| In your labor rate
estimating guide, "Estimated Labor Rate Times" are given in hours and tenths of
an hour (6 minutes). The times apply only to standard equipment and production options
provided by the vehicle manufacturer. The times generally reflect the needs of the
average, trained auto technician using factory recommended tools and repair procedures.
"Estimated Labor Rate Times" are to be used as a guide only. The actual time
taken can be expected to vary to meet individual repair shop and vehicle conditions,
equipment used, etc. The following outlines
the operations which are, and are not, included in labor times. You are encouraged to
become familiar with these to be sure you have a through understanding of the professional
approach to mechanical estimating.
|
Included in Operational Time |
· Vehicle repair preparation
· Drain & refill necessary fluids
· Tighten bolts, fasteners, etc. to manufacture's
recommended torque specifications
· Normal cleaning of parts associated with the
repair operation
· Personal needs of the technician while performing
a repair operation
· Preventative measures
· Position, set-up, return tools and equipment
· Verification of repair
|
Not Included in Operational Time |
· Writing estimate, booking the job, billing or special
courtesy services
· Training
· Reference time on unfamiliar operations
· Adverse weather conditions
· Disposal of hazardous materials
· Diagnosis
· Machine operations
· Resetting of any electrical components due to
battery disconnection
· Removal of locking lug nuts or wheel covers
· Time necessary to free up parts frozen by rust or
corrosion
· Broken bolts, studs, etc.
· Rework parts to fit a particular year or model
· Excessive grease, tar and
undercoating removal or any other materials that could interfere with operation
· Cleaning areas of the vehicle which
may have been contaminated by failure of the component on which the operation is being
performed
Repair
shops are entitled to charge for time spent in diagnosing vehicle malfunctions
and discrepancies, and in preparing an estimate to effect necessary repairs. We recommend
that all repair jobs be referenced in your labor rate guide system. In addition, we
recommend that if a vehicle fits areas of the above, you add .3 on average to the time
billing to cover the those activities.
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