obekediamondfuto:
I have a question.

how do we quantify/ measure the actual Vs ideal hours a mechanic should spend on a particular project?

I speak this for the benefit of everyone in naija before other mechanics start seeing this kain thing and start billing us per hour...

then u go see mechanic that will spend 20 hours for engine removal then 8 days rebuilding and 2 weeks to install.... by the time the project is finished, money spent on man hour labour would have purchased two of that kinda vehicle. excuses like.... "oga, the vehicle strong oh we no fit loose am" or the likes will surface

please is there any corporate entity that can verify,/ audit these labour hours or its not necessary.....

for now I know aunty radu them are trying to change things so they would not even dare doctor hours.

radautoworks:


Easy. There are specified hours in Auto shop software that dictate how long every single job on a car should take. Every dealer has it even if they choose to ignore it. It is referred to as the "book". If the "book" says 20 hours and you take 40 hours, you can only collect 20 hours.

Conversely, if the "book" says 20 hours and you are really good and take 16, you still get paid 20 hours. That's why our shops do so well. We consistently over-perform the "book".

The book is how mechanics get paid in the usa so if they work 40 hours but only book 30, they get paid for 30. Someone like my husband consistently booked 90 hours a week working 40 when he was with other companies. No mechanic worth his salt EVER agrees to salary in the USA. If they do, RUN.

The book bases time on a "good " or "b" technician not even an "a" so there is no reason why techs should be going over the allotted time consistently. If a tech can't beat book time without making mistakes, they can't work for us.

The most popular book is Alldata, followed by Mitchell. There are others of course but the are all pretty much the same as far as labor hours.

Egunmogaji, AutoElectNG and some others can confirm this.

Mr. FUTO probably missed class when I held a lecture on "book".

A) The book will specify how long repair should take a mechanic. This is not only useful for the consumer but massively useful for insurance companies.

Any shop/mechanic that doesn't complete work before the book hours should be flogged with a timing belt.

B) Most small shops forgo the book thing, and especially those that specialize on a certain brand or certain automotive aspect.

So for me I won't be doing book in Nigeria (I think so far), it will be project based. For example, 4 wheel brake job, including changing all rotors/drums, pads/shoe and related hardware should be a relative easy task that can be advertised for a given amount of money. So you might see something like "N35,000 brake job".

The industry in Nigeria needs to develop a book for repairs as we're in uncharted territories. I've seen some scary engine bays.

We also desperately need a blue book value.

obekediamondfuto:


...

aunty radu, abeg soft copy dey? does the book cover for unforseen circumstances.....like exhaust welded to the engine direct

radautoworks:


While it's called a book, it's actually software or online. You can buy a subscription of it's worth it to you from any of them but the subscriptions usually run anywhere from $100-200 a month. As a Carquest, it's inbuilt into our system so we don't subscribe.

In an extreme case like direct weld, maybe one or two hours extras might be permitted but we have never asked for it.

radautoworks:
"But why are their parts so expensive if as they claim they have no middle man and are direct with manufacturers? Afterall they are a Carquest "


Ladies and gentlemen, the answer is simple-NIGERIA. No matter how honest you try to be the system encourages illegal behavior.

Case in point an issue I am actively wrestling as we speak that has been progressively getting worse over the past year.

When you import parts worth $1,800 (complete with manufacturer invoices attached to the pallet), pay shipping of $1,700 and customs decides that they know better than the manufacturer and says the goods cost $8,000 then hands you a duty bill of N1.6m ($3,333), what price can you then sell to your customer for? We fight it and usually get it down somebut that usually delays deliveries by 3-4 weeks

Could we do like others and smuggle? Yes, we could but why would we put such a large investment at risk? We believe in transparency and doing things the right way but when a system takes advantage of that, what is your recourse? Despite that, we have never passed on the cost to the customer and simply relied on a low margin-high volume model.

So the next time you feel that Carquest prices are high, don't blame us, blame the system. I'm all ears if anyone has A LEGAL way to bring prices lower for our customers.

See images below.

Ladies and gentlemen, the answer is simple-NIGERIA. No matter how honest you try to be the system encourages illegal behavior.

radautoworks:
This took too long to set up but it's almost here. Rapid in and out oil changes for those who just need that and no diagnosis.
IT WILL BE GET IN, GET OUT, GET GONE! WALK-IN WELCOME NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

radautoworks:
As part of our commitment to our customers, we have been able to reduce the prices for Ac Compressors by an average of 15% while still offering our unique warranties!
We will continue to try to bring better prices to our customers where we can in these trying times.

Springboot:
Do you have original spark plugs for 2007 toyota 4runner. Original as in imported. Thanks.

radautoworks:


Yes we do. Range from N2,650-8,060 each.

Springboot:


I want the best. Do you have them in stock or I have to pre-order?

radautoworks:
they are in stock. How many do you need?

Springboot:


I want all, can you send it to Abuja? Can you send a picture here if it's not too much or work. Thanks.

radautoworks:
you'll have to contact support@radautoworks.com for that or use form found here https://www.mrtransmissionmilexnigeria.com/parts-request

Springboot:


Form submitted, so I can't have a picture or name? It's okay, I've filled the request. Tnx.

radautoworks:
"But why are their parts so expensive if as they claim they have no middle man and are direct with manufacturers? Afterall they are a Carquest "


Ladies and gentlemen, the answer is simple-NIGERIA. No matter how honest you try to be the system encourages illegal behavior.

Case in point an issue I am actively wrestling as we speak that has been progressively getting worse over the past year.

When you import parts worth $1,800 (complete with manufacturer invoices attached to the pallet), pay shipping of $1,700 and customs decides that they know better than the manufacturer and says the goods cost $8,000 then hands you a duty bill of N1.6m ($3,333), what price can you then sell to your customer for? We fight it and usually get it down somebut that usually delays deliveries by 3-4 weeks

Could we do like others and smuggle? Yes, we could but why would we put such a large investment at risk? We believe in transparency and doing things the right way but when a system takes advantage of that, what is your recourse? Despite that, we have never passed on the cost to the customer and simply relied on a low margin-high volume model.

So the next time you feel that Carquest prices are high, don't blame us, blame the system. I'm all ears if anyone has A LEGAL way to bring prices lower for our customers.

See images below.

PrinceDave001:
Hello radautoworks, please do you have Hyundai Genuine SP 111 ATF?

radautoworks:
what car is it for?

PrinceDave001:

Hyundai sonata 2008

radautoworks:
haba na

PrinceDave001:

How do I get it boss?