| STEP 1
Identify the vehicle. Usually, you will know the vehicle make, model and engine, but for
confirmation, each manufacturer contains a model identification section listing model
coverage, I.D. number location, engine codes, etc. STEP 2 Familiarize yourself with all Groups. These are
defined and illustrated on the inside cover .
STEP 3 Locate the section
tab which represents the vehicle family of the model being estimated or repaired.
STEP 4 Refer to the index
page at the beginning of your section.
STEP 5 Find the specific
operation or item needing repair, and tab/turn to the page listed in the Labor column.
NOTE: If a specific operation is not indexed, look for it in its most closely related
operation. For example; "Alternator Brushes" are not listed in the index, but
are located under Alternator .
STEP 6 Find the labor
operation on the page indicated in the index and note the suggested time required for
repair. Special attention should be given to any inclusions, notes or tariffs regarding
items included or not included for that particular operation.
STEP 7 Add to the original
suggested time any. ADDITIONAL TIME and/or COMBINATION TIME which
applies to the specific year, model, engine, etc., being looked up. These additional or
combination times are presented immediately after the main labor operation.
STEP 8 Note if there are
any special circumstances that might affect the overall repair (excessive rust, broken or
corroded bolts, etc.). Allow additional time as necessary to cover repairs affected by
these conditions.
STEP 9 Add up all time
estimates. Calculate the total repair operation hours including any Diagnosis Time,
Additional Time or Combinations. Use the labor time conversions in the back of the guide
to accurately convert total estimated repair hours to a total dollar charge for labor.
Again. be sure to include any special labor conditions that may affect the estimate.
STEP 10 Add the total of
labor and parts. Calculate the total of the labor and parts to arrive at a final completed
estimated cost for the repair. Present the estimate and go over it with the customer. It
is extremely important that the customer fully understands what the estimate consists of,
what work will actually be performed, and what the costs involved are.
By making sure the customer is thoroughly aware
of what you have quoted on your estimate, you can avoid potential problems that may arise
at the end of the job.
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