Originally Posted by doctor J (Post 1384787)

DIY weekend mechanic: opportunities and challenges.
As a former junior automotive repair tech (with ASE certificate in electrical/electronic repair) who is no longer fixes cars for a living, I joined a group of advance level DIY/ shade tree/weekend “mechanics” who are performing repairs on their own cars and occasionally helping their relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbors with car repairs. In this article I would like to cover some issues which I’ve experienced in this field, so it will help others who are doing the same.

Customers:
Be aware of customers who are:
• Complaining about being ripped off by repair service stations in general , not by particular shop/technician Yep Big red flag.
• Repeatedly using the phrase “I’ll pay you!”
• Making claims that someone fixed something for them for free
While this will be no way inclusive, you will have hard time getting reasonable compensation for your work after dealing with such customers, so send them elsewhere. Usually these customers are driving top end older models (often luxury editions) with a lot of cheap aftermarket parts (Valucraft brake pads on Lexus vehicle, for example) Written quotes are good for both sides, never leave home without one.

Repairs:
Please take to consideration that:
• Some cars do not have lifting points for a floor jack and require shop lift to be working on (especially Chrysler and BMW vehicles) I've owned several BMWS, they all have 4 perimeter lift points for jacks, if you want to be nice use jack pads :) they sell ones that lock in to the cars lift pads and allow you to jack them up easily.
• Many repair procedures outlined in factory manuals are not accurate or require additional preparation steps (this is why I suggest practicing this repair before head in a wrecking yard if possible) Watch out for 1 year wonders that deviate from the model the manual was distilled from.
• Remember about hidden dangers (attempted unsuccessful repair done previously, such as partially removed stuck spark plugs or lug nuts); notify customer that you are seeing the problem; if customer denies, refuse the repair. The old adage,,, 75 bucks an hour is my labor rate, 100 if you or someone else has dinked with it..
• The procedure may change depending upon the access to the repair site (from “under hood” or under car

Parts:
Parts appearance and fit and function may be deceiving! Therefore:
• No aftermarket parts for German imports! You will spend significant amount of time fitting parts together due to minor difference (hole misalignment or hose fitting diameter) YES!!!
• If possible, get aftermarket parts form professional supply warehouse Open an account with a professional supplier well worth the small service fee per year while your new they will do a cash account usually that gets you the jobber rate and builds up your business rating with them. .
• Parts purchased on line may have expired shelf life or being a “copy “of a genuine part About 90% of the parts in the system come from Motorstates/or a couple other houses. The online guys just drop ship from them.
• If planning to use genuine part ask your customer to purchase it for you (tell “It’s for warranty purpose") and check the manufacturing date on the part. If your in business a lot of your profit comes from parts..Just sayin.. :D
• Used parts from wrecking yard is a good choice for accidentally damaged or non-wear parts or for the car running on its last legs
Emergency repair of the older car should be done as cheap as possible as a temporary solution (always inform your customer) I personally would stay away from rescue jobs for folks that cant afford to maintain the car, it always seems to go wrong we used to call them boomarang cars.

Hopefully these basic rules will keep you from annoyance and let you enjoy your hobby