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Episode 6: Mobile Mechanics
For auto shop owners and techs, think of mobile mechanics in two ways: Mobile auto repair and mobile diagnostics.
Audra Fordin, a 4th-generation mechanic, isn’t convinced.
There’s more talk about mobile mechanics these days, and she’s even tinkered with the idea. But she wonders if it’s more an “interest” than a “need.” Some people are buying their own cheaper car parts online and then hiring a mobile mechanic to do the install. Or some people simply can’t bring their car in the shop that day and need a little help.
The trouble with it? Some equipment, like a lift, just can’t be taken on the road. And like all trends, are mobile mechanics just a passing thing, or here to stay?
Charles Sanville, “The Humble Mechanic,” sees the mobile mechanic business in three ways:
Mobile diagnostics. For Charles, this is the most interesting definition: Mobile diagnosis and mobile programming. Think of it as a tech who drives to your shop with the tools you don’t own, such as that scan tool for a 2020 Mercedes Benz—and does that piece of the work for a fee.
Mobile auto repair. For a shop owner or the individual tech, it’s the ability to change out a timing belt, battery, or air filter on the side of the road or in someone’s driveway. The tech comes to the problem, wherever it may be.
Here to stay. However you define it, the trend isn’t going away. And it’s a great idea for that star technician who doesn’t have the resources to open a shop of his or her own but wants to start a business.
Up next: Watch Shop Goals Episode 7 The Repair is Only as Good as Its Parts.
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BECOME A DEALERView More Episodes
Episode One:
Newbies in the Bay
Everybody was a newbie once. Everybody. Here’s how to survive those early days as a new mechanic, and how to help connect them with the best mentor tech in your shop.
Episode Two:
Johnny New Guy
Rethink every step of the way when it comes to bringing new mechanics into the shop—so they won’t lose their love for the trade.
Episode Three:
Talking Customers
Turns out customers don’t eat, sleep and breathe the ins and outs of auto repair like we do. Most likely, they have questions, but they’re afraid to ask.
Episode Four:
Training Done Daily
One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with changing rules and regulations in the au. Your best bet sometimes is YouTube and the shop floor.
Episode Five:
The New School on Car Diagnostic Tools
The cost of a new diagnostic scanner, plus old-school tools like a car lift, can make the dream of running your own auto shop seem too expensive. Here’s how to overcome it.
Episode Six:
Mobile Mechanics
For auto shop owners and techs, think of mobile mechanics in two ways: Mobile auto repair and mobile diagnostics.
Episode Seven:
The Repair Is Only as Good as Its Parts
Thinking about installing customer-supplied parts? Here's what you need to know.
Episode Eight:
How to Boost Car Count
Starting your own free car maintenance classes could have the biggest impact on your auto repair shop marketing plan.
Episode Nine:
Social Media for Auto Repair Shops
Don't know how to use social media? Cool. Chances are, somebody in your auto repair shop does.
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