Why do mechanics take so long to fix cars?

Question

I put my durango in the shop last Monday and it is still not fixed. I had a coolant leak and they said it had something to do with a gasket. The part is still not in so I am still waiting. They said that it would be a day and a half job is this normal

My warrenty is paying for the repair.

Answer 1

Dealing with late model vehicle engines are more complex.
If the problem is a head gasket - in some cases it may take a couple of hours to remove some external components before you actually begin to remove the head.
Removing a head is very time consuming - many parts to deal with.

Be patient, don't rush things, or you may get your vehicle back with a few pieces not properly installed.

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Answer 2

It's depend on the schedule, sometimes drop ins get pushed back a little because the shop has already committed to someone who had an appointment. So that day an a half is roughly the time it will take to test, replace and clean up their mess. Not the time it takes from when you dropped it off. Just check with them every couple of days to make sure they really aren't putting you aside

Answer 3

Well actually the way it works especially with warranty work is. They get paid for the amount of hours their "book" says it takes (normally they can finish it in much shorter time since it is probably a dealership service department if it warranty work they work on those vehicles all day long and know there way around them).

As for why it takes them so long to get in the part, Genuine parts for vehicles are alot more specific and so are sometimes harder to get in rather than say a brake rotor which is a little more universal. Plus I think warranty work will sometimes get pushed to the side for other things.

Answer 4

Is it at a dealer? Did the pull apart before they had the parts? They should of had all the parts before they had you bring it in for repair. And if they didn't and asked you to leave the car I hope they supplied you with a loaner. IT sounds like the service and parts department are not on the ball.

Answer 5

With all due respect, you have answered your own question.

"The part is still not in, so I am still waiting."

They would LOVE to get your car fixed, so they can bill you and get their money. They would LOVE to get your car out of their carage where it is taking up space. They can only bill you for the hours they work, so if there is no part, there is no work.

Some people go out and try to source their own parts and on occasion, that can speed up the process. But when the part is not in stock or easily available - then waiting upsets everyone, the owner (that would be you) and the garage guys.

When the car IS ready - if you want good service and want to keep them happy- when you go to pick it up, take them some cookies to thank them for their help.

Answer 6

They do not get paid by the hour. They get paid by the book hour. If a job is listed at 4 hours, and it takes them 2 hours, you pay for 4 hours labor. If it takes them 8 hours, you pay for 4 hours. Except most electrical troubleshooting. And, your car is not the only car there. Have patience, Grasshopper.

Answer 7

Parts are out of stock at dealer. If it's the head gasket, it'a a one day job at the most. If the parts are in stock.

Answer 8

Depends on the gasket, they may have to tear the engine down to replace the head gasket.

They also have more than your car to work on too. I'm sure they want to get you fixed as much as you want it fixed.

Answer 9

many times the part that they need can be very far away and takes awhile to get to the shop. Your time seems a little excessive.

Answer 10

small, simple problems turn into long, complicated ones very quickly if they spot other problems