06/11/2022
Why are car repairs taking longer?
What a great question! Here's the answer(s)!!
There are a few major factors that play a important role in this answer. During the Pandemic, car parts like Engines, Transmissions and other parts were put on halt while Personal Protective Gear, ventilators and more were of importance. While the parts are now being created again, it has been a slow trickle with other major factors in place like cost of metal and GAS/OIL. Another huge factor was unemployment which resulted in early retirements for those getting close to retirement. Baby Boomers create 33% of the US workforce, leaving a huge gap to fill. With extra incentives like bonuses on unemployment and retirees, once it was time to go back to work not only were the positions that were put on hold, but now all the open positions created by early retirement. With the MICRO CHIP shortage, consumers have spent more time and money investing in used vehicles which are more involved then just maintenance, causing an overall slow down in shop productivity. Gas and Oil prices surging has resulted in part costs going up on average 25-30%, and unlike before, freight and fuel surcharges making repairs in general more costly. Oil barrels which once cost $550 are now in upwards of $950 -1,000 increasing the cost of maintenance items like Oil Changes. The US Automotive Industry currently has a shortage of over 70,000 employees, leaving Technician's who are turning those wrenches working double time in the hot Texas heat. Large shops sit with empty bays due to lack of staff and forcing shops to turn away work left and right.
So please know that like many industries out there, we are doing the best we can.
Know that we are here, working hard for you as quickly as possible ❤
