Why Low Shop Rates Hurt Everyone in Auto Repair | Bryan Bueckert
About this episode
Bryan Bueckert joins the Jaded Mechanic Podcast to discuss the impact of low shop rates in the auto repair industry. He shares his journey from a call center to becoming a mechanic, highlighting the challenges faced by technicians, including low pay and the need for better training. The conversation delves into the importance of charging for diagnostic work, the pitfalls of using cheap parts, and the necessity of educating customers about vehicle maintenance. Bryan emphasizes the need for change in the industry to attract new talent and improve working conditions.
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In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with technician Bryan Bueckert to talk through career challenges and the realities of working in the automotive repair industry. Brian shares his journey of entering the trade later in life, including the financial sacrifices and steep learning curve involved in switching from a call center job to turning wrenches. The discussion highlights key issues like low shop door rates and reluctance to charge for diagnostic labor, which make it difficult for technicians to earn a livable wage.
00:00 "Subaru Enthusiast's Job Search"
05:39 Skilled Trade Pay Disparity Debate
13:47 Mastering European Car Systems
20:00 Space Dilemma and Hiring Needs
21:55 "Challenges of Small Auto Shops"
29:51 Proper Oil for Euro Cars
33:44 "No Tolerance for Customer Abuse"
41:41 Final School Day in Windsor
43:11 Subaru Salary Insights
49:42 Oil Change: More Than Routine
55:45 Revamping Traditional Auto Service Methods
01:00:27 Quality Parts Ensure Trust
01:06:57 Subaru CVT Fluid Maintenance Advice
01:10:48 Car Service Decisions Explained
01:18:08 Spare Key Programming Challenges
01:22:40 Efficient Airbag Installation Story
01:28:57 Considering Teaching High School Shop
01:33:10 Pursuing Passion After Mortgage
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Volkswagen Jetta
"... the certain brands. It's not like a Detour and a Jetta do it the same. You know what I mean? Like, it's ..."
Subaru Outback
"...e months ago, we had someone come in with a turbo Outback. Like, oh, we got cam position codes. And I'm lik..."
Toyota A90
"Yeah. And they were like, oh, we have no money. Like, no, no, no, no. Like if you've seen some of the cars that come through our shop, like we've had like, you know, some like we, I, I remember we had a 90. You had 95 Cavalier come through. Like, I was like, I, I was shocked. I was like, there's still one on the road. Right?"
Pontiac Sunfire
"...o, we used to call the, the old Cavaliers and the Sunfires. You know those at that time, Those were the 10 y..."
Honda Civic
"...ke the Hyundai's Kias. Like I remember when Honda Civic, when the Honda Civics used to be like 10 year th..."
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...t he, so he bought a 24. 20, 24. I think it was a Grand Highlander. So just a couple, not just like less than a year..."
Honda Accord
"...that we do get with, like, you know, a 2000 Honda Accord, like, we can give that little guy a break, you k..."
Honda S2000
"Oh, no. Okay, cool. Like, that's cool. Like, thank you. So it's like we already have that reputation. It's like we just, we need to be, it needs to be better. Like, and the potential is there. Just we have to embrace the change and like, you know, not so much worry about like, oh, we're gonna, you know, you know, we're charging customers too much if they're driving. High end stuff. Yeah, they can afford it, like you said, you know, or like the customers that we do get with, like, you know, a 2000 Honda Accord, like, we can give that little guy a break, you know, here and there, whatever. Right? Like, yeah, you know, but the other thing is like, you know, don't sacrifice like quality over quantity. And that's one frustration I've had. It's like, you know, he thinks it's the more cars that comes in, the better it is."
Jeep Wrangler
"...hoose not my. My own Jeep, right? Like, it's a 15 Wrangler. I'll still go to the dealer and buy the fluid fo..."
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