Q & A #40 With The Auto Specialist
Q & A #40 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back to the latest installment of the Auto Specialist. We’ve been dedicating time with this regular column to answer readers’ questions about the problems they’re having with their vehicles. If you’re experiencing any issues with your car, truck, or SUV, there’s a good chance we’ve already covered it. I’d like to encourage you to take a look through our growing library of archives. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to send your question in and we’ll all learn from it.
Last time, we helped Charlotte decide whether she should save a few dollars with a rebuilt alternator or invest in an OEM unit. We also answered a question from Brian regarding his engine’s spark knock. Today, I’ll answer a question from a reader named Jason regarding how auto repair shops fix their rates. We’ll also help Ryan with his car’s fuel pump. Let’s get started.
Question: I own a 2000 Honda Accord with a little over 110,000 miles. Over the last couple of years, I’ve had to have a few repair jobs done. The timing belt broke, someone stole my catalytic converter, and something caused the water pump to act up. Now, something’s wrong with my charging system. Here’s the thing. I’ve always wondered how the mechanics set their rates. I was talking with a buddy about it. His timing belt snapped last year. But, the shop he took his truck to charged him a lot less money to put a replacement on. Do you know how the prices are set?
Answer: Thanks for writing, Jason. Every repair garage has their own hourly rate. I’ve seen them as low as $40 (though it has been awhile) and up to $85. Most shops have a number of manuals that show how long a particular job will take for a given make and model. The mechanics will multiply their hourly rate by the number of hours the job should take. Then, they might pad the number a little in case the work takes longer than expected.
With regard to your friend’s timing belt costing less to replace than your own, this can be due to a number of factors. It might be due to his truck’s make and model, the experience and speed of the mechanics, or their hourly rate. Hope that helps to clarify the issue.
Question: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant with the mileage at 113,000. A couple weeks ago, I had the fuel pump replaced. I know you’ve said in the past that some parts should only be replaced with their OEM counterparts, but I wanted to save money. I had the mechanic put a rebuilt pump in. Ever since, my car backfires at high rpms. I’ve taken it back to the garage, but the mechanic can’t find the problem. Do you know what’s causing the backfire?
Answer: Thank you for your question, Ryan. If I had to guess, I’d say the rebuilt is defective. Here’s what I’d do: go back to the mechanic and have him swap out the rebuilt for an OEM fuel pump. It will cost you a little more money, but I’d be willing to bet that it resolves the problem. Like alternators, fuel pumps are too important to trust to a rebuilt or remanufactured replacement.
That’s it for today’s segment. Thanks again to Jason and Ryan for sending in their questions. Ryan’s question is a great reminder. I cannot stress enough the importance of using OEM auto parts when you need to replace something. Knowing that you’re buying a component that is designed to spec is well worth the investment. Until next time, drive safely.
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Tags: Auto Specialist, Car Q & A, Q and A
