shops replace $600 or $1400 ac compressors and only thing wrong with it is a $ to$60 electronic compressor control valve. The most scariest is when body shops have an in-house mechanic, supposedly who replaces everything that the scanner tells them has codes to fix the problem. I’ve been called into shops where they’re default. Method of sales and repair, is to sell the most expensive part in that system to cover any expenses because they misdiagnosed it and then use the profits and money for selling the expensive component like an ECM, or a whole HVAC control module under in 12 hour dash to cover the expense, and the fact that it was nothing more than a relay or a ground wire, or some other insignificantly, cheap, easy part to replace. I’ve literally been into shops over the last 30 years as technology got more advanced in the shop stayed old school, start asking around and asking the parts house. What is the most common part to be replaced on certain vehicles for a certain problem and they would order it and replace it And that became their default method of repairs and they actually charge the customers and get away with this. There’s one shop I’m called out periodically to for air conditioning and their mechanic tells me they’re method to find a evaporator leak if they can’t find a leak under the hood they sell a evaporator job what you know could be anywhere from four hours to 12 to 16 hours depending on to make and model vehicle . Everything default to evaporator and they’re a legitimate shop and they use a $70 eBay or Amazon leak detector. I was just at another shop last week because the gear selector would not shift and it was stuck . This is an easy fix but instead, they sold them an entire transmission for a BMW. 😢. And some of the shops brag about how much profit they make and how easy it is to make money.. 🤦‍♂️ It’s really nice and a privilege to work in really technically incline shops with extremely technically inclined mechanically minded owners, who go for diagnosis and repair. Than when I get called to a not so good shop, always cringed when I’m called out to one of the shops that throw parts at the wall for diagnosis and profit margins . There’s no rules laws or regulations, no protector for the consumer saying that it’s mandatory that the shop owner themselves are responsible for the education of their technicians and their conduct. It’s like a free-for-all Third World store. You would hear about something in Nigeria or Somalia. . You would not believe it in this day and age, but I am still called out to shops that actually have technicians who cannot use a computer because they cannot read the language or cannot read. It’s repair by breaking and then when asked they say that’s how you learn by making mistakes But of course charging the customer.

[@gabegrey10]

The comments on the mobile mechanics are great. I carry better insurance than a lot of brick-and-mortar shops around us. Fully loaded 2021 van with more tools than most independent or dealer techs have in their toolboxes, but yeah only asset I have is that 15-year-old truck that I work out of the back of lmao I think shop owners are becoming upset that customers are willing to pay good techs more than $150/hr to come do the same thing a shop can do. Oh well.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

I don't think we're comparing apples to apples - it seems as if you run a respectable operation. We love to see that and support that! But that's not what we're talking about here! I know tons of great mobile operators, but I've also seen some downright terrible ones!

[@gabegrey10]

@@ChangingTheIndustry sounds like the majority of shops nowadays lmao. It definitely does seem like apples to apples the way you guys talk about it in the video, you compare multiple aspects of 'what if' What if your lube guy forgets to tighten a fuel filter line and it starts the customers garage on fire? Insurance, simple. No different if it happens to a mobile guy except were making more in the process.

[@hothmobile100]

The radiator thing is kind of annoying. On my Nissans and Toyotas I've had, I never had to refill after filling the first time. I would just fill the radiator and top off the overflow and I never had a problem. It's only certain cars that I assume it's the orientation of the engine/coolant passages that it's a pain the bleed out and fill.

[@jasonstaub3045]

When I go to my dr it's ALWAYS a co pay or fee just to see him. Plus what ever bs which craft he guesses and throws poisons at to (cross his fingers) to fix me. If not I have to go back and pay again for another guess. At least as a tech I can find and confirm a problem and fix in one visit.

[@trentcofaxmtg7501]

Whys productivity so low?! Jimbobs still on the thermostat test drive😂

[@oldheadtripping5034]

I have had two different fords that the starter went out and drained the battery, now both was older trucks one a 352 FE motor in a 65 long bed and in a 77 351C in a 77 step side but both times the starter went out it drained the battery

[@donaldtyrone2940]

Hose clap here... first 2016 tundra water pump. Beat book time for the pump but cost me a free engine replacement. #learnfromyourmistakes

[@katservices]

I can feel the destain for the mobile techs that you and dealerships created the need for. As for the "protections" go yes we have llc's and insurance. We are covered the same as roadside and heavy equipment techs. Oh yes we definitely get paid cash and yes i report it. We basically get paid what we should have been paid at brick and motor. Yes we drive 15 year old trucks. My shop is paid for is yours? I charge half of a shop, but good news is most of us are so busy we turn down work and you get our leftovers now. Hold on cause this is the new trend. Convenience is king in this new world and we accommodate.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

We don't have a problem with mobile techs - we have a problem with the "fly by night" mobile techs. Now I will say....it makes zero sense that you're charging half.

[@katservices]

@@ChangingTheIndustry I charge half because I don't have service writers, shop size electric bills, coffee machines, service managers, the massive amount of insurance, building maintenance, or all the other overhead. I am starting to understand your issue though with the labor. Are you starting to worry that we are effecting labor rates? Well we are. The low hanging fruit is the easiest to pick. Brakes, a/c, timing jobs, tune ups, ect is now our bread and butter. Example, good friend of mine was going out of town needed a full front brake job done (pads, rotors, hardware) on an 06 expedition 2wd. The quote was almost $900. I did it parts and labor $450. 2hr labor, trip charge, $335 parts. We are buying our own tools anyway so why not go and make more with them? Like I said greedy shop owners and warranty work at dealerships have created the need. So yes half and have more time at home and make about $25k more (net not gross) a year.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

Nope - not remotely worried about labor rates. And we hope you're successful, we really do! As long as you're protected and serving the client in a way which uplifts our industry? We're behind you 100% The problem is that's rarely the case! Improperly insured and under qualified technicians who are unemployeable starting shops and mobile businesses is kinda a thing. And they are likey huge reason you feel like shop owners are greedy. If not, it's likely large chain store or dealers - and we definitely aren't that so send your greedy comments to them - not us 🤣 I think you'll eventually find that while you don't have those overheads - you're work is far harder and variable than that of a physical location. It's going to be less scalable, less consistent and more susceptible to variables you can't control. The gravy work is likely to be declining over the next 30 years, what's your strategy when that happens? Have you considered the effects of gateways and access restrictions? Will that have an impact on your business? 25k net? Crap....our technicians are already doing better than that with no hassle and liability?

[@twostroke12v71]

Commenting on the video for the algorithm

[@greasemonkeygaragesd]

Sticking starter solenoid!🎉

[@BigDogDiagnostics]

I had a Hyundai Elantra last year with a draw from the starter. Only one I’ve ever seen. I ran a parasitic draw test on every circuit in the vehicle. At one point I even had every single fuse and relay pulled in the entire vehicle. Still, the battery would drain! Disconnected the alternator. Still a drain! Finally, I disconnected the starter and problem solved. It is possible!

[@alexandergunaka666]

I think you guys need to do this again because it is way worse now. The mobile “part changers” (I’ve got one really egregious one in mind.) are giving not only mobile mechanics a bad name but all mechanics and shops. The most infuriating thing now is the ones that are actually trying to show DIYers the process but not only explaining it completely wrong but doing it completely wrong. Then you go to comment a correction (not opinion or difference in technique) without being the “master tech here” guy or using language to belittle them. Then they come back with no info just emojis and “hater”. They’ve occasionally acknowledged the huge mistakes in the comments if the video which makes the video null and void but leave it up when it never should of gone up because he stated he knew about it right after it happened. They could at least put a disclaimer on screen or in the caption. Then they continue to say the most incorrect things with more confidence than anyone I’ve known say anything. This isn’t nitpicking. This is just hoping someone who is looking for a video to repair their own car that doesn’t know better hopefully sees the comment and chooses a different video. The problem? They delete any “negative” comments. How is it that the comments are on, videos been up a week, it has 25k - 40k views but consistently only has 20-45 comments? They are all good ones at that. Well I know mine is gone every time so I’m not assuming anything. Then he’s in the process of making a course to teach others how to be a mobile mechanic that makes 125k PROFIT a year like himself? I think it’s a good time to do a pt 2 cuz on the other hand you have Parker’s mobile mechanic and he’s really fair (I’d say too much) , honest, and he’s doing bigger jobs as well not just inner and outer tie rods that somehow go bad on every vehicle in Florida. If you’re interested in looking into a few quick shorts or reels of what/who I’m talking about let me know an email I could send them to. Doing a video or not you’re gonna be amazed at what you witness. And yeah I do take it personal, am mad, but I’m not being a hater. It’s bad enough that we already hear the stereotypes of mechanics but then you got a guy who doesn’t even know what he’s doing not only teaching others but then gonna make a course, on top posting it to start bringing mobile mechanics down because he’s just a part changer with a scanner. That’s on top of showing these big numbers he’s charging that again make everyone look terribly bad. I’d be interested in what you think of his pricing alone. Sorry for the rant.

[@sherrodford955]

I remember when I did drive belt with belt adjuster with nuts and bolts and I had general tech test drove it to make sure the vehicle has no noise nor loose. It was fine so park the vehicle then next few hours customer come back all furious and belt came off with belt adjuster I was so puzzled. Genereal tech test drove it was maybe 5v miles. I got mad I told him from now on 15 miles or more if extension repair

[@peterl2017]

How does that happen??

[@sherrodford955]

@@peterl2017 no freaking clue man maybe vibrate turn it loose then belt came off so had to order parts for it. Then customer got upset and didn't want me to work on her vehicle. Someone else had to do it

[@oldheadtripping5034]

Man I pulled a 289 out of my mustang in my apartment complex parking lot and rebuilt it in my dining room and put it back in the car over a weeks time ! A shop would have been a lot easier but it got done and done right without the shop so to say things can’t be done without a shop is ridiculous imo . Love the content just don’t agree with ya on some things 😉👍

[@michaelserfozoii5263]

The bearded guy has never saw a starter cause a parasitic drain...but yeah 100% the tik toc guy didnt diag anything.

[@nickayivor8432]

QUICK-WITTED Changing the industry Podcast 👍 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 10:29am

[@AllAutomotive1410]

Videos like his add NO value to our industry. All he’s looking for are views and likes to get paid by TikTok. You’re right any technician that I know or even my self if we posted a video like that, we would actually show what the problem was and show that it was working correctly post repair.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

I don't begrudge him doing his thing, but it sheds the wrong light on our industry.

[@PaulysAuto]

Thank you "TikTok" mechanics for keeping me employed 😂❤🎉 Best statement ever-you will not do anything you THINK you can do on the ground in a driveway like in a shop! FACTS ARE FACTS...I see short lived in the mobile aspects, it is NOT PRACTICAL and never will be...outside of specific TYPES of repairs, but this too will soon die... Manufacturers are going to make it impossible with specialization in tooling! Remember the hustler always ends up getting hustled! It's basic physics and laws of the universe!

[@scientist100]

These shop guys assume parasitic drain, don't assume, test; appears that now we want to do the same as this guy, likely the battery went bad again as you can see evidence of acid leak from the battery. Starter had nothing to do with car not starting but test in any case.

[@lissettelopez8331]

looks like cast iron..... guy needs glasses

[@dennismartin1256]

Hold on so just cause a mech does not have a shop he cant say replace a wheel bearing, brakes, suspension, etc as good as a shop can??? Hope not cause thats a stupid statement and untrue. Mechanics have been repairing cars without having a shop sence the dawn of the automobile. Just cause shop techs don't wanna lay on ground or use jack stands cause there to delicate and require lifts and massage chairs to work does not equal better work. Mobile mechanics have changed the game really. Talking legit mobile guys. They usually allow customer to supply part which allows customer to buy moog, timken, denso parts most times cheaper then the shops quoted supplied part. "Rockauto denso alt for 220 is same denso shop will use but they want install yours cause they cant upcharge on the part". Which in most cases is whatever the parts store has in stock which 99% of the times is a budget brand at best. Now labor is a no brainer as they have much less overhead. Shop wants $500 labor when mobile wants $250. So you save couple hundred plus you get to pick the brand used. In this economy every dollar counts and if you can get same or better quality repair cheaper then its an easy choice. Mobile can fix me today or tomorrow but a shop could be booked thus your left leaving car at shop for usually days.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

That's great and all....don't show back up at shops and tell them how it's unfair they aren't paying you enough then 😉

[@db7040]

Remember CASH is king !!!!! Pay up sucka I’m on to the next and probably won’t answer your call when you try to call me back saying your car is still not fixed. Cash no receipt I don’t know who you are. I didn’t work on it.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

I think that's what most people think of when they hear "mobile mechanic". 😬

[@carrcovers3775]

You part of the problem

[@db7040]

@@carrcovers3775 part of what problem??

[@toYOder]

Its easy to critique someone behind a mic. I wanna see videos made doing these “said” procedures that you guys claim of doing. Anyone can criticize anything. I do agree with some things but some are a bit absurd making unethical claims.

[@ChangingTheIndustry]

Do it every day 😉

[@DavidRomanKC]

Its easy to critique someone in a YT comment. I wanna see you make a video where you sit in front of a camera criticizing someone like you claim we do. Anyone can criticize anything. ;)

[@toYOder]

@@DavidRomanKC please send me a link of these “said” video procedure that you do everyday thats so great you can just “critique” people with 😉

[@alfee9411]

Be thorough or go to a different field.... Lucas, we do just like he described and guess what, rarely do we have a tech created issue. Triple check should be the norm They don't pay 5-10k on autos anymore, they are way more expensive 🫰