We Need Solutions-Why Automotive Techs are Leaving Automotive Repair Shops for Other Industries!

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[@b0lbi]

We have to be technicians, IT specialists, hvac, welders, fabricators, electricians etc and have the tools for ALL of them but any ONE of those trades pays MORE than automotive 🤷‍♂️

[@nixonsanader3954]

So true man!!!!!

[@huasohvac]

Then go into one of those trades?

[@waterloo123100]

@@huasohvac The world needs automotive techs and as much stress as there is. Knowing you helped someone who needs their car fixed gives you a better feeling then doing the same thing everyday for your boss.

[@victorjay9586]

You forgot plumber because of all the shit you have to deal with

[@iam1smiley1]

​@@victorjay9586 if you work on RVs, you can also add plumber.

[@colejensen5812]

ASE Master, L1, Nissan Master, FCA level 3. Self taught. I have been out for 3 years in favor of an OEM. Started missing the industry a little bit last month and started to dip my toes back in and did some interviews and oh my god, I can't believe how bad it has gotten. $200/hr labor rates that are progressive in some cases, and they are offering $29 - $32/hr. Not to mention, 3% 401k match vs my current 5%, 5 less holidays, less vacation the list goes on and on. What I found to be the most interesting is that I went to a Nissan dealer running an ad for a Nissan certified technician, and they did not extend an offer. In fact, after the interview, I never heard from them at all. And the interview went well! That dealer was not the only case of this. So, I have come to conclude that there isn't a shortage of technicians. There is a shortage of pay. They want cheap labor, and I won't be exploited. Let the industry burn, and we will have to sort through the rubble after.

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Cole, this is terrible and should be an eye opening experience. Back when I was an Operation manager, top techs should be 1/3 of door rate. based off your numbers above, the top tech at that dealership should be getting over $60 an hour. 1/3 goes to top tech, 1/3 goes to benefit packages and 1/3 is profit. even if the shop wanted 1/2 of door rate, that leaves $50 for top tech and $50 an/hr for benefits.

[@firstlast---]

How did you make the transition? Currently learning to be a driveability tech but I don't plan on wrenching until I retire. Too much bs

[@GL0697]

@@firstlast--- You need to learn how to do what others don't want to do. Learn electronics, know how to perform a voltage drop test, know how to use your shops oscilloscope(you best friend in a shop), learn soldering skills control units do fail, learn how they work on the inside.

[@firstlast---]

@@GL0697 Most of my job is electrical diag. Voltage drop definitely has its place but it's not something I use often I like to use a custom test light. I don't solder very often either ever since I picked up some waterproof heat shrink that has solder built in, massive time saver. At the dealer we never fix modules it's only considered on an old vehicle you can't get parts for which is rare. But I see your point. The scope I definitely want to get proficient with that is an amazing tool. Those are all expectations of the job I'm just not sure how to go above and beyond other than going overboard on ase (beyond 1-8) and maxing out manufacturer certifications

[@GL0697]

@@firstlast--- Let me clarify, the voltage drop test is far superior due to the fact that you can only test a circuit when it's on and the circuit is active. Soldering smd (surface mount) components on circuit boards like key remotes, and other modules. As far as your knowledge base, keep learning everyday. Learn test that you can do that will make your job easier to diagnose things. Shops are probably not going to want to pay, but the knowledge will create one hell of a side hustle.

[@chrisevenson9454]

Automotive technician is the only job you have to pay to work. Starting pay is very low and tool costs have skyrocketed.

[@collinyearsley1255]

Becoming an automotive technician is probably one of the worst decisions of my life.

[@nixonsanader3954]

Mine too,really bad choice ,I'm from Europe and I worked for 3 years in Canadian auto industry ,it's so bad here I can't belive anyone want to be mechanic here.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Bummer. Hope the future is better.

[@jeffmaggard3694]

It caused me a lot of problems. I did it for 20 years.

[@canadiantrucker9574]

To some extent, becoming a truck driver was one of my worst career moves. The only benefit is that every company is hiring

[@rezzophantasma]

I'm going to school for this but I do not want to go into the field. I found out just by being a lube tech just how awful the owner and other managers were.

[@ThatAsianDood]

Been in the field for 5 years now. Noticed the direction the industry was heading and decided to start making the switch. Went from the dealer to being a mechanic for the city buses and that was alright. Decided to make the switch to Aerospace industry, I start next month. Working four 10hr shifts at an hourly rate that exceeded my best flat rate pay check was a no brainer to me.

[@markm0000]

It’s been 4 months how do you like aero?

[@timheilman2089]

I was taught that to profit from someones misfortune was unethical. Techs want to fix cars not sell shit that people don't need or argue about what is needed.

[@GIXXERyan]

You are correct sir. Owners see technicians with a health bar over their heads. Once your health bar gets too low it’s time to replace you with a younger stronger version. If you can pay someone 50% less and only lose 20% less work that’s a net win to them. It’s sad

[@jamespn]

A competent shop with good managers and mechanics that are paid well is like a license to print money. The bad shops have high customer and employee turnover end up disappearing.

[@Aaron-or6ov]

I was a former auto tech for 25 years and left. I agree with everything you said and all these other Auto techs here in here that’s comments. I been there don’t that and left the industry. One thing a lot don’t talk about is time off. We are constantly working Saturday’s. Working holidays. Days before and after holidays where a lot of other industries are off. Memorial Day I have friends at shops working. And July 4th they are open and have to work. A local Hyundai dealership was bought out and the new owner had it open on Sundays for service. These owners and managers do not care. And as techs our bodies take a beating and they do not care. We need to talk about this a lot more along with others. I’m thankful for your channel and other auto talk channels but the reality is nothing at all is changing and if it is it’s such a small percentage of shops changing that it’s not making any significant difference.

[@bngcrashcourse5549]

I worked at a dealership for almost 12years. It was the most stressful job I’ve had. I left the dealership life to be a field tech for construction equipment and love it. Hourly pay with overtime and great benefits.

[@allancanty9579]

18 years as a Tech, left for field service for industrial generators. Best decision I ever made.

[@Lowcoupe]

Only made it 2 years in as a dealer tech. Was a lubie for 8 years. I'm now working my last week of my 2 weeks. Never felt more relieved

[@jamesvw769]

Why bother with 2 weeks notice. It wont help you. If another employer calls.about you they will slam you no matter what. Do they give you a 2 week notice before they fire you ? Just leave and tell them to phuck off.

[@Lowcoupe]

@James Vw im good friends with my service manager and all my fellow co workers. I choose not to f over people if I dont need to. The company has been nothing but great to me. Its the BRAND steering me away. Bullshit labor times, bullshit waiters.

[@tylerwilliams3868]

@@Lowcoupe was it jeep? JW sounds like what i deal with

[@devastator2773]

Cause flat rate sucks. Shouldn’t have to deal in work politics to get paid. That simple. I left to be a hourly mechanic and then even transferred to be a diesel mechanic for heavy trucks. Best decision I ever made.

[@Adam-kk7nw]

I Hate flat rate

[@CSE26-h8z]

Dealerships suck, warranty times are usually garbage and most shops have techs that hog all the work that pays, way better industries out there where you don’t need to spend an arm and leg on tools, the list goes on and on

[@DJV94022]

I bet you 100 dollars if you go to hvac with 3k in tools you make bank and no one hogs jobs

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I never understood why mechanic doesn't get paid for doing warranty work. It's not the mechanic that designed the car. It's not the mechanic that built the car. All-time worked or told to be at work is to be compensated for even if the employee is idle: 29 C.F.R. § 778 as amended.

[@phansam9833]

I hope every technician/mechanic leaves the industry. It will prove mechanics and technicians are needed. As a result, hopefully higher pays and better conditions. Less technician higher the demand. For technicians.

[@isorozco511]

I had been wondering how much I suck at working on cars and how i chose the wrong profession. But i see others with the same problems I have, industry ripping us off.

[@darwingortiz7013]

In 2004 after a year working in a shop i did not like the way i was treated and left the industry. Promised to myself never to work as a mechanic for anyone else. Got into truck driving and made enough money to support my family. After a while. Bought a van and started taking small jobs to do on weekends where i'd be making money for my labor and parts as well. Pandemic hits in 2020 and when everyone was scared my own business launched and a new client popped. He was an independent car dealer (not a shop) in need of labor and all the shops were closed. He offered me a job, that way i will fill an schedule and be at his business. I said not interested, i make myself a salary to be in your dealer. I will bring my own work to the facilities, pay myself a salary. You will get from me warranty labor rates, professional tools and i will install 2 lifts, otherwise i will never fix a car being employed. It has been 3+ years if things change i will not hesitate to go back to the truck industry. I work 5mins away from home and so far so go. I remember in 2004 at lunch time and ending the shift washing my hands with freezing water due to my boss being so cheap not to buy a water heater. That is just an example of many events that i was not going to allow. Shop owners can get under the cars and do the repairs themselves. Since i was very young i knew that you are worth to them for what you produce and not for who you are. I treat them the same way. Good luck everyone and for anyone going under harsh condition if you have the quality, confidence and most SPECIALLY above average moral, the door will be your best friend on your way out. Drugs, alcohol, hookers will make you an employer's slave. Good luck everyone, i hope that when you're a business owner, you'd treat your employees with respect.

[@keithkapusinsky5476]

Good Rant! This industry sucks, and they did this to themselves. Getting treated like crap would actually be an improvement in most dealerships.

[@canadiantrucker9574]

Trucking sucks shit too

[@twizzler400]

I've been watching your videos for about 3 years now. I've learned what to look for in a shop. The last year and half, I have been at a dealership after working a tire chain shop. I found out they were using me as a low pay grade guy to do the bigger jobs. I was getting paid what the lube rack guys were making while doing engines and school. Then when I put my 2 weeks in because I found a new shop to work in, they said okay, then next day told me I had one day to get my toolboxes out of there. My buddies said that the dealership had gone downhill. Lol. They are ready to leave also.

[@joshr3687]

I was on the same boat bro, doing big jobs on big trucks for lube rack guy pay.. u deserve better

[@GL0697]

Was at a Honda dealer years ago same non sense, as a tech who can do the work you have to know when to call it quits and go get more money somewhere else.

[@jazzmunkyy]

About to write to get my license but i know that means losing my hourly pay and moving to flat rate. every place i have worked has told me techs clear 100 hours but seeing it for myself it just means the favorite parts replacer is making that. Ive been constantly hounded for not making hours despite working just as hard as everyone and then i find out my hours are being re-distubuted around the shop. Dealerships are soul sucking and have ruined cars for me.

[@bluelightguy1]

Need to unionize straight up

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Yea....lose more money paying your dues to the mob who mismanage money worse than the shop. Clearly you have never dealt with a union to even suggest that.

[@JayMak1963]

yep

[@jeffcompton6937]

The tech shortage is how techs are changing the industry. Its unfortunate that it had to go this far. Every tech reading this. If you're not happy tell your boss. If they do nothing and youre not treated the way u think you shoukd be go findva better shop. They are out there.

[@russellhuston1566]

Man you’re not kidding, been at a dodge dealership for the last 2 years. Been treated like shit sense the first week but just didn’t see it, was doing a engine job on a very modified and lifted truck and my service manager felt as if i wasn’t working fast enough for him (because we were having a bad month) come and told me I wasn’t doing enough and I wasn’t gonna get a pay check on Friday. I voiced my options and questions to the general manager, during my frustrations I called another dodge dealer 30 minutes from me and did a interview and I have never felt more at home.

[@russellhuston1566]

During my last two weeks everyone at that dealership begged me to stay but the service manager that had treated everyone in the shop very poorly over the last two years. Had a sit down with the owners and he agreed to change his ways but yet still wouldn’t talk to me or give me work, they offered me big money to stay but it wasn’t worth being treated poorly still. Fast forward to my last day(pay day) I got a weeks worth check that was a Total of 89$ held 550$ from my check for uniforms that I never received from the uniform company. Bottom line, if your being treated poorly then find a place that will treat you the way you should be treated and that’s what I did. Your comment is 100% spot on !

[@hi-wc4kv]

Switched from mechanic to be an electrician not to long ago. The pay is way better and I honestly enjoy the work more. The old shop I worked at had 3 lifts that sorta worked but the arms were bent and the locks didn’t work. I told them to fix it all the time but they never did

[@donniebagwell9536]

You know I left less than a year ago for a easier job that pays more with tons of benefits and the main thing is I don't have to worry about my pay check. I went from working flat rate to coming hourly for a telecom company, I don't know any shop that can compete with what I have now

[@joewalker4464]

16 days straight no days off , i should feel so blessed that im getting a half day today . I was told im doing the work of two people by my boss but we cant give you a raise or hire another tech. 5 weeks til im in my own shop

[@biometal770]

I hope you are currently in your own shop!

[@joewalker4464]

@@biometal770 I am currently in my own shop and have a youtube channel of my own YT classiclinesautomotive

[@bullitthead7853]

How's the new business, is it everything that you expected?

[@ghost13829]

It would change if everyone stuck together instead of everyman for himself mentality. The main problems are in the guts.

[@madmechanic7976]

That's what Unions are for.

[@kbproductions8387]

Then how does flat rate work then? A lot of shops are very cut throat and unforgiving when it comes to work load and hours. Usually what I’ve seen is the most senior techs get the good work while the new ones fight to survive. Not always the case, but generally speaking that’s how it is

[@GL0697]

You nailed it. No is a powerful word.

[@GL0697]

@@kbproductions8387 In short pay system's need to change give tech's in hourly rate (could be lower?) then split the flat rate hours equally with everyone in shop including lube techs. Now you have an incentive to keep everybody's behind moving. Also the older techs can tech younger techs now due to they are getting something for it now, as opposed to nothing on flat-rate.

[@JayMak1963]

absolutely

[@roadsideservice2406]

Just be a parts person, just a little less pay but work 9-5 m-f full A/C no flat rate to beat. No abuse of body

[@brad8665]

I do commercial HVAC/R. Can’t recommend it enough if you aren’t a parts changer. It’a way harder than I thought, there’s a ridiculous amount to learn but worth it if you find the right company. I am in my mid 20s making almost 40 bucks an hour.

[@MrChickenspit]

so would say if a auto tech that does diags and electrical instead of just replacing parts, can transition easily in this field?

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

Mechanics need to come together and unionize and bust up these dealerships. Every other trade has unions

[@keithwiebe1787]

Yes, that's why I'm pro union but have never worked in a union shop.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

I'm not losing more money cause you want to get the mob involved. Great....you get longer bathroom breaks.....you pay more in dues. I'm not working for less money in an industry that shafts you hard.

[@GL0697]

Technicians need to come together, don't know if the union is the right idea.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

@@GL0697 Every other trade worker I’ve talked to about their union seem to love it. They get top dollar pay and benefits and pension. I’m considering getting into another trade that’s union

[@JayMak1963]

@@keithwiebe1787 yep

[@chrispollock7507]

It’s not a rant when your speaking the truth. And to add to the more of… more and better training.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

America is set up to service the business OWNER. After 50 years of union busting the concept of screw the employees is built into the fabric of this country in automotive, and frankly, most other industries, Automotive could be the worse but it’s certainly not the only. If you can't afford to or don't want to be a business owner, euphemistically called an entrepreneur, or in some parts of the world the oppressor class, be prepared for a future of serfdom. Life in America in 2023. No one is telling you that you have to like it.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

The business is getting exactly what it has earned. When I graduated college in the late 70s I decided to turn wrenches on VWs rather than teach high school. Starting out I made double what I’d have made teaching. Dealers trained me well, I was a master tech 3 years later. But the working conditions were appalling, the beginnings of high labor rates vs poor tech pay were taking root. A host of other issues, reducing benefits, etc. drove me to seek a job with VW and I got lucky. I landed a field rep job but took a 60% pay cut. I ended up with a great career in the OEM side of the industry, but from there I could see the roots of what was wrong. Warranty drives the new car service business and most of the people at the top of OEM service had never worked in a dealership, much less turned a wrench. It hit rock bottom when Ford decided to take a 20% cut in all repair times for the use of “air tools”, despite the fact many if not most of the labor operations did not involve them. Now Years later Ford techs are leaving in droves.

[@Rockardo_]

Very well put, I moved out of state for a 14$ dollar raises and it’s been a little under a year now and I’m still Not feeling satisfied due to a bunch of reasons besides the pay

[@stevenbrooks1243]

I left years ago. I still mechanic but I'm a manager where I work and I just take care of my own truck small fleet but I haven't worked turning wrenches on customers cars and probably going on 5 years now. Still mechanic still do that as profession still can go right back to it. But yeah doing that stuff in a shop working for somebody. It's a total scam the dealerships or just as bad warranty work. It's all a rip off. It's a joke. That's why there's a shortage. No one wants to do it no more and the guys have been doing it for 20 plus years like myself are burned out. I do everything I can to not go back

[@MsFireboy2]

Your list of reasons is spot on. Flat rate a quick way to an early grave. I have had four of my former co-workers pass on. So yes that is why there are a lack of techs.

[@peterl2017]

Off topic, but somewhat related is the seemingly revolving door of employees at the parts stores. We only have 2 stores in town not counting Canadian Tire, one can’t keep counter men at all, forever changing other than a couple of long time guys. Just got off the phone with our Napa and was told a 16 years in counter person was leaving. All of them seem to be leaving for dealerships. I don’t get it anyway, the auto parts don’t seem to be competitive with anybody anymore and they don’t care. Needed a rear wheel bearing for a Hyundai this week. One parts store 360, the other 400 - for a cheap one year warranty part. The Timpken was 800, the good Napa was well over 500. Guess how much at Hyundai? Retail $195, minus my discount. I see this more and more. It makes no sense. Lets not even mention online buying, where I can get the same part for typically 1/2 minimum up to 2/3 less.

[@therovingrobin5938]

I worked in a truck workshop and during winter, they would let semis run inside the shop with the doors closed! You couldn't see from one end to the other after 5 minutes! Absolute top experience: them letting a screaming Jimmie in a bus run in after overhaul....

[@mcosta3810]

Yep. First dealership I worked in, 2/3 of their hoists were horrible and unsafe. And they didn't do anything about it, even after multiple stories of cars falling off lifts at this place. I was made aware of a previous apprentice there, who got fired because he got blamed for a truck being damaged by a lift, who's arm swung right out while the truck was getting lifted off the ground, and the manager wanted the apprentice to pay for the body damage personally. Also been treated like crap, and seen it in others. I got absolutely screamed at and cussed out for stuff that didn't even have anything to do with me whatsoever.

[@keithwiebe1787]

It's against the law to make an employee pay for something that got damaged during their work.

[@mcosta3810]

@@keithwiebe1787 Legal action was in fact taken against this dealership, and it did end up working out in the former employee's favour.

[@jeffcompton6937]

Thank you buddy for the shout out of my podcast. Love this video. Keep speaking the truths.

[@paulriggers1558]

here in the UK, the tech. shortage is even worse, so now, the wages are finally coming back to the same level where they were 30yrs ago, ie reasonable. our garage even offers you a new [cheap small import] car after 6 months of continuous employment, but you are right, it's a horrible job nowadays, i need to retire ... soon...

[@mattmechanic]

Was looking at the pay from us to uk with my employer and it seems like the pay still has a long way to go. Going into aviation maintenance for this same reason.

[@iGaRaai90]

Building up a Stock, and real estate portfolio, and refurbishing junk yard parts is my exit strategy.

[@twostroke12v71]

One reason why I chose the heavy duty world versus light duty / passenger cars is the lack of flat rate. I understand that you can be 100+ efficiency and make some serious money. In the heavy duty world if you rush a brake job goober up a wheel seal that truck will have a wheel end fire next time it goes down any grade. A Honda brakes go out it won't wipe out an entire freeway. My school was very serious regarding the fact that it's your ass on the line when you do anything with the heavy duty trucks.

[@jerryhearn3978]

I worked as a auto mechanic when i was young back in the. Late 60s and 1970s in Texas. We didnt have any fans, drinking fountains or refrigerators with water. It was hot in summer and freezing in the winter. Pay wasnt very good either. I found better opportunities elsewhere.

[@doitrightthefirsttime184]

I've been looking to get out for a while now after almost 30 years. I get paid well and we have good equipment. The people at the desk are pushing me out. Seems to me service advisors have confused their position with a management role. Tired of being handed a part to put on for a vehicle that's hasn't been in the shop for diag. Have a real bad one where I work. He is a self appointed general manager (he's a writer/parts guy) and self proclaimed genius. The actual managers do nothing about it. Actually had a guy threaten another tech with violence a few years back and he still works there. Nothing was done. I'm just tired of it

[@codestools1528]

There is shops with problems my first shop I was at the management sucked would do stuff that made flat rate hard like targeting cars apart then waiting an hr or more on parts too put it together and start another one. Biggest check was 400 for two weeks

[@Jacobmettler88]

As someone who is currently looking for a job, what are things you're looking for in a job add that tell you it might be the kind of shop you're looking for? Where are you most often looking? As a shop owner who's looking for techs I'm curious where you think the best place to advertise is?

[@peartfan2112]

I left the industry 40 years ago after 2 years of being a dealer and service station mechanic. All the same reasons then as what others described here. Hard to believe this still goes on..

[@jtkrpm1]

The big box on the flat bed reminded me of a special tools theif. Everything new and expensive that came in to the shop tool room when right in there and left with it. He flagged good hrs though so, it fine.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

All shops are geared towards max $$$ to owners & co-owners. Back in the day compared to today the out of pocket cost for the tech to just be properly tooled is outrageous,example you hv to hv cordless or air tools just to even attempt to meet flat rate. As a tech I hv my own jacks, jack stands, battery charger because I don’t won’t to hv 1 fight for the shop tools 2 crap shop tools because the shop refuse to invest in tooling. There is a shortage now but Soon there is going to be a crisis with techs and shops will simply close or suffer mightily as they fail to meet customer expectations!!!

[@keithwiebe1787]

You're hurting yourself and your fellow workers by buying too many tools that the shop should own. They just owned you. You work there so you can retire, not supply them tools.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

@@keithwiebe1787 ok you Can look at it that way. 1 they are mines have been for the past 20 years , hell just on renting them out they have been paid for 10 times over

[@DadsGarageDiagnosticSpecialist]

Shops don’t want to provide training, tools, equipment, etc. and they don’t want to pay for skilled labor.

[@bradenriley9066]

I've been at it for over twenty years after getting out of the Army in 01. 10 more years and I'm throwing in the towel. I'm amazed how many guys I started out with in my twenties left the industry years ago. Absolutely criminal how mechanics get treated.

[@Number704]

I did community collage, engineering school and then worked as a BMW tech for about 3 months. I love cars but I can't work with the people in the industry. I don't like to talk and this was seen as a giant red flag at my dealership. I teach 7th grade science now and do side work for friends and family. I make more money as a teacher not including my side work. I also get 3 months off a year with pension plan and benefits. I'll never go back to that garbage.

[@MrChickenspit]

what's it like for you being a teacher? is there bs too in that field? are the kids mean or not paying attention in class?

[@GL0697]

Glad you touched on tech's in this video. As a tech and shop owner I see where some tech just aren't that good to justify what they are getting paid. I hate to say it, but it's a harsh truth. What I will say is technicians as a whole need to get paid way more money than they are now, this is a industry issue where we need to at least standardize the labor rates. A shop can't be $225 per hour and down the street there is a shop operating for $100 per hour or less. This mentality is killing us paying tech's.

[@tjmcintyre3074]

I like being an experienced mechanic with virually no marriage problems or kids. I can work any shop I want for any amount of money I ask for, weekends off, and I get hired almost every time. It doesnt even require a college degree if you can suffer the learning curve for a few years. If I get too fragile to continue working, I still have opportunities at part stores or working on the tool truck.

[@supportdesk7703]

I left the automotive space back in 2005… never looked back.. just wasn’t worth the headache..

[@ReneTheMechanic]

The automotive tech field has no intention of benefiting the tech any longer! I left to work for an Electrified Class 8 truck company making hourly what most techs dream making flate rate and I still think its not enough, I'm expected to do the work of engineers but yet engineers still make more than me! Only way out is to find a way out of the field. So I'm looking into transitioning to a data analysis position so I can save my sanity. Thanks for posting the video!

[@nismo2070]

I hate doing this for a living. I went the electrical/computer diagnosis route thinking that would get the highest paying jobs. HA!!! The guy that hangs struts on cars all day makes the money. It's not the ones doing the brain work. I have to fight to get paid diag time sometimes and it sucks.

[@Andy-t5e]

With todays vehicles some problems can take hours maybe days to diagnosis .

[@Terry_Baker]

My shop promised air conditioning when I started, but it never happened and we're a county run shop in the woods of South Carolina .

[@keithwiebe1787]

In this day and age simply no excuse to not run an air conditioned shop. I interviewed at Christian Brothers in Wichita, Ks and couldn't believe they built a new shop without air conditioned. I called it a sweat shop. I'd worked in plenty of shops that could get 100 degrees in the summer. No more. Christian Brothers expected one to work from like 7 to 6 m-f. I would have to drive 45 miles to work so I would be gone from like 6 to 7 everyday. No thanks. It would have been hell.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Lol....try working the SW. 100+ degree days with no AC.

[@ferrarimatt1]

Im building a shop in my backyard that is 40 feet by 60 feet, put in a heated floor and 12000 pound lift and air conditioning exhust vent system with an Ada bathroom with shower and refrigerator. I am a shop owner and tech. Snap on, it's going to be the equipment supplier for my shop. Tire machine balance machine air compressor and lift. Yes, it's going to be stupid expensive, but I need it done right.

[@Mr_D555]

You can do things right without being stupid expensive. Snap-On doesn't make shop equipment, it's all just someone else's equipment with a Snap-On / Blue Point logo on it. If I was putting lifts in a new shop it would be Mohawk brand.

[@SouthMainAuto]

😅 You might be in for a hard learning lesson sir. I'd suggest a sit down with a financial advisor or business planner. Having Snap-on as your shop supplier is perhaps the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. A 40x60, one man and drinking the Snap-On cool-aid. I hope your comment is just sarcasm for your sake.

[@keithwiebe1787]

I saw an independent shop put in a Snap on tire machine and balancer and he said it wasn't to make money but only to provide customer service. Cost him 15k. I bought a cheaper model for 1.3k and it works fine too no more than what I'm doing. Don't spend foolishly.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Must be nice to either be a trust fund baby or the tech that did shitty work but cranked the hours.

[@jump429]

You can put a shop almost anywhere, do good work, fair prices treat people well you will stay busy they will find you. Buy good equipment new or use do the research don't over spend. I purchased a used drive on lift with 2 swing jacks, new turn plates, 3 year old alignment machine I can calibrate myself have less than 10k invested. Lot of new equipment is hi tech for dummies, Hunter alignment machine was over 40k with out a lift of course most teenagers can learn to use it in a day but don't understand what they are really doing, it does the thinking for you. You need 3 good full time techs working with some support to make good profit and cover expenses that never end. Good heat and air conditioning alone will help you as much as anything finding and keeping good help. It's tough business ups and downs overwhelming at times so proper attitude everyday if big part of success 👍.

[@SS-U23]

Some auto repair shop owners know nothing or just little about the industry. They hire mechanics who are uneducated "parts changers". Because of those parts changers, the shop frequently runs across drivability related issues; thus, the shop has so many comebacks. The cheap shop owner ends up needing to hire a certified knowledgeable tech for solving electrical and drivability issues for the shop. With that being said, the certified tech pay rate is low, gets treated like crap by the parts changers and shop owner, and the tech gets used for other heavy jobs when the shop needs to use him. That is why the certified tech sometimes do not keep their job at such auto repair shop.

[@flippintobyland7257]

As a former dealer tech for a decade before joining a government fleet my advice is make the switch. I took a pay cut at first supplemented with weekend jobs for a bit but after 10 years my pay is double when i started hourly . Time off out the ass , sick , holidays, vacation. Work life balance . Hourly pay , no waiters and as i age my pay goes up even though i slow down.

[@madmechanic7976]

My Union is amazing. Never had a life like this. Management is put in their place. I HAVE RIGHTS!

[@davidfrench3657]

Union is where it's at brother

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Lol crooks stealing your money just so you can work, lol.

[@dennisglodoski6365]

Wonderful video! You basically said it all right there brother!

[@Bw2788]

I called osha on one of the old shops i worked for and they came down and fined him. It was for the toilets over flowing into the shop. He told us to use the gas station bathrooms so i called. Its ok to call they cant retaliate or at least you can sue if they do

[@Carteeeer52]

Flat rate is the first thing that needs to go. The industry will never get better with that bs pay structure

[@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN]

Comparing to other highly paid trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. Pay is bad(startimg at min or 1 or 2 dollars more as an apprenrice), tool purchase while making minimum wage, paid in flat rate if you took 8 hrs to do 5 hrs job then it is your fault and not getting paid for the extra 2hrs even though the car part was seized or rusty. No pension or benefit. If there is, the coverage is shit. Just breaking your bones and body as time goes on for what?? While the shop charges 150~300 per hr for labor while they pay you around 30 bucks. I fix diesel generator now, making high hourly rate with no rush and easier on my body. This automotive trade is rotten inside our. Not only the shop but also manufacturers set up the system only screw techs while they maximize profit. I'm glad the shops finally realizing how valuable techs are but it's too late.

[@Judo-kd7ne]

Any way you look at it it's manual labor /manual labor on flat rate.

[@drones7838]

After 13 years in the industry, I went into sales and can’t be happier

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

Most auto shop owners have narcissistic personality disorder, this is the biggest problem.

[@Troph2]

The welding industry (at least fab shops) have all of these same problems.

[@jaymechanic1228]

Stress , nobody looking out for each other and everyones mental health etc. Iv just applied to go rolls royce as a fitter . The pay is alot better

[@daviddealba9886]

The number one reason is pay pay pay .im not talking just hourly .the whole system is rigged .when businesses especially dealers start paying hourly based off of knowledge then you will see a reversal .right now flat rate pay should be illeagal .no where do you have to work for free if you make a mistake .only mechanics.warranty pay is only a fraction of what it should be .stop paying for warranty work on the techs back it’s just wrong .production incentives are lies .feeding someone easy high paying flat rate jobs is not proving someone is productive it’s just giving someone easy jobs .call it what it is .pay for knowledge .if shop/dealer s continue to use the most knowledgeable tech to do the hardest jobs than they should be getting the most pay.lastly your charging a cust 200 an hour st paying your tech 34 dollars an hour .your cysts went up so did his pay the man .fix theses to reverse a troubled trend .

[@johnstamm6035]

In Florida OSHA has no say so in school bus shops found out the hard way

[@johnstamm6035]

Death has to occur

[@machineman8388]

Thanks for the content FRM..... i went to vocational school for automotive tech and worked in various dealers and independant shops from the time i was 18 until i was 24 . . . . Maybe i didnt give it long enough but i always tell people thinking about it not to. Go to school for engineering, be an HVAC tech, be an electrician. Do anything other than this because your hands, your lungs, and your wallet will never forgive you for it. I loved it and i still do to this day but going back to school was the best choice i ever made. Hopefully this mass exodus of techs out of the industry changes things. ❤❤❤

[@MrChickenspit]

what are you studying now?

[@williamakers3990]

bottom line we should be considered a special trade. the hourly vs flat rate argument is null to me. i went from flag to hourly in this industry and quite frankly if you do your job flat rate is way better. that being said its the value that soceity has placed on this industry. everyone still thinks joe bloe or jimbo down the street can fix cars when frankly a backyard mechanic is not a tech. its hard doing this job when i can go to mcdonalds and start off making the same and the career ladder is a little easier to climb or even industrial work. most dealerships around me start you anywhere from 15-18 per hour and our literally scavenging people from mechanic shops to work on theiur machinery. oh btw they start at least 23 an hour. bottom line, place more value on this industry.

[@jump429]

There is NO lack of good automotive techs there is a lack of good jobs, its easy to prove have a qualified tech apply for jobs and see what they are offered its a joke. If you do have a good job it can change in an instant, seen it happen so many times tecks loose pay and benefits after years of being good employees. Most shops only point out other places with worse working conditions and say be glad you don't work there, never want to make anything better. I know a shop has 3 heaters so they can switch to whatever energy is cheaper in the winter thermostat set at about 55' but what is worse it is 7 bay shop has 2 small fans in the summer. I know of 2 air conditioned shops I talked to one of the owners said 20 years no one has quit they have old tecks, young tecks and every thing in-between, promot learning and growth, booked with work new customer will wait 3-4 weeks to get work done, regular customers are always scheduled for next service when they finish one they know will not be able to get in otherwise.

[@Judo-kd7ne]

And nobody uses exhaust hose to diagnose a misfire

[@robertphillips3999]

Sounds like Bill Luke in Phoenix, Az.

[@Adam-kk7nw]

Or camelback ford

[@joefran619]

Not enough pay!

[@magnumjohnson9628]

Im glad i got out and got into substation maintenance.

[@dodgesportsman772]

Low pay, high stress

[@Dad84]

Heavy Construction Equipment Mechanic is where it’s at if you can stand the travel and working conditions.

[@ericholtz9374]

You can make just as much money doing some thing not as physically taxing with less stress and people nowadays just don’t wanna work hard

[@lucas-changingtheindustrypcast]

💯 - on point brother!

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks Lucas

[@jamesadair8131]

The best thing about an independent shop the first thing I do when somebody tries to get mad or Yale is like do you want get your ass whooped by a pissed-off mechanic this transaction is cash only now

[@bornlegend3224]

lots of shop owners are just focusing on suspension, tires, and alignments =/. its easy to replace and train new people too

[@peanutbutterisfu]

My buddy makes 150k working in software, great benifits, tons of time off, doesn’t need to go to the office he can work from home, he started there as an apprentice which was 2 a program and after 2 years they pay for u to go to college. He’s been there like 15 years now. Why would anyone be a auto technician when careers like that exist.

[@kaywrench]

The last shop i worked at I was on flat rate i could never get past 40 hrs a week, we had too many lost hours in diagnosis, BS Oil changes, giving customers a ride home, bull crap replacement of brake light bulbs ect. The dip shittt service writer and business owner were the only ones making money.

[@Andy-t5e]

Yeah its bad enough you have to work on vehicles then they want you to pick up customers or take them home while the shop owner sits behind his desk doing nothing. Oil changes are bs then you have to screw around resetting monitors reminders etc. One of my favorite things is somebody wants you to check the air in the spare tire and the trunk is totally full of junk and it takes 10 minutes or you have to take the wheels off but takes 15 minutes to find the wheel lock key. At the end of the day the greedy crook of a boss wonders why nothing gets done. Shop owners give techs a bad name.

[@jimknight2041]

I also think it's the customer too. Thinking their vehicle should be fixed in a blink of an eye.

[@RX7GSLSEowner]

Yeah I was wondering when he was gonna get around to benefits. He did that right there at the end. Well, as a shop owner lemme tell ya something about benefits. I offered health insurance to my peeps. Went out of my way to get the group plan organized, which involved a lot of research. And time. Then, when presented with the fruits of my labor, every last person in the shop from the GS to the high dollar Euro tech to the service writer told me that they didn't want it. They all signed the doc to refuse. TF? And of course, you mention retirement. Oh boy. The IRS has gone absolutely NUTS with the rules and regulations with 401k plans. You wouldn't believe what you have to do to maintain compliance and that costs money fella. But I did that. I offered it. I had to push the friggin techs to even login and elect their investment plan choice! Then two of them came to me about a month into it asking if they could cash it out. That they just wanted the money. Uhhhhhh... no, that's not how a 401k plan works. So I ended up terminating the plan altogether. Instead I just offer periodic bonuses that they can take and invest in their own Roth or whatever else. Saves me a ton of compliance BS and grief. And EXPENSE. I do however embrace technology, so my shop has all that latest and greatest stuff to improve efficiency and make everyone's job easier. And I'm crazy anal with safety. Anything breaks I get it fixed asap. If we need a tool, I get that too. Just bought a 1234yf machine because we're seeing more of that, for example. I digress.

[@paulbygrave6859]

I got out of the trade as it's just the same over here in the UK great videos

[@TheJohnbjunior]

Look at mechanic ads (anyplace) massive openings!

[@Icybones000]

Bottom line is shops are ripping people off, well over priced, don't want to comment on mechanics pay, but I'm sure alot are over paid. Example, wanted a cat changed out that is a weld on, not a bolt-on cat, they wouldn't take my supplied part because they say they warranty the part which is bs because it already has a manufacturers warranty but besides that they wanted to charge 900.00 to replace one cat, I went and bought the cat myself and went to a local muffler shop, not owned by a chain organization, they cut my old cat, welded on the new cat all for a cool 100.00, the part was under 400.00 with a limited lifetime warranty. The automotive industry is a scam and is probably disliked more then lawyers and used car dealers.

[@guacamoleweiner69]

In the heavy duty industry, we work on $100k-$1million+ trucks and equipment for the same pay as a McDonald's employee. Its especially bad on the equipment side because we're welders, fabricators, plumbers, hvac, electricians, truck drivers, and mechanics all in one for as low as $18 an hour

[@gainerman]

Has to be in rural Kansas, and housing there is still dirt cheap .starting pay for absolute beginner in Texas , in industrial or heavy equipment is 20+ hour plus overtime .

[@guacamoleweiner69]

@@gainerman try Arizona😔

[@Billy_Built]

DING DING DING!! THIS VIDEO NEEDS MORE VIEWS!

[@xXCigarXx]

Everywhere I've ever worked functions in this way. Mechanic work or not.

[@VDUBGUYDHCM]

I work at a shop like that. The owner won't buy better equipment

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Well said Mike

[@carlbyington5185]

HEY!! I needed my boat. AND, I had to buy the biggest and best, you don't want me sink, do ya ??

[@blackbirdproductions6491]

Just about every KZbin channel I watch dedicated to any profession has someone saying pretty much the same thing about their trade as FRM is saying here about the auto repair industry. Does every career other than owning a bank suck now?

[@mechanic2325]

You can talk about it forever, but nothing is ever gonna change. Not for the better, anyway.