I've heard many times in the past, "Wow, your labor rate is expensive!"  So, I thought it would be a good idea to explain a little how auto repair shops decide on a labor rate.  There are MANY different factors that need to be considered.  Auto repair labor rates vary widely across the country, and even within the same city.  You may find labor rates ranging from $47 to $200 per hour.  Though many people think the shops' labor rates are very high, most are actually close to industry averages.  Here are some factors that auto shops, including us, use to establish car repair labor rates:

• Local labor and benefit costs (rural vs urban location)
• Repair shop type (dealership, independent, specialty, etc.)
• Facility Overhead (rent, upkeep, utilities, insurance costs, etc.)
• Business overhead (tools, technician training, equipment, taxes, more insurance costs, etc.)

​I would like to emphasize right off the bat that a mechanic does not receive the hourly labor rate you are quoted.  That rate reflects his/her pay plus a portion of the facility's business expenses.  Running an auto repair shop today is a costly undertaking. Along with the cost of the physical facility, the high-tech diagnostic tools and equipment needed to service modern vehicles can easily require a six-figure investment and constant training for the technicians. 
We quote labor charges using a "flat rate" manual or computer program that provides the average time it takes an experienced technician to perform a given car repair.  This system allows us to to give fair and consistent auto repair estimates.  
Since we are a facility that performs a wide range of services, not all can be estimated using the flat-rate system.   Diagnostic work, for example, is a unique troubleshooting process.  We will quote a basic diagnostic charge that includes certain procedures and a maximum time limit.  If the problem cannot be identified within that time, we will contact you, describe what has been done to that point, and ask for more time (more money) to do further diagnosis.  This can be frustrating for both you and us, but there really is no alternative when it comes to complex or intermittent troubles.
We do have some jobs that have a menu price.  Our lube, oil and filter changes, smog inspections, horse power pulls, most minor tune ups, etc.  These will have a set labor price for certain groups of vehicle types.  
I hope this helps to ease your mind about auto repair shops' labor rates.  We are here to help, give us a call anytime if you would like further clarification or if there is anything that we can help you with!

Autumn is a great time to get your vehicle ready for the weather changes ahead.  Unless you live in San Diego, where our actual "winter" weather doesn't show up until February.  So, for our San Diego Fall auto maintenance checklist we have some items that should be checked every 6 months as well as some preparatory items for those rainy days that we might see.
Check Tire Condition:
Start with a visual inspection to check for wear and damage.  Get yourself a tire pressure gauge if you do not have one already.  Tires tend to lose pressure when the temperature drops and you'll want to be able to check the tire pressure bi-weekly.  If you did a lot of summer vacations without rotating your tires, now is the time!  When checking for tread depth, take a penny and put Lincoln's head down in between the tread, if you can see his head it's time for new tires.  Check the tire walls to make sure that the cords are not showing, another sign that tires are needed.

Check Your Fluid Levels:
The fluids of your vehicle are used to lubricate and control temperature.  So it is very important to check their level and condition periodically (monthly if possible).  The engine oil is used to lubricate your engine internally, while the antifreeze helps the engine maintain proper temperature.  Over the hot months, it is common for the antifreeze to evaporate or become diluted.  Let's not forget about the windshield wiper fluid as well.  The wiper fluid tends to get forgotten, but it aids with the most important part of driving; being able to see!!  

Check the Heater and Defroster:
The nights and mornings are starting to cool down and lets face it, it's been at least 6 months since you've had to use your heater function.  The defroster also plays an important role with be able to see, so ensuring it's functionality before you actually need it is highly recommended. 

Emergency Kit:
It's time to check your emergency kit and replace or restock anything that has been used up over the past 6 months.

Replace Your Wiper Blades:
If we just so happen to get rain or you need to wipe the washer fluid to clean your window you are going to need a nice set of wiper blades.  When checking the condition of your wiper blades check for any tearing or cracks.  If it's been all summer since your blades have been replaced, just put a new set on.  The summer sun here in San Diego is intense and rots the rubber away.

We are always here to help.  You can have us perform our 55-pt inspection, which includes all of the above and then some!  

For many around the country temperatures are starting to cool as we approach fall.  Not here in San Diego!  The heat hangs around well into October and sometimes stays through Christmas (anyone else worn flip flops and shorts Christmas Day?!).  Now that summer vacations are over and you're commuting to and from work again or doing all the school and sports runs lets talk about what to do if your vehicle overheats.  I'm going to start with the number 1 rule: If your vehicle is overheating and smoke is coming out from under the hood, DO NOT open the hood right away.  There are so many possibilities and we do not want you to get sprayed with fluid that is over 200 degrees in temperature due to a cap gone or hose blown.

Lets first talk about what you can do to help prevent your vehicle from overheating.

• Ensure that your vehicle is up to date on maintenance to avoid engine trouble.  There are several systems in your vehicle that are designed to regulate temperatures.
• Engine oil provides lubrication for the the moving parts in the engine.  The lubrication reduces friction and heat.  Having oil changes done on a regular interval will help ensure that you have the proper amount of oil running through the engine and that the oil is clean.
• Your vehicles cooling system consists of many parts including belts, fans, and fluids.  Over time the cooling system will develop scale deposits which restrict coolant circulation and will require the cooling system to be flushed.  Frequent checks of the level and condition of the coolant fluid is highly recommended.

So what to do when your engine does overheat.

• Pullover
• Do Not open the hood of the car
• Allow the vehicle to cool for 30 minutes or until the temperature gauge shows a normal temperature (out of the red)
• Check the coolant levels.  The reservoir is usually transparent and near the radiator. If the levels are low, refill the reservoir.  I always carry an extra bottle in my trunk.
• Check hoses for leaks.  A crack in the hose causing the leak might be visible.  If not, make sure that the hoses are cooled to the touch and you can gently squeeze the hoses to check for resistance.
• If you choose to remove the radiator cap, do so with extreme caution.  Use a rag to protect your hand and tilt the cap away from you.  Never remove the radiator cap when the vehicle is hot.  Never pour water into a hot radiator.

If you are worried about performing any of the above listed items if your vehicle overheats, that is what we are here for.  Give us a call and we can have your vehicle towed to the shop!  Need help with the to-do list to prevent your vehicle from overheating?  We are here to help with that too!!  Our experienced mechanics can perform any and all of your vehicle maintenance or repair needs.

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