Auto repair shop VS: Mobile Mechanic. What is the difference? Which should you use?
Automotive repair shops
Repair shops are a necessity for automobiles. They have been around since shortly after Henry Ford released the Model T in 1908. They are trusted and necessary since all cars wear and need maintenance and repair. The benefits of a shop: they know cars; they have the tools and equipment to perform many repairs. Your parents took your family car to them and no doubt your grandparents did, too. But times have changed and there are different challenges for the car owner today. Let’s face it, we are all BUSY! In today’s world, many have someone bring their food, groceries and even supplies to the door… Your time is valuable. And to take your car to an auto repair shop, you have to take precious time away from work or family to get your vehicle there. Then you have to wait, borrow a loaner car or arrange time to drop your car off, contact someone else to pick you up, get you to work, then pick you up again and drop you off if your car is done in time. We’ve all done it. But it’s complicated.
Cost
Many repair shops base their prices on a Labor Guide of sorts that identifies how long a repair/ maintenance item should take for the equipment being worked on, and then they apply their hourly rate. (Ex: your 2012 Rav 4 Starter replacement should take .9 hrs. their hourly rate is $105. You will be quoted $94.50 for labor.)
Mobile Mechanics
Mobile mechanics, while relatively new to the scene, are exploding quickly. Have you used one yet? What can you expect? Continue reading and decide for yourself if this service will work for you. With today’s busy environment, mobile mechanics can come to you, your home, or sometimes even work, or a shopping area. What does this mean for you? Well, you don’t have to wait in an auto shop. Instead, you will be waiting in the comfort of your home, or working (like you would be anyways), or you could even be shopping. Benefit or challenge? You decide. Some mobile mechanics will carry all the essential tools and equipment to perform regular maintenance for your equipment. While there are some limits due to being mobile and they won’t be able to perform everything a shop would, they can do much of the same work at a location of your choice.
DID YOU KNOW? Craig’s Mobile Mechanic offers: Oil change, Brake Jobs, Battery Swaps, and more! We work on vehicles, Farm Equipment, Heavy Equipment and, small engines. If you are near Bedford Kentucky schedule your appointment HERE
Cost
Many mobile mechanics also base their prices off of a Labor Guide like (if not the same as) the auto repair shops to keep their prices competitive. Then they apply their hourly rate. Often their price is comparable to shops’ costs.
(Ex: your 2012 Rav 4 Starter replacement should take .9 hrs. their hourly rate is $80. You will be quoted $72.00 for labor.)
TIP: In comparing price of services (ex: oil change for oil change) be sure to check what products are used. Ex: Mechanic A charges $25 for Oil change. Mechanic B charges $55 for Oil change. Compare the oil and filters each mechanic is using. Some use cheap or very low quality products to beat competitor prices, which in the long run could be more costly.
Which will you choose?
Are there benefits to using a mobile mechanic? It depends. Do you prefer to wait in a waiting room or your living room? You decide. Thanks for reading.
If you have found this interesting or informative please share, and please leave a Like.
