Good How do mechanics feel about warranty work?

[StingerJefferson]

I've got a service coming up and, and I need like three warranty things done, too. The brakes, those rubber runners at the top and that ignition recall.

Is warranty work a thing that the dealer mechanics hate? Or does it not really matter?

I'm asking for a lot of work to be done and I'll schedule for a day where we can it early in the morning, so I was considering bringing in coffee for the shop employees and breakfast buns or something, just to be nice. I really like this shop--they did my exhaust and a couple other things--and I drive an extra hour each way to have them work on my car.

I want to be kind and respectful, but I might be overthinking it too.

 

[OliverNuther]

I would imagine that the mechanics performing the actual work don’t give a rats about who is footing the bill for the work they’re doing. They’re getting paid the same hourly rate regardless. And I can see the salesmen and office staff pinching the buns before the mechanics see them.

 

[AusStinger]

As a mechanic I can say that warranty or non warranty makes no difference. It's more about how much of a pain in the a$$ the job's going to be.

Fixing a little leak, no probs. Remove repair and install the transmission... Not so much fun.

The ones I used to hate the most were back breaking under dash work.

Bringing coffee and yummy stuff will make you more popular for sure.

What rubber brake things are you talking about?

 

[AusStinger]

One thing I did hate about warranty work was if the boss pushed you to do something like fix a leak by using silastic as opposed to replacing a gasket or fitting etc. I hate half arsed jobs! Especially if you know it will come back to bite you in the bum.

 

[RedCal]

I've got a service coming up and, and I need like three warranty things done, too. The brakes, those rubber runners at the top and that ignition recall.

Is warranty work a thing that the dealer mechanics hate? Or does it not really matter?

I'm asking for a lot of work to be done and I'll schedule for a day where we can it early in the morning, so I was considering bringing in coffee for the shop employees and breakfast buns or something, just to be nice. I really like this shop--they did my exhaust and a couple other things--and I drive an extra hour each way to have them work on my car.

I want to be kind and respectful, but I might be overthinking it too.

Being nice to people, especially those who are going to be working on your stuff, or who you are going to be interacting with you in the future is never a bad idea.

 

[StingerJefferson]

Thanks, all. This is kind of what I figured; it's less whether or not it's warranty work than the type of work in general. Which is great to know!

> What rubber brake things are you talking about?

I don't think I was clear; the rubber things are the ones on the roof, that get cracked and look super ugly. The brakes are just the standard rotor replacement that I haven't done yet because we had a kid.

Also, thanks, @AusStinger, was hoping someone in the business would weigh in.

> Being nice to people, especially those who are going to be working on your stuff, or who you are going to be interacting with you in the future is never a bad idea.

For sure, and I make a general habit of being a kind person to the folks who provide me service (on everything). Sent a couple follow up emails to the staff at this place after the exhaust install thanking them and mentioning how much it improved the experience, etc.

In this case, just wasn't sure if what I was asking for amounted to more-than-the-normal pain in the ass. It doens't sound like it; I'll probably bring some coffees in with me and hand them to the staff and their Stinger guy. But, doens't sound like it's "bring them a damn cake cause you're being a PITA" level.

Really appreciate the perspective!

 

[RM7]

I believe the dealership gets reimbursed for labor according to the repair book/specs that Kia puts out. So if they take longer, it’s costs them more and they could have been using the mechanic to do something that would make money.

 

[AusStinger]

The last point I'll leave you with though, is make sure you check ( as much as you can ) to be sure you got what you should have.

I've seen many shops that no matter how nice you are and what treats you bring, the work either isn't done properly or done at all.

When I had to hand my car over to a service department for work ( I even told the service manager that I'm a mechanic when I dropped it off ) I checked the car in the car park before leaving and they hadn't done what was required. Lets just say, things got ugly!

That Brand was Holden ( GMH ) and they are now essentially dead mostly due to their lack of service department.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

sorry but I don't trust the majority of service centers or mechanic shops... regardless of warranty work or regular routine maintenance...

 

[AusStinger]

sorry but I don't trust the majority of service centers or mechanic shops... regardless of warranty work or regular routine maintenance...

You're not alone.

The industry is severely tainted which is sad !

Not all mechanics are bad and some take great pride in their work but they usually run their own shops and need to perform to survive. Sadly, most main stream franchised car servicing is bad news.

I may still be a mechanic by trade, but I'm glad to be out of that world.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

You're not alone.

The industry is severely tainted which is sad !

Not all mechanics are bad and some take great pride in their work but they usually run their own shops and need to perform to survive. Sadly, most main stream franchised car servicing is bad news.

I may still be a mechanic by trade, but I'm glad to be out of that world.

I couldn't agree more!!