Mobile Auto Repairs

[The Critic]

It has been for a while since I have had to do work outside of a shop environment. I forgot how much of a pain it is to pack everything you need for a job, set-up, do the work and clean-up afterwards. Did a front brake service, brake fluid flush and a M/T Fluid Drain and Refill. Filling the M/T without my Assenmacher fluid filler (had to use an OTC Oil Suction Gun) was messy and time consuming.

Props to anyone who does mobile repair work in the field - it's a challenge!

 

[SatinSilver]

Nice Matix, what year? Looks like the red positive battery protector needs to be pushed back down. What pads/rotors did you go with?

 

[Dyusik]

Looks like how I do all my work, minus the space! I'm couple feet on the sides crammed up against whatever is in the garage. HOA can fine me for doing anything to my car in the driveway. I hate my living arrangements. One day, I dream I will be as spoiled as you sir!

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Nice Matix, what year? Looks like the red positive battery protector needs to be pushed back down. What pads/rotors did you go with?

The battery needs to be replaced - the terminals have a mountain of blue cancer. But the owner will be taking care of it himself.

Genuine Toyota Pads (the factory original green ones) and aftermarket Akebono rotors. First brake job at 109K miles. 2008MY.

 

[eljefino]

You're right, I always try to get people to my garage if at all possible. Never know if I'll need a bigger hammer, my retrieval magnet, rounded nut tools, tire air, or a whole bunch of other contingent stuff.

I've had my proud moments fixing cars in the ghetto across the street from a bus stop with onlookers in the freezing January weather.

 

[46Harry]

I did mobile repairs for more years than I care to remember. I'm mostly retired now, but still do some repair work to keep my hand in the game, but no more working on the side of the road or in the dirt, I'm getting too old for that.

 

[xxch4osxx]

A thankless job, especially up here. Crawling around under a truck in -25 weather holding cold steel tools at night is not something just anyone can do. Finish the job and then have the customer complain how much the bill is just makes it so much better lol. I would never get into mobile repairs after talking to many mobile service guys.

 

[Trav]

I never did it or could do it but kudos to those who do and do a decent job of it. The closest I get is breakdowns but if its more than a simple thing it goes on a hook.

 

[HangFire]

I see a dial indicator.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted by HangFire
I see a dial indicator.

Both sides measured under .001" too.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted by HangFire
I see a dial indicator.

I was wondering why all 5 lugs were on.

I knew you were anal, but I thought you just didn't want to lose the lugs.

 

[Chris142]

Ya I refuse to do anything mobile any more. Well maybe a battery swap. Customers seem to think that I can leave work and do a job for them at home for less that we charge at the shop.

No lift,no air tools etc.... Naw I'm done with after hours stuff.

 

[hpb]

I can't believe you did it in the street! Why couldn't the vehicle be brought to you? Or at least moved off the road?

 

[KrisZ]

Even as a DIYer crawling under the car or even being in a crouched position can be quite uncomfortable. I just changed the upper strut mounts on my Mazda over the weekend and my back is a bit sore because if the prolonged crouched position.

As a DIYer it's not a big deal, but if I were a pro, I would avoid doing mobile repairs. Mobile repair business makes sense for big rig trucks, but for for passenger vehicles I don't see it being worth while.

Kudos for doing it, but think of your own well being and long term effects this kind of work may have. All you need to do is hurt your back once.

 

[HangFire]

The emergency auto services operators got it right. They bring gas, replace a battery, change a flat, other than that it's a tow to the shop.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by KrisZ
Even as a DIYer crawling under the car or even being in a crouched position can be quite uncomfortable. I just changed the upper strut mounts on my Mazda over the weekend and my back is a bit sore because if the prolonged crouched position.

As a DIYer it's not a big deal, but if I were a pro, I would avoid doing mobile repairs. Mobile repair business makes sense for big rig trucks, but for for passenger vehicles I don't see it being worth while.

Kudos for doing it, but think of your own well being and long term effects this kind of work may have. All you need to do is hurt your back once.


I had a mobile mechanic do some work for me before. It was cheaper than a shop. He didn't have a shop, but had a van with all his tools including a compressor. So he saved money on the overhead of a shop. Then he ended up setting up a shop with a lift etc., and then his price went up by about $20/hour.

 

[Omahaug]

When I work on my cars I do it on the street outside of the home like you show in the picture. I usually carry everything in a big box to and from the car so I don't have to go back and forth picking up tools.

It does get really uncomfortable going under the car, then back out, then under, etc, especially without a creeper.

The worst is sitting on the street or other hard surface for an hour while working on brakes. Once I did that and I crapped out blood the next day. I always use a cushion now.

 

[mclasser]

Originally Posted by NoNameJoe
The worst is sitting on the street or other hard surface for an hour while working on brakes. Once I did that and I crapped out blood the next day. I always use a cushion now.

Um, I hope you got that checked out.

 

[OhioMazda]

A lot of people who advertise "mobile auto repair" are just scammers. I found a guy with a physical garage, a marked van, and who accepts credit cards, believing that those were all marks of legitimacy, and had a couple good experiences, but I still can't figure out why he goes out on the road when he could stay in his warm garage.

 

[terry274]

Just curious, what is the price markup to do a job mobile vs. if they bring the car to your shop?