They already are, though.....the garage rate is usually over $200/hr.
Ooooh ASE another company that prints certificates for moneyThere's an indy shop in town that has an ASE owner and an ASE mechanic, only. When my cousin or son can't work on my truck, I take it to the indy shop. They are the BEST around.
Totally agree as the 'essential' B.S. has long played out. The healthcare system continues to be put on pedestals and usually end up complaining about their line of work, wanting higher pay, walking out, etc. IMBHO they kinda know what they're signing up for with that line of work anyway. One day it could be sipping coffee and eating donuts and the next day/week/months it can be catastrophic, so take the bad with all the good/easy days of the past.First, as a mechanic, let me apologize for all of us regarding the lug nuts. That's a sticking point of mine. However, I can't believe you willingly allowed a shop to service your vehicle knowing full well they didn't have the proper equipment. That's like calling a plumber knowing you'll have to provide him with the drain snake...
A little background: I've worked for the same family-owned indy for 10+ years. My sister and I went to school with the owner's kids, his wife was my lunch lady growing up, etc. He recently retired, and his nephew (who's my age) took over the business. Nothing changed, it's business as usual.
As others have said, mine is an industry which demands a large amount of sacrifice in return for marginal compensation and a lifetime of physical damage. I'm 33 and I've been wrenching in some capacity since I was 11ish. I went to school, I slaved along making $10-$11 an hour, doing what I had to because I loved the work. All this while paying off student loans AND living on my own. It's taken years of dedication and cost tens of thousands of dollars to get where I am today.
Personally, I've long accepted all the "cons" of my career. I love what I do, and it often requires sacrifice. That being said, there's a darker issue which I've always felt is under appreciated in regard to those in my field: lack of recognition. As a mechanic, I've more or less accepted the fact that I'm viewed more or less as a lawyer with a wrench. Always out to screw someone, while over charging for the privilege. I've always taken that hard and have made it a point to do whatever I can to change that stigma.
Continuing on the recognition theme: the pandemic really opened my eyes as to how my field is viewed by the general public. All the talk of essential workers, yet not once were mechanics mentioned. How would all those first responders, nurses, doctors, etc. been able to perform their duties if not for the people that kept them moving?
Ooooh ASE another company that prints certificates for money
Absolutely! Additionally, all the resources that needed to now be delivered instead of being picked up. The ENTIRE transportation industry is so heavily relied on and under appreciated. During the pandemic, in my spare time, I was volunteering at a local shop to help get cars and trucks back on the road all while wearing a mask.Continuing on the recognition theme: the pandemic really opened my eyes as to how my field is viewed by the general public. All the talk of essential workers, yet not once were mechanics mentioned. How would all those first responders, nurses, doctors, etc. been able to perform their duties if not for the people that kept them moving?
This is why I always use a torque limiting extension on an impact prior to hand torquing wheels and never snug up lugnuts by hand, only thread them on just enough to keep the wheel from falling off so it very obvious it's not right if I happen to put the car down without tightening them.Am I the only one willing to admit to doing it as well to my own car? I drove 150 miles before feeling a vibration and discovering I had not tourqued the lug nuts after snugging them up.
We all have bad days. Some more than others!!!
Not degrading your role as mechanic however front line workers had direct exposure and difficult working conditions with really sick people.Absolutely! Additionally, all the resources that needed to now be delivered instead of being picked up. The ENTIRE transportation industry is so heavily relied on and under appreciated. During the pandemic, in my spare time, I was volunteering at a local shop to help get cars and trucks back on the road all while wearing a mask.
My intention to minimize the importance of people working with the sick, was not my intention. Please accept my apologies if I came across that way; I'm also a front line/essential worker.front line workers had direct exposure and difficult working conditions with really sick people.
Torque sticks-and there are very reasonably priced ones available at HF, they'll stop you from busting off studs with a too-powerful impact. Always followed up with a torque wrench! Most alloy wheels need to be retorqued at 50-60 miles/~100 KM anyway. And they can still loosen themselves occasionally.This is why I always use a torque limiting extension on an impact prior to hand torquing wheels and never snug up lugnuts by hand, only thread them on just enough to keep the wheel from falling off so it very obvious it's not right if I happen to put the car down without tightening them.