The reason you dont see alot of older mechanics at dealerships is for the simple reason they don't put up with the low pay and bullshit that the younger guys are willing to
I’ve been a mechanic for nearly thirty years. I worked at the dealerships for awhile and independent shops before just doing my own thing, and it’s been much better. I have been wanting to do something else, other than using my resources to fix unappreciative people’s junk. for a living for awhile now, and just keep my tools for my own projects. Things are much better, but still not great, and luckily I have successfully managed to get two college degrees and can finally exit, and exit gracefully with a certain amount of lifestyle creep that I developed while working as a mechanic. I think I may have some respiratory problems now, developed from breathing chemicals and the dust that comes off the wheels and the undercarriage of the cars. It’s really a thankless job, with no respect, and the pay is shitty. When you work for someone else the mechanic is always last to get paid and it’s a commission based pay. It’s a good job for a young guy without and education, but I believe the days of making a living a an auto mechanic are over. It’s a dying profession as we traditionally understand the auto mechanic profession.
Honestly being an independent mobile mechanic makes much more sense. I used to be a mobile mechanic helper and I did mostly brakes and suspension. I never myself got licensed though. The worst thing about auto mechanic industry now in Canada is the time to become licensed. You work for minimum wage for 5 years, the dealership takes advantage of you for a while. They don't care how much background experience you have.
I started in the 90’s. Did the OEM learning and apprenticed. Kids these days are running up $50k in student loans for tech school then having to buy all those tools to maybe take home the same as I did when I became a journeyman.
I quit buying from the tool trucks over 15 years ago. The lifetime warranty doesn't mean fuck all if a new tool dealer takes over from the one you've been dealing with for years. They won't warranty anything for you unless you spend a ton of money all over again. I buy used off ebay and amazon or where ever I can and whenever any of my Snap-On or Matco or CornHOLE shit breaks, I cut it into little pieces with my cut off wheel to make it unsalvageable for anyone. The tool trucks are a bunch of ball gummers.
I only buy very high use items off the truck and specialty stuff that's hard to find in good quality elsewhere. And even then, I always pay in full up front. And I don't need a Snap-On toolbox, it's gonna get beat to hell anyway. I use a US General box from Harbor Freight and a Husky cabinet from Home Depot. I spent maybe $600 on both. Granted my setup is small, but I have friends with larger box setups where they spent $1500 at most for everything. Main box, locker, hutch, tool cart, no need to break the bank there. Even a small box, not much bigger than mine, is $4k off the tool truck. Too rich for my blood. I already have a car payment, I'm not adding a tool payment to the list of bills.
I worked in Mercedes and Ferrari dealers for 12 years and it’s still not worth it even at the top of the mountain. Fuck this industry, it can collapse and I won’t shed a tear for it.
@@somedude4805 Not many people have Ferrari. With the price of the extensive repairs a lot of people are doing the repairs themselves. Engineers, Doctors, CEO’s are smart enough to do these repairs themselves. Low demand for Ferrari mechanic.
I quit lots of mechanic jobs. Wrenched in 7 diff states. But I found a shop where I work 40hr or less and bring home 30-40+ per hour. And I’m saving every penny I can I was able to set aside $32,000 per year. So working my body down will help me start a new life after this is over. Too many techs working hand to mouth. Stop buying unnecessary tools. Stop giving women your money.
Reminder that in the US it's the law that employers provide any tools needed to do your job. Mechanics need to stop buying specialty tools of any kind. Bring sockets and wrenches, you shouldn't even be buying a toolbox.
I noticed this in the industry. I'm young... So I can't tell if it's a male (especially blue color, hard work long hours issue) thing. But a lot of mechanics I work with seem to have that issue. I feel like I tend to pick poor women bc it's fun, and get used and hurt as a result. Is it because I want to work on cars, or am I cursed as mechanic??
@@dkis8730 It's not that you are cursed as a mechanic. Women are fucking evil and they remember only the bad things that happen or mistakes that were made. They have no logic of what things cost or what it takes to make money and they are IMPOSSIBLE to fucking satisfy. We are walking ATM machines to them and our feelings don't mean anything to them.
a lot of dealers start the new guy out higher than the guy that left because they can't get people to work. that was the case where I worked. 20 years means nothing.
True, but the new guys fold up quick when complicated elect/diag surfaces. Don't be a White Knight, if they are paid more than you (from bangin out flat rape gravy) let em' sink on diag! Make them train/study like all the good old timers had to.
My dad worked as a mechanic his entire life. He worked at Firestone for about 15 years and then for USPS maintaining their fleet. The heat wasn't that bad on him but in the winter, going out of the shop to work on vehicles in the weather was brutal.
Something interesting too consider. My own story btw. I struggled with drug and alcohol. Addiction. Through a lot of therapy I've come to the realization that a subconscious part of me is addicted too flat rate. The thrill of beating the time and those slam dunk 20 hour days. It's a rush just like drugs or alcohol can be and just like those things you hate it, you know it's bad, but you keep going back for more. Hopefully this wasn't too off topic but I managed to make that connection with myself and my own life and thought it may help someone else...
I've never thought about that but you're spot on. Waiting tables, bartending are the same way. That instant cash in your pocket, the absolute chaos when you're understaffed in the middle of a Friday night dinner rush... I did both for years.
Agree. I have friends that still work for dealers and want to quit but are afraid to make the jump. I honestly enjoy my job now though. I run a small fleet shop where we have about 200 pieces to keep up. I still get to work with my hands every day when I'm not ordering parts or doing paperwork so it's a good mix. Like I told other guys once I got off of flat rate my whole attitude and life changed for the better. I used to think I hated being a mechanic but what I really hated was the flat rate system and getting screwed. Great video bud
Here in my city. Kia/lexus/bmw one owner. VW/nissan/dodge/ram/hyundai one owner, Infiniti/mercedes/subaru one owner. Honda/acura one owner. And one reason techs do not leave is security. I do not have a wife or Kids so it was an easier decision to make to move into another industry. But if you have a family it’s a hard choice. You have a lot of people depending on you and it can get scary to move on.
Well said. My wife works and she works hard but she doesn't make a ton of money. I easily make about 70% of our total income. Kids and all that.... It gets super scary even thinking about trying to start anew and take a paycut.
@@trevorharley4475 I can understand those concerns. I know mechanics who scare themselves out of leaving. Cannot blame them. I took a less paying job but in the end it worked out great for me. You do any job for a long period of time and it’s what you’re good at so leaving for a completely new career is never easy no matter what.
I've been at the same dealership for 19 years. The first 4 years were great and I liked working there but things became non ideal and then got worse and worse and it's beyond being a horrible shithole. I hate working there so much now but I don't know what to do other than ride it out. It's real close to my home and there are some other perks but everyday I'm on the verge of walking out. The health insurance is horrible and the only thing I haven't ruined yet is my back and my neck, everything else is destroyed joints and tendons. The seething hatred I have for my job is enough to make an angel have a miscarriage
Congrats to you man! I'm waiting for a call back on a job I applied for 🤞 26 years of this crap and I've just about had it flat rate fucks us left and right.
If people would spend the 4 years after high school working and saving up a nest egg instead of going college and going into debt they would never have to work for unfair wages ever again. You know who accepts lower wages? Desperate people with lots of debt living beyond their means. You know whos able to tell their boss to F OFF? Minimalists with a years living expenses saved up. You decide whats more important. Stuff or freedom
I didn’t have to go to college, and he didn’t mention that either. Factor that in as well you’re looking at another 35k- 40k. I got maybe 60 grand in tools, probably paid less than half that. Still almost 50-60k to start a career? It’s disrespectful is what it is. Makes me wanna slap every teacher that has ever bitched about having to buy their own supplies.
Double edged sword. You know who else accepts unfair wages? People without an education, or some sort of formal training. Semi skilled jobs are some of the lowest paying jobs out there. 4 yrs worth of savings @ $30k a yr isn’t much of a nest egg.
@@Wet_Willys_Wetter_Waternot really. @ $30k a yr even if you lived very frugally you’d be lucky if you’d be able to save $5k a yr. Better off to get a good degree that will land you a cushy white collar job. So you don’t end up turning wrenches, or working construction when you’re middle aged like me.
Why don’t I quit as a mechanic? Because I’m good at it and it’s one of the few things I know how to do. I’d be crap in an office and I find fixing stuff rewarding (most of the time) Most mechanics are born with the ‘gift’ of being able to fix stuff and have a mechanical understanding that others don’t comprehend. I wasn’t born with any other gifts. (Ie music, art, academia etc.) If I had the choice of an alternative profession that I thought would provide as much or more, then sure I’d consider it, but I’d probably always come back to spannering. So this is me, I can earn a living from it and it’s what I do well. And I’m now 63.
@@ben10mama manufacturing plants of any kind imaginable. Industrial HVAC. Forklifts, equipment rental. Shop doors. Gas pumps. So many industries that you need to know how to fix complicated stuff and there is a demand. After a while it gets really easy and you’re set for life. Have a big savings and keep trying different opportunities.
Some of the OEM's will hire technicians and train them to fix the equipment at the assembly plants. Some of them will fix issues that assembled vehicles have before they leave the plant. If anyone is looking for an out from the dealership (I used to be a dealership technician), I can give you the information if you're interested in going the OEM route.
Your videos aren't long enough, even though you say that it's going to long. Your videos all need to be a minimum of 8 minutes long so that you get full monetization
@@LancemechanicsI agree. Solid videos I went to trades school. Got into a manufacturer program, now I’m at a dealer, flat rate. 21 y/o. The industry is a lot to take on being 2 years in.
@@philh9238knew someone who was doing it. Told me they had an opening so I applied and got lucky. Much cleaner, less stressful. And the hours are much better.
I bought a semi truck, make way more money, and I am way happier with the working conditions. There was also some shenanigans going on at the dealership, so there was other reasons to leave than the ones you mentioned. When I was still in mechanic school, I worked at a Pep Boys and left after a week of work lol.
I was an ASE certified auto tech in SC USA from '93-2003. I agree with you. By my 30s I spent most of my time at doctors and hospitals trying to heal the damage to my body. I had $15,000 US back then in just specialty tools for doing manual transmission, transfer case, and axle work. I sucked at electrical diagnostics and stayed away from it. Still suck at it, but I can sometimes figure it out. It may take me several months to 7 years, like it did with my Honda Accord. Guys like me need to stick to their strong points and let the other guys handle the other stuff. It's mostly electrical failures down here in the southeast.
@@Lancemechanics I need to move my Matco 4s & top shelf box home. Its heavy... (bought both new 2 years ago, NO blemishes, new condition, wanna keep it that way) matco guy said he'd move it but can't due to emergency) What did you use to move your box? Able to do it without scratching?
You speak the truth! Mechanics are at the bottom of the totem pole. I had to get out after 25 years of being a heavy duty / agricultural mechanic because of severe back issues.
I'm in my 40's and recovering from major spine surgery and cancer right now. I went from turning 100+ to 80. Then 60... 40, 30. My last week at the dealership I turned less than 20. I went to another shop not willing to admit my body was just beat. That didn't work either. In November I went to the er hoping for emergency spine surgery but they found stomach cancer. I'm on the upswing now but I don't know what to do for work once I'm healed or whatever. The surgeon says no more wrenching for a living. My body says the same. I started working on semi trucks at 13. Everything hurts. My hands, wrists, hips, knees, back, feet... a buddy that's been doing body work his whole life lost his cancer battle a few months ago. I don't have the answers but this isn't it.
@aaadamt964 I know this position can be stressful , but maybe service advisor. You definitely got the experience. Any mechanic can sell and it would be less physical. Or a teaching position. Surprisingly they're always looking for teachers
@@Lancemechanics I'm considering it. I'm not sure I could even do that yet. The money may be better but man... the days would drag sitting behind a computer all day.
Thanks for the video. A problem i had with tools is where do you put them if you're not working in a shop or have a home. If you live in an apartment which is all you can afford. There's no where to put them.
Stopped working at dealerships around 2001, bounced around a bunch of independent shops til I found my current place. Work Monday thru Thursday 10hr days and I'm flat rate. Average between 45 and 60 hrs a week. Get paid training, benefits, the works...and I'm APPRECIATED I know alot of techs who are apprehensive about leaving the dealership environment, but there are are plenty of independents who are DYING to find good solid techs, you just have to put yourself out there to find them. Thanks for the video and truly hope the best for all you techs in the future
The dealer principal, general manager, service manager and sales staff should thank their lucky stars they have any technicians period. All of these people do is take advantage of you and don’t give a rip about you, your needs or your ability to earn a living repairing their products. To add more insult to injury you will need to maintain their equipment and property yourself for free. Everything in the dealership revolves upon you and your knowledge and ability. You are still treated like a dirtbag. They laugh at you and take as much advantage of you as they possibly can. When you are tired, hurt or worn down by working in bad conditions all day everyday you are in serious trouble. Throughout your career and despite how many times you move on to another dealer you will soon be working again with the same dirtbags you tried to get away from. The automotive world is smaller than you think.
When I worked at a dealership, apprentices are making minimum wages, license guy flat rate 25 cad per hour which is super low in Toronto 2019. All young apprentices and young license mechanics left within a year and all went to work at CN rail. Even you have to to learn from begining in a new trade, cn still pays more than double compares to minimun wage and it is stress free union environment. I learnt the lesson and then I found my self a way to work for the city transit.
The tool struggle is real. Every week there’s something new that I need because prior job x would have been helpful, or is needed for current job y. 😵💫
@@Lancemechanics Was more referring to the never-ending need to add to the collection than anything. 😂 With cars becoming increasingly complex it’s not uncommon to be spending 20% of earnings to have the right tools as a tech/mech these days.
The technician used to get back in the day a 60%-40% split. Now the Dealers charge $140 an hour and up while the technician gets $25-$40 of that. And yo add 11 fake fees they trick a car buyer in from the sales department. The Homework Guy Kevin Hunter can fill you in on those fake fees on his channel. I left the business in 2005 and have zero regrets. I make much more on a railroad. More benefits, and no book time. You het screwed on warranty book time.🤷🏻♂️
I'm from Europe and I used to barely make a minimum wage as an apprentice semi truck tech. You could get a job at any supermarket and make 2x of what I made. Four days a week, 13 hour work day. Smashing the crap out of trucks with sledgehammers, getting crap in your eyes while chasing a wiring issue, endless formula 1-style oil changes, and getting yelled at day in day out. They even had training days for optimal foot placement and pathways to absolutely squeeze every ounce of productivity from us...
From what country in Europe are you from? ...those working conditions you described are similar to my country, Greece. I finished the mechanic school before 3 years, and couldn't find a job for more than 800eur p.m despite i had some experience from before starting studying. Even experienced technicians are working overtime for around 1000 to 1200eur. Now i work on my own taxi car in Denmark
I left the industry and went back to school to be a registered nurse. I could not be happier. Now i work in a climate controlled environment, and my co workers are a lot prettier. Also my take home pay is double to triple what i used to make. GET OUT IF YOU CAN
Been a flat rate tech for 32 years, bought the shop 9 years ago from va 3rd generation owner, insulated building, bought new furnaces, eliminated flate rate,trying to be a better owner that appreciates his workers. I'm 60 years old and beat up, I still do all the heavy work because they don't have the talent to flate rate and get the jobs done in a timely matter. I noticed kids are not motivated like I was. I was a 6 figure employee 10 years ago. I've ;even in the business 42 years and will retire at 62. Hopefully it will get better, work hard and you will do well, 120k in my box.
good on you. sorry though your body is hurting. hard to enjoy retirement in that state. yeah motivation is low. Its hard when these younger folks are overstimulated with pademics, housing crises. next war. so much has happened since the 90s and it takes a toll on these kids. I remember 3 young guys the day ukrain was invaded in the shop. they could not cope. talking about end of the world stuff. its like common guys. get your self together
Walked away from a dealer in 2001, and when I take my car in for service its super young guys now, who will be like me worked to death and quit. Something needs to change, and soon to keep the talent.
Something very soon. Checked my local dealer after I left. They posted a picture it'd it'd one guy over 40 now. All the knowledge that's left they building. :(
Most techs have more than 30 k in tools Charlie Brown. I’ve been in it 40 years, a good scanner diagnostic tools it adds up quickly. Worked at a dealer in my early years & u only work on 1 or 2 car models gm & import. Independent shops u see everything and need more tools to work on other models. The dealership supplies the scanner & specialty tools. And u are working for warranty time.
I don't disagree with any thing you said. I am in and out of many car dealerships for my job(I'm not an auto mechanic). Working conditions here in Tennessee seem to be much better than you describe in Canada however. Most of the shops I visit have AC and heat. If I was an auto mechanic that would be a requirement for me at the bare minimum.
Where I’m at you have to have your own insurance for your tools. If the building burns down you’re out of luck. There’s another expense to add to the list.
@@markm0000 Maybe check with whoever you have your homeowner/auto/renters insurance with and see if they offer something. I’m looking into it now myself. Fortunately I’ve been pretty lucky that nothing has happened in the 25 years I’ve been doing this.
Im 19 from the uk and have just finished my 3 years of schooling to become a qualified mechanic i wanted to get into this industry because i enjoy fixing things and enjoy working on my own cars but as time goes on working in a shop is draining me mentally and can get pretty stressfull at times im already thinking of a way out (because i can see how stressed and fed up the older techs are and i dont want to be tied up in the same way) but i dont want my 3 years of schooling to go to waste i dont know what to do🤷♂️
I've heard things are bad in the Uk. I've seen alot of videos on sparkies doing well. not sure how in demand that trade is or the pay. alot of people i worked with in the wind industry were from the uk. Hope it all works out for you
Where are you gonna work on cars? You need a lift and a lot of shop equipment. Cant do it at home we dont have 1. Average house is $1.5 million where I am
I used to do that until they made you pay taxes on buying cars over $5000. Even if you buy it for $4999 they claim it's worth more based on bluebook value... Also kind of tough to sell anything over that anyway, nobody wants to pay.
That sucks. In US it varies by state but usually if you sell 5 cars or less a year you don't need to register as a dealer. Taxes I think are considered capital gains, 20% of profits but you can write off all expenses. Not sure if your time can be written off
Been thinking of that one. We got a ghetto version that was mandatory here in Canada. It's garbage. But hear the stats Have nothing and most mechanics can't retire :(
Im considering making my exit. They pay is crap for what you have to deal with and invest in tools to do the job. I don't see any positive changes coming until the industry gets put on it's knees by the shortage of quality techs.
At my local American car dealers I always wonder why the guys are working there. If you like working on pickups you would be better of working on like Cmac thyssen's trucks or for a earth moving company.
I don't because I actually make good money where I work.... you are right its not easy work... but i feel as if a good technician at a dealer that recognizes your skillset will always pay VERY well. I am making more then college graduates by a long shot... plus i live 5 miles from work... and I have family here... some people simply won't quit because they have a good mixture of living in the right location and making fantastic money. You offer to quit, they pay you more too! 30k in tools and I would have still made 80k year to date easily...
@Lancemechanics yeah. I been into it before... but typically they don't bother me... I just do my thing and do what they ask and keep it at that. I feel like a lot of people struggle with understanding business is business.... don't let your feelings or personal opinion dictate it. If it matters that much to you then you probably shouldn't be working there. But yeah definitely not easy work... lots of people lured in thinking how easy it is going to be and all the money they might make... I have to devote hours outside of work to study and be ready for when I come in sometimes.... that is why I am so good... other techs don't seem to understand that.
I don't think you understand that $80K USD is barely staying above water in 2024, you must be pretty young. Also the average auto mechanic makes about $35K/year.. you can't even afford rent and gas on that. It's the worst trade profession you can possibly go into, you're expected to be a master of all trade skills while being paid half of what any other trade pays.
i hate working with ac. i want the door open, i want to see outside. also i want the air to flow through move the dust the biggest thing keeping me in this industry is that it is terrible, it sucks, no one wants to work it. but someone has to work it. someone has to fix the cars, and someone has to own the business. that's my goal. the door rate is about 100$ more than my hourly. but im the one doing the work. i'm the product.
Used to work in a shop with AC. Every time you bring a car in all the cold air goes out and hot air comes in. Then the car that's been sitting in the sun for half the day sits there putting out heat even if it isn't running! Reverse this in the winter. Upstate NY so it doesn't get that hot or cold. Still. Well, I showed them! Broke my back(ladder, gravity). Came back after six months and was handed an application to fill out. After 17 years . Wasn't feeling the love. Went to an independent shop, did some quick math and decided to stay home. I was born single so the early retirement was affordable. Can't really recommend the broken back part but that was nearly 20 years ago. Good old days.
I spent 8 years in the trade. Went from a very positive outlook on life and a eat,sleep, breathe cars mentality, to depression in about 2 years. Everything is toxic! From the chemicals to the service writers and shop owners. My knees are shot. My hearing is damaged. I finally cracked under the pressure and left in 2018 at $25/hr. I've tried 4 different jobs since and got to the same wage within 6 months. On the current one I went from $20 to $25 before the first paycheck. I could pick a better paying job, but this one is low stress. Its been 6.5 years and I still struggle with it mentally when I have to work on my own vehicle. My advice is- leave today!!! This job will break you. And if you are already broken, Jesus is the only way to be healed.
I mean, you know how to work with your hands. Switch trades, there is not a single trade that is not short handed right now. It is a complete career change, and you will basically start over as an apprentice, but it is an option. Even I can agree not a good one, but an option.
I make enough money to get what I want and support my family I spent over 10 years in this field with training, tools, and time. It would be stupid of me to just quit being a mechanic to be some Hvac or some welder and start all over again....
I left to work in IT. Best decision I have ever made. I think about it as I drive into work and see the equipment I used to work on at construction sites as I head into my air-conditioned office making more money while not spending another dollar on tools.
I have crapped on machining in another one of your videos but I have been an apprentice auto mechanic and that was the worst. I suggest quitting mechanics try to get into machining. Look for the manual machinist positions as those pay better than operators and have more upward mobility and skill and your tools/experience transfers over more efficiently. You can also get into being a machine repair tech as well and I've talked to ours and he says its a more laid back lazy man mechanic job that pays better and requires less tools. The expensive tools are cheaper and fewer than mechanics tools. You can get brand new precision mitutoyo instruments for cheaper than tool truck wrenches and ratchets. There is no rust either or asbestos. Dial test indicator, some flex arms, plunger indicators, calipers, a few micrometers etc. All can be bought on ebay for cheap in very good quality from premium brands, just avoid anything that looks rusty or like its been dropped/crashed. If you hate coolant/cutting fluid its a stepping stone into quality control, land surveying, non destructive testing, cnc programming/setup, engineering, or bullshitting your way into white collar work because there is quite a bit of paperwork with some machining jobs. Just do not be a machine operator or let yourself be put into that role long term. Be a manual machinist, cnc setup guy or programmer. Biggest occupational hazard is metalworking fluid and hearing loss, it gets in through your skin and lungs. Water evaporates out of it over time which makes it more concentrated. Keep your coolant fresh and keep it from becoming too concentrated over time. Keep the sump clean. The most dangerous things to touch in terms of fluids are the concentrated oils and their residues after all the water evaps out. Stand back from the machine and let it do its thing, go easier on the compressed air, and keep a fan to draft the mists/fumes away from you if need be. If coolant splashes on you, rinse it off or keep a wet rag nearby to wipe yourself off and you'll be fine. It beats being a mechanic by a long shot. I'm only 22 and I got 8 job offers after sending out 4 applications having only 3 years experience. Its an occult trade that nobody seems to know about.
I watched a video that to replace a blend door actuator on a Toyota you had to remove the heater box assembly which involves pulling the dash completely. V8 these days (not over head cams) you have to remove the heads to replace lifters. For 40 years engines didn't require that. I think engineers just make changes to justify thier jobs.
So So underappreciated ,more knowledge than most trades ,, more costly tools ,,, tools and knowledge become obsolete after 5-7 yrs .. Dealers treat u like a slave dog , where u are only a pay number . Even the fastest techs get rewarded with high returns . Name atrade that does electrics ,, air con , hydraulics , fabrication . Working lifting 4x4 wheels . Most countries ban postal workers from lifting greater than 20kgs /44lbs . Mechanics lift this 4x per car every 90mins 25-30+ kgs
I allready have 1 foot out the door. Working part time. Fortunately I have enough $ saved, & am debt free sans mortgage. Guys, SAVE $ & budget!. Seen too many techs enslaved to this lousy trade because of excess debt.
It's easier with your single. Good money etc. But add mortgage (so you get the write offs), wife and kids. Your stuck. Flat rate is a scam and should be illegal. The government is in on it. They need to make and sell lots of cars for the taxes.
I find nowadays its not even about finding a good shop to work at anymore because its probably as hard as winning the lottery. Rather, its finding a shop with bullshit u can live with. My current dealer has average pay, 4 day work schedules, decent benefits/pension, and a lot of freedom to schedule days off. But that freedom is because management doesn't really care. so if there is an issue, there will be no proactive planning or action. nothing will change until shit hits the fan and they are forced into action. Even tho the service dept is the only one that makes money daily, the sales Dept with their inconsistent ups and downs are treated better. Its like a gambling addict prioritizing the high of winning big over steady consistent income.
Car dealers dont care about working in rain or in 110f dry heat or tropical weather 70--90% humidity . Far better in other areas of mechanical trades . The I was forced medically to retire at 55yo.
me i find it was too later to start again, there is always work out there in my trade, its like being in the mafia, you know too much and it keeps pulling you in, the only way out is to start your own shop then you can make a good living. otherwise dont waste ur time in this industry. get treated like shit no matter where you go.
Skills will transfer to other jobs. If you're thinking about it seriously get out sooner than later do not wait. 10 years and I have permanent hand pain thankfully my new job is much less physically demanding
@@Lancemechanics Heat, smoke, bugs in the summer. The cold, poor weather, aircraft icing in the winter. The uninitiated think that working in that industry is "living the dream" lol.
Automotive sucks lol I have my welding and mechanics but quit heavy duty its alot heavier and and harder on your back and now debating on what to do either do more wrenching which I hate welding was cool but im ready to wash my hands of both and im just going on 40 lol
If you're the only one who shows up on time every single day you get the benefit of getting stuck with all of the waiters. By the time everyone else shows up you're already tied up with the fucking waiters that everyone else gets the flushes and services.....
Yep! I gave up and just started hitting locate and getting through all the waiter oil changes at 8am. People would look at each other and wait for them to locate. I got over it. But it's a real issue
@@Lancemechanicsat my current dealer we use reynolds and for some reason I have dispatcher ability so I can “take myself off” of a job if I see it’s a waiter oil change, wouldn’t want to be caught doing it though
Highly disagree with dealers being the only places you can work at. It all depends on where you live. Here in Chicagoland there's plenty of independent shops. Not many people are willing to take the risk of starting their own shop or business and get stuck working for someone else. If you're not willing to take risks in ANY job to make your life easier or better then you wont find success. I understand it's different for those with families but for individuals they should try.
Frankly If you're getting $40 you're one of the lucky ones. I'd have stayed in it for that much. $25 is a more realistic average in the U.S. Look at industry median income from bureau of labor statistics to see how bad it is.
Auto nation owns almost all the mercedes dealerships in FL. there is no competition for them when it comes to paying mechanics. they do not have to compete with other dealers offering more money. The gov does nothing about this. it is a monopoly. also if they fire you then you pretty much have to leave the state
@@Lancemechanics I saw an ad campaign from Ball corp locally last year (maybe longer), that was specifically aimed at auto techs, recruiting for manufacturing line mechanics. It was on at least one billboard and it came up in internet ads
As the older techs leave, you open up salary for like 2-3 entry level techs. Then the dealership weeds out the independent techs from dependent techs. A lot of these young cats don’t realize they are being hustled for 30-40k a year. But your vocational school says u can make $60,000 -$100,000 after getting ASE’s. lol what a bunch of bullshi.
They know how to work the system in their favor. I want to do a alternative jobs video for mechanics cause they have so many options. just need that push
do ypu have $30,000 of tools, we're hiring for $3 over minimum wage but you'll be making 100 hours a week in no time here. This week was just a bad week, dont worry about making 25 hours for 80 hours of input.
The grass is always greener. Its easy to think office workers have it good but they're the ones on antidepressants daydreaming about being able to work with their hands.
There's a healthy middle ground between that kind of office work and this garbage. You think mechanics don't get depressed? They're self-medicating with alcohol and cigarettes instead, sometimes worse. Both are soul-sucking jobs in the end.
@@Lancemechanics I tried to get a job fixing large commercial coffee machines, car insurance adjuster, gas company, and few others that I cant remember off the top of my head. Crazy part is, now if you want those jobs they'll take you. So often I see other places hiring, and they state that they will take people from other trades and train them. That's how I got my job working as a factory mechanic working with plastic mold injection.
30 grand in marked up snap on tools. Buy smart. Don't be the maintenance tech getting started with a gold plated snap on ratchet and dont put yourself in debt trying to finance a $5000 box that you can get for $300.
The shortage isn’t really here yet, but everyone over the age of 60 is going to gone in the next 5 yrs. So it’ll become a lot more prevalent within that time.
It's coming soon.. the average mechanic age is about 45 years old. The vast majority of highly skilled auto mechanics are in their 60's or 70's now.. won't be long before the industry is stuck with mostly C techs.. 5 years sounds about right
The life of a mechanic over time is a lot like a professional wrestler We're going to get hurt and we know it, And if you're not willing to accept that going in stay out of the ring.
Techs are working poor, mostly. If it were up to the management and owners, you wouldn’t get paid at all.
The reason you dont see alot of older mechanics at dealerships is for the simple reason they don't put up with the low pay and bullshit that the younger guys are willing to
I’ve been a mechanic for nearly thirty years. I worked at the dealerships for awhile and independent shops before just doing my own thing, and it’s been much better. I have been wanting to do something else, other than using my resources to fix unappreciative people’s junk. for a living for awhile now, and just keep my tools for my own projects. Things are much better, but still not great, and luckily I have successfully managed to get two college degrees and can finally exit, and exit gracefully with a certain amount of lifestyle creep that I developed while working as a mechanic. I think I may have some respiratory problems now, developed from breathing chemicals and the dust that comes off the wheels and the undercarriage of the cars. It’s really a thankless job, with no respect, and the pay is shitty. When you work for someone else the mechanic is always last to get paid and it’s a commission based pay. It’s a good job for a young guy without and education, but I believe the days of making a living a an auto mechanic are over. It’s a dying profession as we traditionally understand the auto mechanic profession.
100%. Ty for response. Its these replies that can hopefully help a younger guy make a decision
Honestly being an independent mobile mechanic makes much more sense. I used to be a mobile mechanic helper and I did mostly brakes and suspension. I never myself got licensed though. The worst thing about auto mechanic industry now in Canada is the time to become licensed. You work for minimum wage for 5 years, the dealership takes advantage of you for a while. They don't care how much background experience you have.
I started in the 90’s. Did the OEM learning and apprenticed. Kids these days are running up $50k in student loans for tech school then having to buy all those tools to maybe take home the same as I did when I became a journeyman.
The tool trucks are the most predatory lenders I've ever seen. Talk more about that.
Oh yeah. I've been screwed a few times
I quit buying from the tool trucks over 15 years ago. The lifetime warranty doesn't mean fuck all if a new tool dealer takes over from the one you've been dealing with for years. They won't warranty anything for you unless you spend a ton of money all over again. I buy used off ebay and amazon or where ever I can and whenever any of my Snap-On or Matco or CornHOLE shit breaks, I cut it into little pieces with my cut off wheel to make it unsalvageable for anyone. The tool trucks are a bunch of ball gummers.
I only buy very high use items off the truck and specialty stuff that's hard to find in good quality elsewhere. And even then, I always pay in full up front.
And I don't need a Snap-On toolbox, it's gonna get beat to hell anyway. I use a US General box from Harbor Freight and a Husky cabinet from Home Depot. I spent maybe $600 on both. Granted my setup is small, but I have friends with larger box setups where they spent $1500 at most for everything. Main box, locker, hutch, tool cart, no need to break the bank there. Even a small box, not much bigger than mine, is $4k off the tool truck. Too rich for my blood. I already have a car payment, I'm not adding a tool payment to the list of bills.
I worked in Mercedes and Ferrari dealers for 12 years and it’s still not worth it even at the top of the mountain. Fuck this industry, it can collapse and I won’t shed a tear for it.
please tell us more detail. Is it the shop? Is it the manufacturer? Is it a manager above you? Is it the automobile owners? Thank you
I was a ferrari tech for 8 years, thinking that is the top is an illusion, i make way more money as a subaru master now.
@@somedude4805 Not many people have Ferrari. With the price of the extensive repairs a lot of people are doing the repairs themselves. Engineers, Doctors, CEO’s are smart enough to do these repairs themselves. Low demand for Ferrari mechanic.
I quit lots of mechanic jobs.
Wrenched in 7 diff states.
But I found a shop where I work 40hr or less and bring home 30-40+ per hour.
And I’m saving every penny I can
I was able to set aside $32,000 per year.
So working my body down will help me start a new life after this is over.
Too many techs working hand to mouth.
Stop buying unnecessary tools.
Stop giving women your money.
Reminder that in the US it's the law that employers provide any tools needed to do your job. Mechanics need to stop buying specialty tools of any kind. Bring sockets and wrenches, you shouldn't even be buying a toolbox.
True! Tom Leykis is the master teacher on treacherous women. Learn from him, save $
I noticed this in the industry. I'm young... So I can't tell if it's a male (especially blue color, hard work long hours issue) thing. But a lot of mechanics I work with seem to have that issue.
I feel like I tend to pick poor women bc it's fun, and get used and hurt as a result. Is it because I want to work on cars, or am I cursed as mechanic??
@@dkis8730 It's not that you are cursed as a mechanic. Women are fucking evil and they remember only the bad things that happen or mistakes that were made. They have no logic of what things cost or what it takes to make money and they are IMPOSSIBLE to fucking satisfy. We are walking ATM machines to them and our feelings don't mean anything to them.
When you have a family to support it is what it is
a lot of dealers start the new guy out higher than the guy that left because they can't get people to work. that was the case where I worked. 20 years means nothing.
Yeah and they hate when we talk to each other about wages. I caused management alot of grief cause I was an open book.
You can easily tell what mechanics are payed the most. They get their check in a sealed envelope and wont talk about how much they make.
True, but the new guys fold up quick when complicated elect/diag surfaces. Don't be a White Knight, if they are paid more than you (from bangin out flat rape gravy) let em' sink on diag! Make them train/study like all the good old timers had to.
My dad worked as a mechanic his entire life. He worked at Firestone for about 15 years and then for USPS maintaining their fleet. The heat wasn't that bad on him but in the winter, going out of the shop to work on vehicles in the weather was brutal.
Something interesting too consider. My own story btw. I struggled with drug and alcohol. Addiction. Through a lot of therapy I've come to the realization that a subconscious part of me is addicted too flat rate. The thrill of beating the time and those slam dunk 20 hour days. It's a rush just like drugs or alcohol can be and just like those things you hate it, you know it's bad, but you keep going back for more. Hopefully this wasn't too off topic but I managed to make that connection with myself and my own life and thought it may help someone else...
I did enjoy the thrill of pushing 20 hour days. The guy who was ahead of me was also a recovering addict and we competed hard.
I've never thought about that but you're spot on. Waiting tables, bartending are the same way. That instant cash in your pocket, the absolute chaos when you're understaffed in the middle of a Friday night dinner rush... I did both for years.
So true ,41 years wrenching 30 dealership. They were saying shortage 15 years ago.41 years ago is was told do something else.
You've nailed it man. Thank you for your time and efforts
Thank you! I try :)
Agree. I have friends that still work for dealers and want to quit but are afraid to make the jump. I honestly enjoy my job now though. I run a small fleet shop where we have about 200 pieces to keep up. I still get to work with my hands every day when I'm not ordering parts or doing paperwork so it's a good mix. Like I told other guys once I got off of flat rate my whole attitude and life changed for the better. I used to think I hated being a mechanic but what I really hated was the flat rate system and getting screwed. Great video bud
Maybe they just need that little push from you@ ;) ty. Yep my attitude changed too.
Union.
Great Videos! Love the Thumbnails!
Here in my city. Kia/lexus/bmw one owner. VW/nissan/dodge/ram/hyundai one owner, Infiniti/mercedes/subaru one owner. Honda/acura one owner. And one reason techs do not leave is security. I do not have a wife or Kids so it was an easier decision to make to move into another industry. But if you have a family it’s a hard choice. You have a lot of people depending on you and it can get scary to move on.
Well said. My wife works and she works hard but she doesn't make a ton of money. I easily make about 70% of our total income. Kids and all that.... It gets super scary even thinking about trying to start anew and take a paycut.
@@trevorharley4475 I can understand those concerns. I know mechanics who scare themselves out of leaving. Cannot blame them. I took a less paying job but in the end it worked out great for me. You do any job for a long period of time and it’s what you’re good at so leaving for a completely new career is never easy no matter what.
Get a cash buffer, plan for a year in a different career. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back to wrenching
I've been at the same dealership for 19 years. The first 4 years were great and I liked working there but things became non ideal and then got worse and worse and it's beyond being a horrible shithole. I hate working there so much now but I don't know what to do other than ride it out. It's real close to my home and there are some other perks but everyday I'm on the verge of walking out. The health insurance is horrible and the only thing I haven't ruined yet is my back and my neck, everything else is destroyed joints and tendons. The seething hatred I have for my job is enough to make an angel have a miscarriage
Yeah I feel you man! Get something lined up if you can and go for it. This industry is not worth it
My last week is next week man!
Congrats. Hope you found something awesome
Congrats to you man! I'm waiting for a call back on a job I applied for 🤞 26 years of this crap and I've just about had it flat rate fucks us left and right.
Awesome!!
You go man! You can do better! Congratulations!
If people would spend the 4 years after high school working and saving up a nest egg instead of going college and going into debt they would never have to work for unfair wages ever again. You know who accepts lower wages? Desperate people with lots of debt living beyond their means. You know whos able to tell their boss to F OFF? Minimalists with a years living expenses saved up.
You decide whats more important. Stuff or freedom
100%
I didn’t have to go to college, and he didn’t mention that either. Factor that in as well you’re looking at another 35k- 40k. I got maybe 60 grand in tools, probably paid less than half that. Still almost 50-60k to start a career? It’s disrespectful is what it is. Makes me wanna slap every teacher that has ever bitched about having to buy their own supplies.
Double edged sword. You know who else accepts unfair wages? People without an education, or some sort of formal training. Semi skilled jobs are some of the lowest paying jobs out there. 4 yrs worth of savings @ $30k a yr isn’t much of a nest egg.
@@jasonkoplen2554 it is when you're 22
@@Wet_Willys_Wetter_Waternot really. @ $30k a yr even if you lived very frugally you’d be lucky if you’d be able to save $5k a yr. Better off to get a good degree that will land you a cushy white collar job. So you don’t end up turning wrenches, or working construction when you’re middle aged like me.
Why don’t I quit as a mechanic?
Because I’m good at it and it’s one of the few things I know how to do. I’d be crap in an office and I find fixing stuff rewarding (most of the time) Most mechanics are born with the ‘gift’ of being able to fix stuff and have a mechanical understanding that others don’t comprehend. I wasn’t born with any other gifts. (Ie music, art, academia etc.)
If I had the choice of an alternative profession that I thought would provide as much or more, then sure I’d consider it, but I’d probably always come back to spannering.
So this is me, I can earn a living from it and it’s what I do well.
And I’m now 63.
How i feel at 37
Id love a video going over the many different industries you'd recommend mechanics to look into
That would be cool, I'm looking into getting into industrial mechanic
@@ben10mama manufacturing plants of any kind imaginable. Industrial HVAC. Forklifts, equipment rental. Shop doors. Gas pumps. So many industries that you need to know how to fix complicated stuff and there is a demand. After a while it gets really easy and you’re set for life. Have a big savings and keep trying different opportunities.
Some of the OEM's will hire technicians and train them to fix the equipment at the assembly plants. Some of them will fix issues that assembled vehicles have before they leave the plant. If anyone is looking for an out from the dealership (I used to be a dealership technician), I can give you the information if you're interested in going the OEM route.
@@LoneWolfSparty id be interested
Your videos aren't long enough, even though you say that it's going to long. Your videos all need to be a minimum of 8 minutes long so that you get full monetization
I'll definitely do that for next one :) ty for feedback
@@LancemechanicsI agree. Solid videos I went to trades school. Got into a manufacturer program, now I’m at a dealer, flat rate. 21 y/o. The industry is a lot to take on being 2 years in.
@@Lancemechanicskeep ‘em comin lance!!
I did quit, after 20 years. Best decision I have ever made.
Congrats on getting out!
Everyone says that but never say what they're doing instead...
Water/ waste water operator. More money and a pension
How you get in that
@@philh9238knew someone who was doing it. Told me they had an opening so I applied and got lucky. Much cleaner, less stressful. And the hours are much better.
Toxic chemicals, back breaking work, no respect, crap pay, do not become a mechanic then decide to start a family and be stuck.
I bought a semi truck, make way more money, and I am way happier with the working conditions. There was also some shenanigans going on at the dealership, so there was other reasons to leave than the ones you mentioned.
When I was still in mechanic school, I worked at a Pep Boys and left after a week of work lol.
Great work bringing awareness to the industry. And you’re right - mechanics are very smart people.
Ty. Slowly but surely can make changes
I was an ASE certified auto tech in SC USA from '93-2003. I agree with you. By my 30s I spent most of my time at doctors and hospitals trying to heal the damage to my body. I had $15,000 US back then in just specialty tools for doing manual transmission, transfer case, and axle work. I sucked at electrical diagnostics and stayed away from it. Still suck at it, but I can sometimes figure it out. It may take me several months to 7 years, like it did with my Honda Accord. Guys like me need to stick to their strong points and let the other guys handle the other stuff. It's mostly electrical failures down here in the southeast.
hard to move that large tool box home. easier to just stay and take the beating. I left the shop in mid 90s because i didn’t want to be dirty anymore.
Had zero trouble. People even helped me lol.
@@Lancemechanics I need to move my Matco 4s & top shelf box home. Its heavy... (bought both new 2 years ago, NO blemishes, new condition, wanna keep it that way) matco guy said he'd move it but can't due to emergency) What did you use to move your box? Able to do it without scratching?
Love your videos. I am retired now, crazy I can’t part with my tools!
Congrats on retirement and thanks man! Alot say I'm just complaining lol
You speak the truth! Mechanics are at the bottom of the totem pole. I had to get out after 25 years of being a heavy duty / agricultural mechanic because of severe back issues.
Ruins us all and no one pushes back against it :(
If your on the bottom of the pole after 25 years you did it wrong.
I'm in my 40's and recovering from major spine surgery and cancer right now. I went from turning 100+ to 80. Then 60... 40, 30. My last week at the dealership I turned less than 20. I went to another shop not willing to admit my body was just beat. That didn't work either. In November I went to the er hoping for emergency spine surgery but they found stomach cancer. I'm on the upswing now but I don't know what to do for work once I'm healed or whatever. The surgeon says no more wrenching for a living. My body says the same. I started working on semi trucks at 13. Everything hurts. My hands, wrists, hips, knees, back, feet... a buddy that's been doing body work his whole life lost his cancer battle a few months ago. I don't have the answers but this isn't it.
@aaadamt964 I know this position can be stressful , but maybe service advisor. You definitely got the experience. Any mechanic can sell and it would be less physical. Or a teaching position. Surprisingly they're always looking for teachers
@@Lancemechanics I'm considering it. I'm not sure I could even do that yet. The money may be better but man... the days would drag sitting behind a computer all day.
Thanks for the video. A problem i had with tools is where do you put them if you're not working in a shop or have a home. If you live in an apartment which is all you can afford. There's no where to put them.
Stopped working at dealerships around 2001, bounced around a bunch of independent shops til I found my current place. Work Monday thru Thursday 10hr days and I'm flat rate. Average between 45 and 60 hrs a week. Get paid training, benefits, the works...and I'm APPRECIATED I know alot of techs who are apprehensive about leaving the dealership environment, but there are are plenty of independents who are DYING to find good solid techs, you just have to put yourself out there to find them. Thanks for the video and truly hope the best for all you techs in the future
Yep! Takes some time to find your forever home@
The dealer principal, general manager, service manager and sales staff should thank their lucky stars they have any technicians period. All of these people do is take advantage of you and don’t give a rip about you, your needs or your ability to earn a living repairing their products. To add more insult to injury you will need to maintain their equipment and property yourself for free. Everything in the dealership revolves upon you and your knowledge and ability. You are still treated like a dirtbag. They laugh at you and take as much advantage of you as they possibly can. When you are tired, hurt or worn down by working in bad conditions all day everyday you are in serious trouble. Throughout your career and despite how many times you move on to another dealer you will soon be working again with the same dirtbags you tried to get away from. The automotive world is smaller than you think.
I wanna quit but cant figuring out what to go in was thinking of going to school for IT
Everyone is going to school for it, not saying it's slowing down. That will always grow. Just alot of competition.
I did it. Best decision I ever made was going into IT.
When I worked at a dealership, apprentices are making minimum wages, license guy flat rate 25 cad per hour which is super low in Toronto 2019. All young apprentices and young license mechanics left within a year and all went to work at CN rail. Even you have to to learn from begining in a new trade, cn still pays more than double compares to minimun wage and it is stress free union environment. I learnt the lesson and then I found my self a way to work for the city transit.
Well glad you and them left. Mechanics will only put up with that crap for so long
The tool struggle is real. Every week there’s something new that I need because prior job x would have been helpful, or is needed for current job y. 😵💫
I like to have the convience of having a tool and not struggling!
@@Lancemechanics Was more referring to the never-ending need to add to the collection than anything. 😂 With cars becoming increasingly complex it’s not uncommon to be spending 20% of earnings to have the right tools as a tech/mech these days.
My county shop in Florida would use giant kerosene heaters that would stink the whole building up
Ah that can't be healthy
The technician used to get back in the day a 60%-40% split. Now the Dealers charge $140 an hour and up while the technician gets $25-$40 of that. And yo add 11 fake fees they trick a car buyer in from the sales department. The Homework Guy Kevin Hunter can fill you in on those fake fees on his channel. I left the business in 2005 and have zero regrets. I make much more on a railroad. More benefits, and no book time. You het screwed on warranty book time.🤷🏻♂️
The public entity / fleet work is where I'm going to stay. Overall I'm not eager to stay in the on highway world
The captains’ fleet has been extremely good to me.
i quit before i started. i tried college for a little bit , once i saw all the newest emmisions stuff i was immediately turned off.
how about plumber, electrician or hvac tech?
I need the sauce for that thumbnail. 😅
Just a fb meme. Don't dig deeper into it ;)
@@Lancemechanics I found out it’s just a photo from IG and nothing more. My disappointment is immeasurable and my entire day is ruined.
@@LancemechanicsI did and now I’m disappointed.
I'm from Europe and I used to barely make a minimum wage as an apprentice semi truck tech. You could get a job at any supermarket and make 2x of what I made. Four days a week, 13 hour work day. Smashing the crap out of trucks with sledgehammers, getting crap in your eyes while chasing a wiring issue, endless formula 1-style oil changes, and getting yelled at day in day out. They even had training days for optimal foot placement and pathways to absolutely squeeze every ounce of productivity from us...
Unreal. What the heck happening in Europe.
From what country in Europe are you from? ...those working conditions you described are similar to my country, Greece. I finished the mechanic school before 3 years, and couldn't find a job for more than 800eur p.m despite i had some experience from before starting studying. Even experienced technicians are working overtime for around 1000 to 1200eur. Now i work on my own taxi car in Denmark
I left the industry and went back to school to be a registered nurse. I could not be happier. Now i work in a climate controlled environment, and my co workers are a lot prettier. Also my take home pay is double to triple what i used to make. GET OUT IF YOU CAN
Been a flat rate tech for 32 years, bought the shop 9 years ago from va 3rd generation owner, insulated building, bought new furnaces, eliminated flate rate,trying to be a better owner that appreciates his workers. I'm 60 years old and beat up, I still do all the heavy work because they don't have the talent to flate rate and get the jobs done in a timely matter. I noticed kids are not motivated like I was. I was a 6 figure employee 10 years ago. I've ;even in the business 42 years and will retire at 62. Hopefully it will get better, work hard and you will do well, 120k in my box.
good on you. sorry though your body is hurting. hard to enjoy retirement in that state. yeah motivation is low. Its hard when these younger folks are overstimulated with pademics, housing crises. next war. so much has happened since the 90s and it takes a toll on these kids. I remember 3 young guys the day ukrain was invaded in the shop. they could not cope. talking about end of the world stuff. its like common guys. get your self together
@@Lancemechanicsbeen wanting to open my own shop for a while. Hit the top at the dealer and i want more.
Walked away from a dealer in 2001, and when I take my car in for service its super young guys now, who will be like me worked to death and quit. Something needs to change, and soon to keep the talent.
Something very soon. Checked my local dealer after I left. They posted a picture it'd it'd one guy over 40 now. All the knowledge that's left they building. :(
It's called "Golden Handcuffs". But the shine is coming off...
Most techs have more than 30 k in tools Charlie Brown. I’ve been in it 40 years, a good scanner diagnostic tools it adds up quickly. Worked at a dealer in my early years & u only work on 1 or 2 car models gm & import. Independent shops u see everything and need more tools to work on other models. The dealership supplies the scanner & specialty tools. And u are working for warranty time.
Oh it's up there.
I don't disagree with any thing you said. I am in and out of many car dealerships for my job(I'm not an auto mechanic). Working conditions here in Tennessee seem to be much better than you describe in Canada however. Most of the shops I visit have AC and heat. If I was an auto mechanic that would be a requirement for me at the bare minimum.
Do you have to insure your own tools? Is theft a big issue?
Well..I did. If shop burnt Down good luck getting the value of what your box was worth.
Where I’m at you have to have your own insurance for your tools. If the building burns down you’re out of luck. There’s another expense to add to the list.
@@lawrencethomas645 what insurance companies do you suggest?
@@markm0000 Maybe check with whoever you have your homeowner/auto/renters insurance with and see if they offer something. I’m looking into it now myself. Fortunately I’ve been pretty lucky that nothing has happened in the 25 years I’ve been doing this.
Love u lance keep up the hard work❤
Ty :)
Im 19 from the uk and have just finished my 3 years of schooling to become a qualified mechanic i wanted to get into this industry because i enjoy fixing things and enjoy working on my own cars but as time goes on working in a shop is draining me mentally and can get pretty stressfull at times im already thinking of a way out (because i can see how stressed and fed up the older techs are and i dont want to be tied up in the same way) but i dont want my 3 years of schooling to go to waste i dont know what to do🤷♂️
I've heard things are bad in the Uk. I've seen alot of videos on sparkies doing well. not sure how in demand that trade is or the pay. alot of people i worked with in the wind industry were from the uk. Hope it all works out for you
@@Lancemechanics sort of like enjoying sex so maybe >
Legitimate question: why don't mechanics flip used cars on the side or full time? Seems like you could make more money faster
Where are you gonna work on cars? You need a lift and a lot of shop equipment. Cant do it at home we dont have 1. Average house is $1.5 million where I am
If you’re living pay check to pay check you can’t invest in your own projects
Here In Canada nearly impossible..taxed on everything. Can't get ahead. In the states might be another story
I used to do that until they made you pay taxes on buying cars over $5000. Even if you buy it for $4999 they claim it's worth more based on bluebook value... Also kind of tough to sell anything over that anyway, nobody wants to pay.
That sucks. In US it varies by state but usually if you sell 5 cars or less a year you don't need to register as a dealer. Taxes I think are considered capital gains, 20% of profits but you can write off all expenses. Not sure if your time can be written off
Your right on!
Ty :)
I've been trying to quit but I don't know what else to do or where to go? Any suggestions?
Heavy equipment is what I did.
Just found your channel, haven’t watched them all yet
Maybe a subject for a video would be pensions, or lack of them
Been thinking of that one. We got a ghetto version that was mandatory here in Canada. It's garbage. But hear the stats Have nothing and most mechanics can't retire :(
Unless dealers ...pay by the hour, provide benefits, better work environments ac or heat ..they can just close up !
Im considering making my exit. They pay is crap for what you have to deal with and invest in tools to do the job. I don't see any positive changes coming until the industry gets put on it's knees by the shortage of quality techs.
Do what you got to do. Have yet to see any negative experiences of getting out
At my local American car dealers I always wonder why the guys are working there. If you like working on pickups you would be better of working on like Cmac thyssen's trucks or for a earth moving company.
I don't because I actually make good money where I work.... you are right its not easy work... but i feel as if a good technician at a dealer that recognizes your skillset will always pay VERY well. I am making more then college graduates by a long shot... plus i live 5 miles from work... and I have family here... some people simply won't quit because they have a good mixture of living in the right location and making fantastic money. You offer to quit, they pay you more too! 30k in tools and I would have still made 80k year to date easily...
I offered to quit, and the manager and me got into it. Guess it depends on the management
@Lancemechanics yeah. I been into it before... but typically they don't bother me... I just do my thing and do what they ask and keep it at that. I feel like a lot of people struggle with understanding business is business.... don't let your feelings or personal opinion dictate it. If it matters that much to you then you probably shouldn't be working there. But yeah definitely not easy work... lots of people lured in thinking how easy it is going to be and all the money they might make... I have to devote hours outside of work to study and be ready for when I come in sometimes.... that is why I am so good... other techs don't seem to understand that.
I don't think you understand that $80K USD is barely staying above water in 2024, you must be pretty young. Also the average auto mechanic makes about $35K/year.. you can't even afford rent and gas on that. It's the worst trade profession you can possibly go into, you're expected to be a master of all trade skills while being paid half of what any other trade pays.
There isnt another career where you have to have a huge investment in tools, just to be considered for the job.
Yep :(
It’s slightly different but teachers tend to spend money on their students, I imagine the spend/income ratio is similar.
i hate working with ac. i want the door open, i want to see outside. also i want the air to flow through move the dust
the biggest thing keeping me in this industry is that it is terrible, it sucks, no one wants to work it. but someone has to work it. someone has to fix the cars, and someone has to own the business. that's my goal. the door rate is about 100$ more than my hourly. but im the one doing the work. i'm the product.
Used to work in a shop with AC. Every time you bring a car in all the cold air goes out and hot air comes in. Then the car that's been sitting in the sun for half the day sits there putting out heat even if it isn't running! Reverse this in the winter. Upstate NY so it doesn't get that hot or cold. Still. Well, I showed them! Broke my back(ladder, gravity). Came back after six months and was handed an application to fill out. After 17 years . Wasn't feeling the love. Went to an independent shop, did some quick math and decided to stay home. I was born single so the early retirement was affordable. Can't really recommend the broken back part but that was nearly 20 years ago. Good old days.
I spent 8 years in the trade. Went from a very positive outlook on life and a eat,sleep, breathe cars mentality, to depression in about 2 years. Everything is toxic! From the chemicals to the service writers and shop owners. My knees are shot. My hearing is damaged. I finally cracked under the pressure and left in 2018 at $25/hr. I've tried 4 different jobs since and got to the same wage within 6 months. On the current one I went from $20 to $25 before the first paycheck. I could pick a better paying job, but this one is low stress.
Its been 6.5 years and I still struggle with it mentally when I have to work on my own vehicle.
My advice is- leave today!!! This job will break you.
And if you are already broken, Jesus is the only way to be healed.
It took me 2 years to quit never looked back got into industrial maintenance and HVAC and refrigeration best thing I ever did
Congrats on getting out!
I mean, you know how to work with your hands. Switch trades, there is not a single trade that is not short handed right now. It is a complete career change, and you will basically start over as an apprentice, but it is an option. Even I can agree not a good one, but an option.
100% keep telling young people. Take these skills elsewhere
I make enough money to get what I want and support my family I spent over 10 years in this field with training, tools, and time. It would be stupid of me to just quit being a mechanic to be some Hvac or some welder and start all over again....
I left to work in IT. Best decision I have ever made. I think about it as I drive into work and see the equipment I used to work on at construction sites as I head into my air-conditioned office making more money while not spending another dollar on tools.
I started out working on cars and quickly switched to Heavy equipment that was the only way to make money
Good decision. Wish I did it years ago
I have crapped on machining in another one of your videos but I have been an apprentice auto mechanic and that was the worst. I suggest quitting mechanics try to get into machining. Look for the manual machinist positions as those pay better than operators and have more upward mobility and skill and your tools/experience transfers over more efficiently. You can also get into being a machine repair tech as well and I've talked to ours and he says its a more laid back lazy man mechanic job that pays better and requires less tools. The expensive tools are cheaper and fewer than mechanics tools. You can get brand new precision mitutoyo instruments for cheaper than tool truck wrenches and ratchets. There is no rust either or asbestos. Dial test indicator, some flex arms, plunger indicators, calipers, a few micrometers etc. All can be bought on ebay for cheap in very good quality from premium brands, just avoid anything that looks rusty or like its been dropped/crashed.
If you hate coolant/cutting fluid its a stepping stone into quality control, land surveying, non destructive testing, cnc programming/setup, engineering, or bullshitting your way into white collar work because there is quite a bit of paperwork with some machining jobs. Just do not be a machine operator or let yourself be put into that role long term. Be a manual machinist, cnc setup guy or programmer.
Biggest occupational hazard is metalworking fluid and hearing loss, it gets in through your skin and lungs. Water evaporates out of it over time which makes it more concentrated. Keep your coolant fresh and keep it from becoming too concentrated over time. Keep the sump clean. The most dangerous things to touch in terms of fluids are the concentrated oils and their residues after all the water evaps out. Stand back from the machine and let it do its thing, go easier on the compressed air, and keep a fan to draft the mists/fumes away from you if need be. If coolant splashes on you, rinse it off or keep a wet rag nearby to wipe yourself off and you'll be fine. It beats being a mechanic by a long shot.
I'm only 22 and I got 8 job offers after sending out 4 applications having only 3 years experience. Its an occult trade that nobody seems to know about.
Sorry for late reply. This is great info. Defiantly keep it in mind. Doing a alternative job for mechanics to leave the field.
I watched a video that to replace a blend door actuator on a Toyota you had to remove the heater box assembly which involves pulling the dash completely. V8 these days (not over head cams) you have to remove the heads to replace lifters. For 40 years engines didn't require that. I think engineers just make changes to justify thier jobs.
Things arnt getting easy. And these trim peices that come off cost stupid amounts. More changes at breaking components
100 percent!!!
That thumbnail is crazy 😂
one of my better decisions. my entire phone is memes lol
So So underappreciated ,more knowledge than most trades ,, more costly tools ,,, tools and knowledge become obsolete after 5-7 yrs .. Dealers treat u like a slave dog , where u are only a pay number . Even the fastest techs get rewarded with high returns .
Name atrade that does electrics ,, air con , hydraulics , fabrication . Working lifting 4x4 wheels . Most countries ban postal workers from lifting greater than 20kgs /44lbs . Mechanics lift this 4x per car every 90mins 25-30+ kgs
Yep. Treated ungreatfully for doing so much
I allready have 1 foot out the door. Working part time. Fortunately I have enough $ saved, & am debt free sans mortgage. Guys, SAVE $ & budget!. Seen too many techs enslaved to this lousy trade because of excess debt.
Well happy early congratulations on getting out! hope you found a new forever career!
It's easier with your single. Good money etc. But add mortgage (so you get the write offs), wife and kids. Your stuck. Flat rate is a scam and should be illegal. The government is in on it. They need to make and sell lots of cars for the taxes.
I find nowadays its not even about finding a good shop to work at anymore because its probably as hard as winning the lottery. Rather, its finding a shop with bullshit u can live with. My current dealer has average pay, 4 day work schedules, decent benefits/pension, and a lot of freedom to schedule days off. But that freedom is because management doesn't really care. so if there is an issue, there will be no proactive planning or action. nothing will change until shit hits the fan and they are forced into action. Even tho the service dept is the only one that makes money daily, the sales Dept with their inconsistent ups and downs are treated better. Its like a gambling addict prioritizing the high of winning big over steady consistent income.
Car dealers dont care about working in rain or in 110f dry heat or tropical weather 70--90% humidity . Far better in other areas of mechanical trades . The I was forced medically to retire at 55yo.
Is a nice tool box tho
me i find it was too later to start again, there is always work out there in my trade, its like being in the mafia, you know too much and it keeps pulling you in, the only way out is to start your own shop then you can make a good living. otherwise dont waste ur time in this industry. get treated like shit no matter where you go.
You dont have to invest in Mac or Snapon toolboxes to be a good technician But quality tools are a must
Koken is great
Skills will transfer to other jobs. If you're thinking about it seriously get out sooner than later do not wait.
10 years and I have permanent hand pain thankfully my new job is much less physically demanding
Yes. So many better jobs. The skills are for a lifetime!
It sounds like the charter helicopter industry. Pilots/AMEs have flight pay/inspection pay anxiety, horrid working conditions, sleazy employers, etc.
Yeah wouldn't want any of what they go through :(
@@Lancemechanics Heat, smoke, bugs in the summer. The cold, poor weather, aircraft icing in the winter. The uninitiated think that working in that industry is "living the dream" lol.
Automotive sucks lol I have my welding and mechanics but quit heavy duty its alot heavier and and harder on your back and now debating on what to do either do more wrenching which I hate welding was cool but im ready to wash my hands of both and im just going on 40 lol
Utility payments. Mortgage payments. Car/truck/boat/breast implant payments. Credit card payments. It goes on, and on and on.....
If you're the only one who shows up on time every single day you get the benefit of getting stuck with all of the waiters. By the time everyone else shows up you're already tied up with the fucking waiters that everyone else gets the flushes and services.....
Dude, tell you work for Roger without telling me you work for Roger.
Yep! I gave up and just started hitting locate and getting through all the waiter oil changes at 8am. People would look at each other and wait for them to locate. I got over it. But it's a real issue
@@Lancemechanicsat my current dealer we use reynolds and for some reason I have dispatcher ability so I can “take myself off” of a job if I see it’s a waiter oil change, wouldn’t want to be caught doing it though
Highly disagree with dealers being the only places you can work at. It all depends on where you live. Here in Chicagoland there's plenty of independent shops. Not many people are willing to take the risk of starting their own shop or business and get stuck working for someone else. If you're not willing to take risks in ANY job to make your life easier or better then you wont find success. I understand it's different for those with families but for individuals they should try.
The dealership charges the customer $200/hr. for labor then pays the mechanic $40... if that...
Frankly If you're getting $40 you're one of the lucky ones. I'd have stayed in it for that much. $25 is a more realistic average in the U.S. Look at industry median income from bureau of labor statistics to see how bad it is.
Auto nation owns almost all the mercedes dealerships in FL. there is no competition for them when it comes to paying mechanics. they do not have to compete with other dealers offering more money. The gov does nothing about this. it is a monopoly. also if they fire you then you pretty much have to leave the state
Wow
👍
Keep preaching buddy love it tell the stupid teachers stop complaining they gave to buy school supplies lol 😅
100%
You would be surprised how many jobs are out there looking for someone with a mechanical background and it's not automotive.
They need to advertise for sure. Got some suggestions? I know a couple.
@@Lancemechanics I saw an ad campaign from Ball corp locally last year (maybe longer), that was specifically aimed at auto techs, recruiting for manufacturing line mechanics. It was on at least one billboard and it came up in internet ads
As the older techs leave, you open up salary for like 2-3 entry level techs. Then the dealership weeds out the independent techs from dependent techs. A lot of these young cats don’t realize they are being hustled for 30-40k a year. But your vocational school says u can make $60,000 -$100,000 after getting ASE’s. lol what a bunch of bullshi.
They know how to work the system in their favor. I want to do a alternative jobs video for mechanics cause they have so many options. just need that push
@@Lancemechanics that would be awesome
Thanks for bringing up asbestos.
Yeah! Making a small video on that..drives me nuts.
that sounds just surreal to me, in Europe no mechanic has to buy their own tools...
North America is cheap.
do ypu have $30,000 of tools, we're hiring for $3 over minimum wage but you'll be making 100 hours a week in no time here. This week was just a bad week, dont worry about making 25 hours for 80 hours of input.
The grass is always greener. Its easy to think office workers have it good but they're the ones on antidepressants daydreaming about being able to work with their hands.
Possibly. Again that depends on what there doing. More have a better work life balance and defiantly physical health then a tech
There's a healthy middle ground between that kind of office work and this garbage. You think mechanics don't get depressed? They're self-medicating with alcohol and cigarettes instead, sometimes worse. Both are soul-sucking jobs in the end.
Having done both, I’ll take soulless spreadsheets over missing fingernails every time.
It took me years to leave the industry, because no other industry would give me a chance.
curious as to where you tried to go?
@@Lancemechanics I tried to get a job fixing large commercial coffee machines, car insurance adjuster, gas company, and few others that I cant remember off the top of my head. Crazy part is, now if you want those jobs they'll take you. So often I see other places hiring, and they state that they will take people from other trades and train them. That's how I got my job working as a factory mechanic working with plastic mold injection.
30 grand in marked up snap on tools. Buy smart. Don't be the maintenance tech getting started with a gold plated snap on ratchet and dont put yourself in debt trying to finance a $5000 box that you can get for $300.
I left to join a trade union besides making more money I have a pension
pension is a big one! congrats on getting out of this industry
The shortage isn’t really here yet, but everyone over the age of 60 is going to gone in the next 5 yrs. So it’ll become a lot more prevalent within that time.
Yeah. Next 5 years. Going to be interesting
It's coming soon.. the average mechanic age is about 45 years old. The vast majority of highly skilled auto mechanics are in their 60's or 70's now.. won't be long before the industry is stuck with mostly C techs.. 5 years sounds about right
The life of a mechanic over time is a lot like a professional wrestler We're going to get hurt and we know it, And if you're not willing to accept that going in stay out of the ring.