Eric the Car Guy!! | His Story and Thoughts on Technician Burnout
About this episode
Eric the Car Guy joins Jeff on The Jaded Mechanic Podcast to discuss his journey through the automotive industry, touching on technician burnout and the challenges of flat rate pay. Eric shares his experiences from working at dealerships to creating his own successful YouTube channel, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and understanding in the trade. They explore the impact of electric vehicles on the industry and the need for a shift towards apprenticeship programs to better prepare new technicians. The conversation is both candid and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the evolving automotive landscape.
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In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with the one... the only.... Eric the Car Guy! His YouTube Channel has impacted millions of technicians over the years and one of those was the host of this podcast...Jeff. Today, they talk about Eric's story from dealership technician to YouTuber, highlighting the setbacks that shaped his career and his drive to empower others. They also discuss the challenges facing today's automotive industry, including the need for mentorship and apprenticeship programs, common misconceptions about flat rate pay, and the importance of valuing technicians as professionals.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction – Eric’s Early Shop Life & Pay Structures
02:05 Flat Rate, Shop Culture, and Getting Fired
07:36 The Legend Coupe Story & Being Let Go Over $900
13:00 Teaching Himself Video and Moving into YouTube
19:37 Giving Away the “Secrets” & Empowering Customers
24:13 Burnout, Losing the Shop, and Starting Over
33:35 Dealing with Haters & The Power of the Audience
39:18 Building a Community & Inspiring the Next Generation
46:05 Apprenticeships, Mentorship, and Industry Change
54:10 The Problem with Flat Rate Pay & Technician Expectations
1:02:30 Self-Taught vs. Formal Mentorship in Automotive
1:10:03 What’s Next for Eric The Car Guy? Future Content & Inspiration
1:15:54 Final Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Techs
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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
Acura
"...I was an accurate master technician. Yeah. In fact, I achieved that status about two weeks before I was fired."
Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, making more upscale and high-performance cars. They focus on comfort and advanced features in their vehicles.
Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Honda, known for producing premium cars that combine performance with comfort and advanced technology. It was launched in the late 1980s.
master technician
"...I was an accurate master technician. Yeah. In fact, I achieved that status about two weeks before I was fired."
A master technician is a very skilled car mechanic who has special training and certification. They are experts in fixing and understanding cars.
A master technician is a highly skilled automotive technician who has achieved a certain level of certification, indicating expertise in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. This status often requires extensive training and experience.
parts manager
"...the reason I was fired was because I aligned myself with the wrong person. And the way it all went down specifically was this person was actually the parts manager."
A parts manager is the person in charge of managing car parts at a dealership or repair shop. They make sure the right parts are available when needed for repairs.
A parts manager is responsible for overseeing the inventory and supply of automotive parts in a dealership or repair shop. They ensure that the necessary parts are available for repairs and maintenance.
Fiat Ulysses
"...d Cincinnati that was there. It was dedicated by Ulysses S. Grant in 1845. That's what I was told. That's ..."
The Fiat Ulysse is a roomy car that can fit a lot of people and their stuff, making it great for families. It's designed to be comfortable and useful for trips or daily driving.
The Fiat Ulysse is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was produced from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, primarily aimed at families needing space and versatility. It is known for its practical design and comfort, making it suitable for both everyday use and longer trips.
Acura Legend Coupe
"...there was a woman who had a legend coupe, is what it was, if I remember correctly. And I'd always had a soft spot for legend coupes..."
The Acura Legend Coupe is a car made by Acura, a luxury division of Honda. It's known for being stylish and comfortable, popular in the late '80s and early '90s.
The Acura Legend Coupe is a luxury vehicle produced by Acura, known for its stylish design and performance. It was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s and is often appreciated for its comfort and reliability.
manual transmission
"...this one was a manual transmission as well. So it was I have to admit that I was I was pretty excited about the car..."
A manual transmission is a type of car gearbox where you have to change gears yourself, usually using a stick and a clutch pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This provides more control over the vehicle's power and performance.
salvage yard
"...this was one of those cars that you really don't want that actually probably should have been in a salvage yard kind of a thing..."
A salvage yard is a place where broken or old cars are taken to be taken apart for parts. If a car is too damaged to drive, it might end up in a salvage yard.
A salvage yard is a place where damaged or abandoned vehicles are taken to be dismantled for parts or scrap metal. Cars that are no longer roadworthy are often sent here.
Acura Vigor
"...at the time, our work schedule, we were working and we worked on a team system, and there were two other people on my team. One of them worked on an Acura Vigor..."
The Acura Vigor is another car made by Acura, known for being a comfortable and stylish sedan. It was produced in the early '90s and is appreciated for its performance.
The Acura Vigor is a mid-size luxury sedan produced by Acura in the early 1990s. It is known for its performance and comfort, and it shares some components with the Honda Accord.
valve adjustment
"valve adjustment or some. No, actually, he did oil seals for the spark plug wells. So he had to take the whole cam cage off and he put it back on somewhere in there."
Valve adjustment is when mechanics make sure the space between the engine's valves and the parts that push them is just right. This helps the engine run smoothly and quietly.
A valve adjustment is a maintenance procedure that involves setting the clearance between the engine's valves and their corresponding rocker arms. Proper adjustment ensures optimal engine performance and prevents issues such as valve noise or poor engine operation.
rocker arms
"...somewhere in there. One of those rocker arms wasn't aligned properly. And the sad thing is, is that engine ended up dropping a valve because of that."
Rocker arms are parts in an engine that help open and close the valves, which let air and fuel in and exhaust out. They make sure everything happens at the right time for the engine to work properly.
Rocker arms are components in an engine that transfer the motion from the camshaft to the valves. They play a crucial role in opening and closing the valves at the correct times during the engine's operation.
dropping a valve
"...the sad thing is, is that engine ended up dropping a valve because of that. Yeah. And and it was really sad because they were a good customer."
Dropping a valve happens when a part in the engine that opens and closes doesn't work right and falls out of place. This can cause big problems for the engine, sometimes even breaking it.
Dropping a valve refers to a situation where a valve in an engine becomes dislodged or fails to close properly, often leading to severe engine damage. This can occur due to improper alignment, wear, or failure of components like rocker arms.
used car department
"...the used car department of the dealership sold that car. They turned around, sold that car to her..."
The used car department is where a dealership sells cars that have been owned by someone else before. They are not brand new but can still be in good condition.
The used car department of a dealership is the section that specializes in selling pre-owned vehicles. These cars have typically been owned by someone else before being sold again.
Chevrolet Chevy II
"...I think it was like a 66 Nova or Chevy II, I guess it would have been, that they had that they brought in and had like 11 to 1 compression."
The Chevy II is a small car made by Chevrolet, popular in the 1960s. The 1966 version had different engines, some of which were quite powerful.
The Chevy II is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979. The 1966 model featured various engine options, including high-performance variants.
Garage Monkey
"Oh, you know, we, we had a few years back, this thing put together by a company called Garage Monkey. It was called Road to SEMA."
Garage Monkey is a company that puts together car events, like a trip to a big car show called SEMA where people show off their custom cars.
Garage Monkey is a company that organizes automotive events and experiences, such as the Road to SEMA, which showcases custom vehicles and builds at the SEMA Show.
Road to SEMA
"It was called Road to SEMA. And it's interesting because they have that this very year Road to SEMA and they've taken a bunch of influencers..."
Road to SEMA is an event where car enthusiasts and influencers drive together to a big car show in Las Vegas called SEMA, where they display custom cars and parts.
Road to SEMA is an event organized by Garage Monkey that involves influencers driving to the SEMA Show, which is a major automotive trade show in Las Vegas showcasing custom vehicles and automotive products.
Dodge Hellcat
"...we got a bunch, we got Hellcats, we got, you know, be at 500s and stuff. Let's just go have some fun."
The Dodge Hellcat is a very powerful car made by Dodge, famous for its supercharged engine that makes it really fast and fun to drive.
The Dodge Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Challenger and Charger, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine, delivering exceptional speed and performance.
Fiat 500S
"...a bunch, we got Hellcats, we got, you know, be at 500s and stuff. Let's just go have some fun in some m..."
The Fiat 500 is a small car that's great for driving around the city. It's known for being cute and easy to park, which makes it a favorite among people who want a fun and practical vehicle.
The Fiat 500 is a compact city car that has gained popularity for its stylish design and efficient performance. Originally launched in the 1950s, it represents Italian automotive culture and has been embraced for its fun driving experience and compact size, making it ideal for urban environments.
$1,500
"...if they watch the video and now they understand why it's going to cost them $1,500 for that repair, they have that understanding. Because how many times does a customer come in..."
This is a price estimate for fixing a car. Knowing how much repairs usually cost can help you understand what to expect when taking your car to a mechanic.
This refers to a common cost estimate for automotive repairs, which can vary widely based on the type of repair and parts involved. Understanding repair costs helps customers make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance.
timing belt
"...back to your timing belt example and you say that it charges them four and a half hours and you do it in 45 minutes?"
The timing belt is a part of the engine that helps keep everything moving in sync. If it breaks, it can cause serious damage to the engine, so it's important to replace it at regular intervals.
A timing belt is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
car maintenance
"...I look at the car and see how it's maintained. I look and see how they're taking care of it. I look and see the interior. Are they trashing? It is a rolling dumpster..."
Car maintenance means taking care of your car so it runs well and stays safe. This can include things like changing the oil and keeping the inside clean.
Car maintenance refers to the routine checks and services performed on a vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and interior cleanliness, which can reflect the owner's attention to detail and care for the vehicle.
EV
"...the whole EV thing. Okay. I think that's all BS personally. And the reason I say that..."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This means it doesn't produce exhaust emissions like regular cars do, which can be better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. The shift towards EVs is often seen as a way to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
zero emissions vehicles
"...I'm not saying that zero emissions vehicles aren't great for the environment in some situations..."
Zero emissions vehicles are cars that don't release any harmful gases into the air when they are being driven. This is usually because they run on electricity or hydrogen instead of gasoline.
Zero emissions vehicles are vehicles that do not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases during operation. This typically includes electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are designed to have a minimal environmental impact.
fuel injection
"...when I started out, it was the transition into fuel injection and all these other things. That was just getting started..."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine more accurately than older methods. It helps the engine run better and use less fuel.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine, replacing the older carburetor system. It allows for more precise control of the fuel-air mixture, improving efficiency and performance.
carburetors
"...we still had a few carburetors out there that were electronically controlled, and we had to mess with those things..."
Carburetors are old parts that mix air and fuel together for car engines. They were used a lot before newer systems like fuel injection took over.
Carburetors are devices that mix air and fuel for internal combustion engines before it enters the engine's cylinders. They were commonly used before fuel injection became the standard.
fuel injected
"oh, everything's going to be fuel injected. They'll all be computers in the future. Well, they're right. But it didn't really solve anything."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine. It's more efficient than older methods and helps the engine run better.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel to an engine in a controlled manner, replacing older carburetor systems. It allows for more efficient combustion and better performance.
North Star headgaskets
"...before that, it was North Star headgaskets. You know, I think there's always going to be that challenge..."
North Star headgaskets are a problem in some Cadillac engines that can cause leaks and overheating. It's something car owners need to watch out for.
North Star headgaskets refer to a common issue in the Cadillac Northstar engine, where the head gaskets can fail, leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating. This problem has been a notable concern for owners of vehicles equipped with this engine.
steering rack
"...if it was a steering rack in a caravan, I talked about that all the time or whatever the recall, I got her done."
The steering rack helps you turn the car when you move the steering wheel. It's an important part of the steering system that connects the wheel movement to the wheels themselves.
A steering rack is a crucial component of a vehicle's steering system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. It plays a vital role in the vehicle's handling and steering response.
check engine light
"...a lot of oil change, a lot of tires, a lot of brakes. And once in a while, a check engine light will come in and they'll be like, give it to Jeff..."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there might be something wrong with the engine or the system that controls emissions, and you should have it checked out.
The check engine light is an indicator on the vehicle's dashboard that signals a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate a wide range of problems, from minor issues like a loose gas cap to more serious engine malfunctions.
DRB3
"...flashing at the OE level with the DRB3 and then the Y tech..."
DRB3 is a special tool that mechanics use to check what's wrong with Chrysler cars. It helps them find problems and fix them.
The DRB3 is a diagnostic tool used by automotive technicians to communicate with and diagnose Chrysler vehicles. It allows for reading and clearing trouble codes, as well as performing various tests.
Cavalier
"...I want that truck he drives. I don't want to drive my old Cavalier forever..."
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a small car that many people used to drive because it was cheap and reliable. It was made for a long time, from the early 80s to the mid-2000s.
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was produced by General Motors from 1981 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality as a daily driver.
hot rod
"...I was a hot rodder. That's what got me into this. So when I see somebody at a hot rod shop, take something..."
A hot rod is an old car that has been changed to make it faster and look different. People often modify these cars to make them special and unique.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance and speed. Hot rodding often involves customizing the engine, suspension, and body to create a unique vehicle that stands out and performs better than the original.
Studebaker pickup truck
"...they dragged it out from the mud somewhere and 27 months later, it's a, you know, a resurrected Studebaker pickup truck..."
A Studebaker pickup truck is an old type of truck made by the Studebaker company. These trucks are popular among people who like to restore and customize classic vehicles.
The Studebaker pickup truck is a classic vehicle produced by the Studebaker Corporation, which was known for its innovative designs and quality construction. These trucks are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for restoration and customization.
Tesla
"...And I believe that a Tesla..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for their high-tech features and long-range batteries, making them popular among drivers who want to go green.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded by Elon Musk and others. Tesla is known for its innovative electric cars, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, which have gained popularity for their performance and technology.
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