diesel mechanics

Well, it's no secret, and nothing against them, but large people can flat tear up a vehicle if they don't stay conscious of their size. I was amazed at the wear and tear a big guy put on a truck in comparison to a moderate size guy. The company that owned the trucks couldn't understand what made the difference. Although it was obvious to me and the other driver, we didn't speak of it.

 

I've found that every truck on the done line needs to be looked over before delivery to the customer. Anything caught is then corrected to prevent any problems. Customers are Gold and should be treated as such, they can go anywhere they choose so you must make a difference to them anyway you can.

 

I like when they stand around chatting and lean on your fenders with their greasy hands.

 

This is a perfect example right here! Do you know how many times we have been yelled at by customers because we tried to do the right thing and perform that little extra work while we were there fixing something else? 90% of customers DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY to have the job done right!!! It totally blows my mind the absolute stupidity of some guys and what they argue about. Yes it will cost a bit more money but the repair is actually very much cheaper having them done together rather than separately. Other examples are, tranny removed for shifting problems and not replacing a clutch, or exhaust "Y" pipe or what ever else becomes gravy to change when the trans is out. Why change just one tie rod end, change them both while you are there! It is actually cheaper to replace the whole tie rod bar complete with two new tie rod ends and new bar vs just the ends. I can go on all day... Again, many times the customer doesn't talk to the tech. I wish I had a nickel for every time I have ask my foreman to call the customer to see if he wants this or that part replaced while whatever is already apart. You know the answer we get... truck has to go, no time, or the job was quoted. They don't even want to spend 15mins to call the guy! Sad eh? This isn't all the time, and thank god most of the guys I work with are pretty good, or I would go insane!

 

I have always told them they can keep the truck as needed to allow for enough time. No rush with me...

I worked at a Ford Dealership as a line mechanic for 2yrs.
I always approached the service writer and suggested additional work to be considered.
The customer won. The dealership won. I got more labor.
Usually the customer got a good feeling that someone was looking out for them..

But, I havent found this in trucking. Get it in, get it out...least cost possible.
Elmer's Glue and a C-Clamp is just fine it seems.

 

I try not to make yall work too hard and i have only got on a cpl of mechs cases over stuff. only because i was a diesel mech in the corps and since m im a female , they think i will fall for anythign they say or do. little do they realize i watch whats done to my truck at all times. im not risking my life on poor work becasue they think i wont know any better.

 

At Covenant Transport, the service department was called "breakdown". I reckon that's because if you let them get their hands on your truck, it would break down soon after.