The automotive industry is not one to fall behind when it comes to adapting to the latest trends, and its auto repair market is no different.
Several companies have adopted the mobile mechanic business model, which offers customers a cost-effective solution to get repairs and maintenance checks done. Availing the services of a mobile mechanic also saves them from the hassle of having to drive all the way to a repair shop to get something fixed.
How Much Do Mobile Mechanics Charge?
The average cost of a mobile mechanic can range anywhere between $15 and a little over $125, depending on factors like the type of repair, car age and specifications, location, and hourly rates.
States also have varying labor costs for mobile mechanic services. California, for example, has an average rate of $34, while North Carolina charges about $26 per hour for labor. These rates can also be higher or lower, depending on the mechanic’s level of expertise.
Mobile Mechanics vs. Traditional Repair Shops
Mobile mechanics offer automotive repair services without an actual garage, which means they come to your location to perform the necessary repairs your vehicle needs.
Relying on mobile mechanics is ideal when you’re in need of emergency roadside assistance or need to have your vehicle inspected for routine maintenance. This type of service usually operates out of a truck, trailer, or van that has the tools you’d see in a traditional repair shop.
With the absence of a physical shop, mobile mechanics don’t have to charge overhead costs like utilities, mortgages, and rent. This makes them more affordable than the conventional repair shop.
However, keep in mind that mobile mechanic services have their limits. In cases where your vehicle needs to have a part replaced, a mobile mechanic might have to custom-order the product, which can hold off repair time.
Meanwhile, an auto repair shop could already have the part in stock and get your vehicle running as soon as possible. Under certain circumstances, traditional repair shops are still ideal when dealing with major fixes.
What Services Do Mobile Mechanics Offer?
You’d be surprised with how much mechanics can do without a physical garage of their own. Some of the services mobile mechanics offer include:
- Diagnostic inspection
- Oil change
- Battery replacement
- Brake pad replacement
- Clutch replacement
- Timing belt and alternator belt replacement
- Starter motor replacement
- Water pump replacement
Exploring Other Repair Service Options
Availing the services of a mobile mechanic isn’t for everyone一and so is letting an auto repair shop take care of everything. Some people want to choose the products that go into their vehicle but still need the assistance of a professional to install them.
One of the reasons why some drivers choose to buy their own parts before taking their vehicles to a repair shop is because doing so can save them a couple of bucks. Personally shopping for car parts lets the customer weigh in on product quality and price, which helps them find the right product that fits their budget.
Another reason would be speedy delivery. Fast shipping is important for most people, and ordering parts themselves will give them that benefit.
Need Your Car Fixed Immediately? Here are Some Tips
Consumers have found thrifty hacks when it comes to availing auto repair services, and buying the parts themselves is one of the many ways they can save their time and money. Here are a couple of things you should know to help you get started.
The Internet Offers Countless Options
You don’t have to get up from your seat to shop for the part you need. Most auto parts stores have adopted the online shopping trend.
Online auto stores offer dozens of options when it comes to certain part features like size, finish, and material. When in the market for a certain part, always consider your vehicle’s specifications (year, make, and model) to ensure that you’re getting the right product.
Buy Products from Trusted Brands
You shouldn’t compromise on quality when it comes to replacement car parts. Buying products from a trusted brand can help you save on future repairs because they offer high-quality parts that are built to last.
If you’re new to the world of online shopping for car parts, it pays to read product reviews and recommendations from critics and professionals. Doing so can verify whether or not the product you’re getting meets industry standards.
Don’t Be Afraid To Take The Aftermarket Route
Getting a high-quality product doesn’t always mean you have to visit the dealership. There are a lot of aftermarket brands that offer top-notch parts for various makes and models. Products from third-party manufacturers also undergo the same testing procedures as OE parts, guaranteeing long-lasting durability and dependability.
The only difference between aftermarket and OE parts is that the former costs less because it doesn’t carry the automaker’s brand name.
Order Your Parts and Book a Mechanic Online
If you want to avoid the hassle of paying for mobile mechanic services only to find out that they can’t completely fix your vehicle at the site, another option is to buy parts online from CarParts.com, and then book a pre-vetted mechanic near you using their expert installation service. With pre-negotiated labor rates, you can be sure that prices won’t change at the shop.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
