The Automotive Service Industry Is Dying...

In this video, we discuss what I learned in the year I worked as a lube tech, including the way that the automotive service industry is struggling, and how it needs to change.
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I'm just a guy addicted to all things automotive. Join me on my journey of exploring every avenue of the car world that I possibly can. Let's learn. Let's build. Let's drive, and let's do it together. I'm Colton, and this is my passion.

[Aaron-orov]

It’s not worth it. After 25 years as a tech I left. I was a Master Diagnostic Technician. Let’s just put it this way. In central California the average tech makes around 58k that’s not including having to buy your own tools. The average cost of living is 53k. You do that math and tell me if it’s worth it for what techs go through. Buying tools, working in 100 degree temperatures, cold winters, constantly working Saturday’s and holidays. Yes we do get paid the 8 hour holiday pay but it’s not worth it when you Can’t be with family. Shops that I know of have no bonuses. Good luck getting a raise. So I say to young kids, don’t do it. Find something better.

[TheJohnbjunior]

Very true! (40+ years, retired) pay needs to triple, (50% flat rate, like before) the shortage WILL get much worse!

[JJ-rsqt]

I got hired as entry level at 2 different indie shops. I focused heavily on electrical and made me stand out. Those were actually good shops with good learning opportunities. One of the shop owners was very heavy on diagnostics, and provided a lot of encouragement. He'd give me Check Engine lights to diagnose. However, at my age (approaching 40), I realized that the learning curve is incredibly steep. There's electrical, engine, suspension, mechanical, A/C, brake system, SRS, ABS, ADAS, transmission, EVs, Hybrid. I experienced a difficult time trying to retain so much info in as little time possible. Not to mention the body aches every morning. Also, the pay is bad and there's so many tools needed for different jobs/vehicle brands. I ended up quitting after a year. At my age, I rather pursue a career that offers a decent wage with better standardized methods for completing a job. If you're in your 20's-early 30's, highly motivated, and fast learner, I think you can get far in this field. However, what ends up happening is that you can get so good, that no shop can afford you. You'll be the one diagnosing complex issues and fixing other tech's mistakes. That's the moment when top notch techs either open their own business, or leave the field for something else

[chiplangowski]

I started out entry level in the auto service industry and worked my way up to an ASE-certified technician. Left the industry after 7 years. I saw the writing on the wall that the work was too hard, tools too expensive and pay too low to make it a lifetime career. I went back to school and got a degree and job in IT. It changed my life. I made more than twice as much money on day-1 in my first job out of school, working 1/4 as hard, as I did as a technician.

[kumaboyy.]

I am happy to say that after 20 years in the automotive repair experience, I was able to get a job at a tech company!

[Slideyslide]

It’s easy to get your foot in the door as a mechanic. You just start as an apprentice. However, it sucks and I don’t think it’s worth it. Most shops are 110° where you’re under appreciated and you’re forced to purchase your own tools. You have to have the skills of several other trades for 1/3 of the pay.

[jamescole]

The fact that you need tens of thousands of dollars invested in tools, with a pay scale that is pathetic is a clear reason not to get into this field. I've been doing it for 40 years.

[rustedhorsepower]

Shops i worked at, really good stand out Lube Techs...stayed on the lube rack. Moderately good or even bad ones got moved up to apprentice, where they could get baby sat. Freaking crazy! But this industry is heading to a breaking point. For my sake, my families sake, my finances, my blood pressure(😂), i couldnt afford to stick around. Just under 25 years, i packedup and went to a fleet shop. 90% of my diagnostic skills are unused, day after day, and it breaks my heart, but i have super stable pay, benefits, and over all job security. No one deserves to be talked down, or limited on how much pay they can fairly earn. We get bruised, cut, sweat like crazy and sometimes IN SHEETMETAL SHOPS in 100 plus degree weather. Its insane, we deserve better!

[jasonkoplen]

It’s the same in all trades but automotive is by far the worst. Years of gatekeeping positions and shaming younger people to keep their pay low has left a huge void. The good thing is that as demand keeps increasing the trades will become more of a name your price job vs this is what it pays. After 20+ yrs in auto my advice is get your money. They call it a trade because you trade your body for a paycheck. Make sure it’s worth it.

[mikefennema]

Mechanics are shit on from both sides. Vehicle owners feel mechanics are trying to rip them off. Flat rate shops and dealers make it impossible to make a good living. The flat rate system encourages mechanics to take short cuts and not do the job corectly. Add to that the expectation by many shops that the mechanics provide tens of thousands of dollars in tools.

[pcs]

All of my vehicles are old easy to work on and reliable. I do my own maintenance and repairs because shops are too expensive and do half ass work I find unacceptable at least when I do it I know it’s done right the first time without multiple trips to the shop to get it right

[philfortner]

Warranty work is garbage because the reimbursement puts hours on planet cornball to save money. You want a fix or you want to be told it's fixed. These are complex systems now days.

[ShawnLyons-se]

If you think the hazing and lack of upward movement is bad in automobile repair... try construction some of the journeyman make a game of who crys or quits first

[geneendicott]

Very good video well spoken and it's the truth.

[AmericanConstellation]

I started working for a major contact lens manufacturing company for $5.00 an hour. I started as a chemistry tech making lens plastics. I worked my way up and eventually became the Director of Manufacturing for the company. My wife started working for a big Honda parts warehouse as an office tech. She now is the manger for the entire Honda warehouse facility. She runs the show. Starting at the bottom can sometimes pay off.

[TheHotSauceGT]

Honestly, I think the other part is the cost. I know I sparingly take my car to a shop if I am able to YT and read forums. I know I am not the most technical, but I did a timing chains and timing on a boosted Mustang. The fact is most shops wanted 3k to do the labor, and I couldn't justify it.

[Michael-itnx]

Imo, this “dying” of the trades is by design. = social engineering.
years to come, people will be even more dependent on the corps. = own nothing and be happy… hope I’m wrong.

[malcolmmarzo]

You have excellent presentation skills, excellent enunciation and verbal pacing. You are a standout compared to many young YouTubers. An "A" from this old teacher : - )

[supersam]

I left a Benz dealer at 19years old in 2008 . The industry didn’t have a high enough ceiling for me to stay . I was making 13.50 had my own lift when I was 17 . But the best guys only made 27 an hour and they were amazing . I’ve done very well since then working as a operating engineer. Pension annuity benefits etc and a tenth of the work load . I was living on my own at 20 here in nyc and being a auto tech that wouldn’t have happened . If there is a shortage in a given industry it’s for a reason . All my ex coworkers if they are still in the industry are in fleet and they are still underpaid but have better benefits than being at a dealership or independent shop . If you can repair a modern vehicle you can do well in many fields .

[MinneGrommer]

I work in the industry and I couldn’t be happier, worked my way up. Did vocational school, didn’t give up when it got hard our I doubted my ability. Started off in the rapid-lube pit, summer in AZ, anyone who’s worked in an open air shop in the desert with “swamp coolers” knows exactly what I’m talking about. You get better, you earn respect, and you build a career just like you build a car. It takes time and effort and some of your own money. It doesn’t come for free, and it’s pretty obvious why you never got past a Lube Tech. It’s supposed to weed out the good from the bad, the teachable and the un-teachable. It’s entry level for a reason, you don’t have the knowledge or capability of moving up, doing that would only hurt your feelings. Because then you realize for yourself you’re not cut out for it and quit. Or you fuck up big time costing the shops thousands and you get fired anyway.