Don't Stay at a Toxic Shop! | David Peacock
About this episode
David Peacock, a seasoned mechanic from Calgary, shares his journey through various automotive roles, emphasizing the importance of shop culture and technician respect. He discusses the challenges of finding a supportive workplace, the impact of the technician shortage, and the need for better training for service advisors. The conversation touches on the realities of mobile mechanics, the significance of understanding vehicle maintenance, and the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, particularly with electric vehicles. David's insights highlight the necessity for technicians to care about their work and the importance of investing in their skills.
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In this episode, Jeff is joined by David Peacock, a mobile mechanic based in Calgary, Alberta. David talks about his life as a subcontractor, pointing out it's pros and it's cons. He's had plenty of run-ins with harsh Canadian winters and long commutes. They also bring up the current tech shortage and what needs to happen to see it improve.
Timestamps:
00:00 Fort McMurray: Canada's Boom Town
08:28 Leaving Toxic Work Environments
13:57 "Embracing Mobile Work Independence"
17:29 "Automotive Collaboration Challenges"
25:32 Fleet Operating Costs Insights
30:14 Truck Inspections and Frame Issues
35:05 Dealer Warranty Issues Persist
38:22 "Commission-Based Confusion in Charges"
46:06 "Vacation Saved, Gratitude Earned"
52:41 Oil Change Frustrations
57:27 Autel Remote Shop Experience
01:01:35 TPMS Tool Usage Tips
01:07:15 "Low-Maintenance Generational Drivers"
01:10:31 Miscommunication Leads to Customer Frustration
01:20:38 "Advisor Weakness in Auto Industry"
01:23:41 Understanding Oil Leak Perceptions
01:27:49 "Choosing Stability Over Ambition"
01:36:03 Experience Doesn't Guarantee Mastery
01:39:20 Start Small, Build Understanding
01:43:13 "Technician Time and Process"
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bull bars
"...accessories, they're putting bull bars, light bars,..."
Bull bars are metal bars attached to the front of trucks to protect them from hitting animals or obstacles. They also make the truck look tougher.
Bull bars are protective bars mounted on the front of a vehicle, typically used to protect against animal strikes and enhance off-road capability. They can also provide a rugged look to trucks and SUVs.
light bars
"...light bars, pretty much just decking trucks out..."
Light bars are bright lights attached to vehicles that help you see better at night or in dark places. They're often used on trucks for work or off-roading.
Light bars are mounted lights that provide additional illumination for vehicles, especially useful in off-road conditions or for work purposes. They enhance visibility during nighttime or in low-light situations.
cat-back exhaust system
"...we did everything from hot rods, muscle cars, imports to full systems, cat-backs. Never built manifolds or did any crazy tig welding..."
A cat-back exhaust system is a part of a car's exhaust that goes from the catalytic converter to the back. People upgrade it to make their car sound better and perform well.
A cat-back exhaust system refers to the portion of the exhaust system that runs from the catalytic converter to the rear of the vehicle. This type of system is often upgraded to improve performance and sound.
tig welding
"...Never built manifolds or did any crazy tig welding,..."
TIG welding is a method of joining metal pieces together using a special tool that creates a very hot arc. It's great for making strong and precise welds, especially on thin metal.
TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, is a welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It is known for its precision and ability to weld thin materials.
Ram 2500
"...somebody started out with a Ram 2500 or whatever, a 3,500. When you see it done, you're like,..."
The Ram 2500 is a strong truck designed for heavy work, like towing trailers or carrying heavy loads. It's built to handle tough conditions.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and rugged performance, often used in commercial and off-road applications.
Ram 3500
"...a Ram 2500 or whatever, a 3,500. When you see it done, you're like,..."
The Ram 3500 is a bigger version of the Ram 2500, built for even heavier work, like pulling large trailers or carrying very heavy loads.
The Ram 3500 is a larger heavy-duty pickup truck compared to the Ram 2500, offering even greater towing capacity and payload capabilities, making it suitable for more demanding tasks.
no starts
"Winter is a lot of no starts, right? So I'm doing a lot of the work I do in compared to a shop."
A 'no start' means the car won't turn on. This can happen for several reasons, like a dead battery or problems with the parts that help start the engine. It's a common issue, especially in cold weather.
A 'no start' condition refers to a situation where a vehicle's engine fails to start, often due to issues with the battery, starter, or ignition system. This is a common problem, especially in winter when cold temperatures can affect battery performance.
alternator
"...a lot of no starts, a lot of batteries, a lot of starters, a lot of alternators, stuff like that."
The alternator helps keep the battery charged while the car is running. If it stops working, the battery can die, which means the car won't start.
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system while the engine is running. If it fails, the battery may not charge properly, leading to starting issues.
battery
"...a lot of no starts, a lot of batteries, a lot of starters, a lot of alternators, stuff like that."
The battery is what helps start the car and powers things like lights and radio when the engine is off. In cold weather, batteries can have trouble working properly, which can make it hard to start the car.
The battery is a crucial component in a vehicle that stores electrical energy to start the engine and power electrical systems when the engine is off. In winter, batteries can lose efficiency, leading to starting issues.
starter
"...a lot of no starts, a lot of batteries, a lot of starters, a lot of alternators, stuff like that."
The starter is a part that helps the engine start running. If it breaks, the engine won't start, which can happen more often in winter when it's cold.
The starter is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning the flywheel, allowing the engine to start. Starters can fail due to wear, especially in cold weather when they have to work harder.
Ford F-250
"...they had a slew of F-250s and a slew of Dodge Caravans. That was that was it."
The Ford F-250 is a tough truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work, like construction or towing trailers.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and ruggedness, making it popular for both work and recreational use.
Dodge Caravan
"...a slew of F-250s and a slew of Dodge Caravans. That was that was it."
The Dodge Caravan is a family-friendly minivan that has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, making it great for trips.
The Dodge Caravan is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice for transporting families and groups.
heavy duty
"...you guys differentiate like light duty and heavy duty. Right? 310S is automotive."
Heavy duty vehicles are built to carry heavy loads and do tough jobs. They are often used for work like towing trailers or carrying large amounts of cargo.
Heavy duty vehicles are designed to carry larger loads and handle more demanding tasks, often used in commercial applications like construction or towing. They have higher towing and payload capacities than light duty vehicles.
light duty
"...you guys differentiate like light duty and heavy duty. Right? 310S is automotive."
Light duty vehicles are those that are not built for heavy work. They are usually used for everyday driving and can carry lighter loads.
Light duty refers to vehicles designed for lighter loads and less demanding tasks, often used for personal or light commercial purposes. These vehicles typically have lower towing and payload capacities compared to heavy-duty vehicles.
310S
"...310S is automotive. 310T is truck."
The 310S is a type of vehicle made for regular use, not heavy work. It’s designed for everyday driving.
The 310S is a designation used for certain automotive vehicles, indicating a specific model or configuration that is designed for lighter duties compared to its heavy-duty counterparts.
310T
"...310S is automotive. 310T is truck."
The 310T is a type of truck made for carrying heavier loads and doing tougher jobs than regular cars.
The 310T is a designation used for truck vehicles, indicating a specific model or configuration that is built to handle heavier loads and more demanding tasks than light duty vehicles.
trailer
"...added another one that's 310 something which is like trailer, you know."
A trailer is something you attach to a vehicle to carry things. It doesn’t have its own engine and is pulled by a car or truck.
A trailer is a non-motorized vehicle that is towed by a motorized vehicle, used for transporting goods, equipment, or other vehicles. They come in various sizes and configurations depending on their intended use.
frame jacking
"Because now like frame jacking"
Frame jacking is when you lift a car by its frame instead of the body. It's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the car or making it unsafe.
Frame jacking refers to the process of lifting a vehicle by its frame, which can be necessary for certain repairs or inspections. However, improper frame jacking can lead to safety issues or damage to the vehicle's structure.
FRM module
"...I need to go to the dealership, had an FRM module..."
The FRM module is a part in some BMW cars that controls things like lights and windows. If it has problems, those features might not work properly.
The FRM (Footwell Module) is an electronic control unit in BMW vehicles that manages various functions such as lighting and window controls. Issues with the FRM can lead to malfunctions in these systems.
extended warranty
"like extended warranty, BMW, all that jazz. And she just really wanted to verify, are you okay with spending a thousand dollars?"
An extended warranty is like insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the original warranty ends. It can save you money if something goes wrong later on.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for repairs and maintenance beyond the standard warranty period of a vehicle. It can help cover unexpected costs associated with vehicle repairs after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
BMW
"BMW, all that jazz. And she just really wanted to verify, are you okay with spending a thousand dollars?"
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and sports cars. They are famous for their quality and performance.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for producing luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
ignition coil
"...if I diagnosed the car and I needed an ignition coil"
An ignition coil helps start the engine by sending a strong electric spark to the spark plugs. Without it, the engine won't run properly or may not start at all.
An ignition coil is a crucial component in a vehicle's ignition system that transforms the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs, igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.
Ford Mustang
"... want to say it was like, it looked like it was a Mustang. The guy didn't even put the retaining ring back ..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people recognize because of its cool design and speed. It's been around for a long time and is loved for being fun to drive, which is why it often comes up in conversations about cars.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling, the Mustang has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion in automotive culture, often discussed for its impact on the sports car market and its rich history.
EV
"where they want the most low maintenance thing they can get. And they think that an EV is going to be that."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They usually need less maintenance because they have fewer parts that can break down.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). EVs are often seen as low maintenance due to fewer moving parts compared to conventional vehicles.
ICE
"of barely being able to sell the value of what we're truly doing on a combustion engine vehicle and ICE."
ICE means Internal Combustion Engine, which is the kind of engine that most cars have. It uses fuel like gas to run, unlike electric cars that use batteries.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which is the traditional engine type that uses fuel like gasoline or diesel to power vehicles. Understanding ICE is crucial as it contrasts with the newer electric vehicles (EVs) in terms of technology and maintenance.
sway bar link
"And when I ask you for a sway bar link, you order me a sway bar bushing. That is, in my opinion, just unacceptable."
A sway bar link is a part of the car's suspension that helps keep the car stable when turning. It connects the sway bar to other parts of the suspension.
A sway bar link is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that connects the sway bar to the suspension. It helps reduce body roll during cornering, improving handling and stability.
head gasket
"Like they leak around the head gaskets. That's always a dry leak."
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant separate. If it breaks, it can cause leaks and engine problems.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. When it fails, it can lead to leaks and overheating issues.
transmission cooler lines
"...you have to be making the customer aware that whole yellow thing is like I've seen transmissions blow up because the cooler lines were leaking..."
Transmission cooler lines are tubes that help keep the transmission fluid cool. If they leak, it can cause serious problems with the car's transmission, leading to expensive repairs.
Transmission cooler lines are hoses that carry transmission fluid to and from the transmission cooler, helping to regulate the temperature of the transmission fluid. If these lines leak, it can lead to overheating and potentially catastrophic failure of the transmission.
Chevrolet Equinox
"...you got a Chevy Equinox. Like, yeah, they burn a ton of oil..."
The Chevrolet Equinox is a popular SUV that many people drive. Some versions of it have a problem where they use more oil than usual, which can cause engine trouble if not fixed.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV known for its practicality and comfort. However, it has been noted for oil consumption issues in some model years, which can lead to engine problems if not addressed.
fuel injector
"...the on time was 8% more than the others. That's the one injector that I'm changing for this code."
A fuel injector is a part of the engine that sprays fuel into the engine to help it run. It makes sure the fuel mixes well with air for better performance.
A fuel injector is a critical component in modern engines that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber. It atomizes the fuel for better mixing with air, which is essential for efficient combustion and engine performance.
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