Chapter Seven
What are the real costs for my technician?
The following is a list of approximate costs for top quality hand tools and equipment for 1996. Keep in mind the range of cost can at times seem large, but there are so many different types of testers and tools that depending on what they do, the cost will fluctuate. Most top technicians have or are in the process of acquiring these tools and equipment to better their job performance.
The following list is an estimate as there are so many choices and manufacturers. These are not your run of the mill, buy it at Harbor Freight tools. These are professional grade tools.
$10,000 is a moderate cost for a tool box to store the technician's lifetime investment of hand tools. (He could spend $15,000 or more for tool storage).
$35,000 is a good assortment of hand tools with some specialty tools to complete most jobs in a quick and professional way.
$3,500 to $6,000 for each above ground Hoist. (Most shops have two or three).
$5,000 to $10,000 for Air" Conditioning recyclers, now a federal law in order to do any form of automotive AC service.
$3,000 to $4,500 for an Antifreeze recycler. Some places this is becoming more of an EPA issue also.
$2,340 per year for just one base web based information system covering repair of your car along with labor rates, technical service bulletins etc.
$300 to $1,000 for a good 2 to 2 112 ton Floor Jack. (Most shops have at least two).
$1,200 to $2,000 for a Transmission Jack.
$60 to $90 for one pair of Jack Stands. (Most shops have two to three sets).
$300 to $500 for a Battery Charger.
$1,700 to $4,700 for a Brake Flush Machine.
$3,000 to $5,000 for a Transmission Flush Machine.
$1,300 for a Smoke Machine (checks for leaks)
$500 to $2,500 for an Alternator, Regulator, Starter, Battery tester.
$800 to $2,000 for a Press, used in pressing bearings etc.
$4,500 to $12,000 for a Scan Tool/ Basic Lab Scope used in checking your check engine light and electrical integrity. Updates can cost as much more than $3,000 per year.
$2,900 to $10,000 for a Lab Scope that helps in reading voltage patterns, primary circuits and secondary circuits along with amp ramping.
$300 to $800 for a Digital"Volt"Ohm Meter .
$3,000 to $7,000 for a Wheel Balancer (if the shop does tires).
$900 to $12,000 for a tire machine.
$1,200 to $4,000 for an Air Compressor.
$200 to $1,400 for a Solvent Tank.
$1,000 to $3,000 for a Wire Feed Welder.
$1,000 to $3,000 for an Oil Filter Crusher. Because of EPA regulations.
$2,000 per computer to access web based information store and run shop management systems.
$35,000 for an alignment machine and then another $4,000 to $10,000 to put your car on As you can see, even if your technician has a lesser amount/value of tools and equipment he will have over $45,000 invested to repair your car (ten years ago your technician had an estimated $24,000 invested). The shop owner will have this amount of $24,000 minimum, combined with shop equipment equaling a minimum of $40,000, totaling a very basic $65,000. This does not include rent, insurance, utilities, waste disposal, specialty tools for his profession, shop supplies or training to remain on the leading edge.
Some might say "But when it's paid off, he makes a killing!" On the contrary, after about five years, you find the equipment needs to be updated or replaced due to everyday use. And if that is not enough, how about all the new equipment that keeps coming out to link into all the new technology? Did I mention occasionally a tool or two seems to disappear in a customer's car or who knows where, and when this happens it has to be replaced. From my knowledge, I really don't know of too many other professions that have this kind of cost. Training is also necessary to try to stay up with all that is changing in the automotive field. Automotive technicians receive such small compensation for what they do, thus why some are saying "I've had enough, it’s time to move on to something else." The thing about most technicians is that they truly love what they do. It’s something that gets in their blood, and just keeps on going. Much satisfaction results when a car leaves their shop purring like a new born kitten.
Next time you see your technician, ask him the value of his tools and equipment. More than likely, his investment will surprise you. If you really want a good response ask his wife, who didn’t get a new dress because a tool needed to remain competitive.
“Things are more like today than they ever were before”