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Understanding Your Estimate

When you bring your vehicle in for repairs, the estimate you receive is like a road map for the work your car needs. It’s designed to give you a clear idea of what’s being done, how much it will cost, and why it’s necessary. Let’s break it down into simple terms:

Concerns:

  • Customer Concerns - are based on what you told the service advisor at drop off (e.g., “strange noise when braking”). 

  • Technician Concerns - are what the technician found during an inspection. Think of it as the “symptoms” your car is showing.

 

Recommended Repairs:

The estimate lists first what needs to be done to fix the primary issue. It could include replacing parts, repairing components, or performing routine maintenance. If there are optional or future repairs to consider, those are listed next based on priority.

Jobs:

Each job lists the parts and labor necessary to complete the service or repair.

  • Parts - Items like brake pads, a battery, or a new tire. The cost can vary depending on whether the parts are brand new, refurbished, or aftermarket (non-original but compatible).

  • Labor Labor costs cover the time and expertise it takes to complete the repairs. We use an industry-wide standardized guide to estimate how long each job should take, and the shop charges an hourly rate for that time.

 

Fees:

These include charges for things like hazardous materials disposal (e.g., old oil or coolant) or shop supplies (e.g., gloves, rags, and cleaning products). These fees help cover the cost of keeping the shop safe and efficient. A more detailed explanation of Hazmat/Supply fees is below.

 

Taxes:

Just like most purchases, there’s a sales tax applied to parts and labor. The state also levies an additional tax on tires.

What to Look For

We know you have a choice of shops to take your vehicle to for service. Wherever you go, keep these important items in mind when receiving an estimate. All estimates should offer a:

  • Detailed Breakdown: A good estimate will be clear and easy to follow, with separate line items for parts, labor, and fees.

  • Total Cost: what you can expect to pay for the completed work.

  • Written Approval: Most shops won’t start work until you approve the estimate however, it it is not offered, you should not allow any work to commence without your written approval of an estimate. If anything changes (like unexpected issues found during the repair), a revised estimate should be provided and you should be asked to approve the changes.

 

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure about any part of your estimate, don’t hesitate to ask! We will happily explain what everything means and why the work is necessary. We’re here to make sure your car gets the care it needs—and that you feel confident in the process.

Automotive Hazmat and Shop Supply Fees

When you bring your vehicle to a repair shop, you will see a section on your estimate labeled as "Supply/Hazmat fees." These charges are not arbitrary and play a vital role in ensuring the shop operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Here's a detailed breakdown:

What Are Hazmat Fees?

Hazmat (hazardous materials) fees are associated with the proper handling, storage, and disposal of potentially harmful substances generated during automotive repairs and services.

  • Examples of Hazardous Materials:

    • Used oil

    • Coolant

    • Brake fluid

    • Transmission fluid

    • Batteries

    • Used oil filters

    • Used part disposal and metal pickup/recycling

    • Used tire disposal

    • Solvents and other chemicals

  • Why These Fees Are Charged: The disposal of hazardous materials is highly regulated by state and federal laws to prevent environmental contamination. Repair shops incur costs for:

    • Specialized containers for storage and transport

    • Contracting licensed disposal companies

    • Compliance with environmental regulations and certifications. 

By charging hazmat fees, shops ensure they can responsibly manage these materials without passing hidden costs into service pricing.

 

What Are Shop Supply Fees?

Shop supply fees cover the cost of consumable items used during repairs and routine maintenance. These are items that may not appear as line items on your invoice but are essential to the quality of service provided.

  • Examples of Shop Supplies:

    • Rags, cleaning towels, fender covers, floor protectors

    • Gloves and protective equipment

    • Sealants, adhesives, and lubricants

    • Fasteners: nuts, bolts, screws, specialty clips

    • Gasket material

    • Fluid testing strips

    • Cleaning products for parts, engines, tools, equipment, and shop areas

    • Sanitizing products

  • Why These Fees Are Charged: Automotive shops use these supplies on nearly every job, but it would be impractical to itemize small quantities of each material on every invoice. Instead, a shop supply fee—usually a percentage of the service total—helps cover these overhead costs. This ensures the shop remains well-equipped and maintains a safe, professional workspace.

 

Why These Fees Matter

  1. Environmental Responsibility: Hazmat fees ensure hazardous materials are disposed of safely, minimizing the environmental impact.

  2. Safety and Compliance: Shops are required to meet strict safety and cleanliness standards, which include maintaining protective supplies and proper waste management protocols.

  3. High-Quality Service: By covering the costs of essential supplies and disposal processes, these fees allow shops to focus on delivering professional, efficient, and reliable service.

 

Transparency and Fairness

At our shop, we believe in being upfront about fees. If you have any questions about hazmat or shop supply fees on your invoice, we’re happy to explain them in detail. These charges ensure we can continue to provide you with top-notch service while maintaining our commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.

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