When the weekend rolls around and you notice a strange noise or a warning light on your dashboard, it's tempting to take your vehicle to the nearest automotive repair shop that's open. However, before you rush to do so, it's worth considering why you might want to think twice about weekend repairs. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why customers should be cautious about taking their vehicles to an auto repair shop that is open on weekends.
Shops that are open on weekends are usually focused on quick service and customer turnaround.
Getting an accurate diagnosis on your vehicle will be much harder to do on weekends. The more experienced and knowledgeable technicians and service advisors do not work Saturdays and Sundays because time with family is valuable to them. Additionally, weekday operations typically have higher levels of oversight and management availability, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly. On the weekends, with reduced staffing and management presence, there may be a likelihood of miscommunication or issues not being resolved to your satisfaction.
The right parts for your car can be harder to get on weekends.
Just because a shop is open on weekends doesn't mean the parts they need for your repairs will be available on weekends. Weekends can be problematic when it comes to sourcing replacement parts and working with suppliers. Many parts stores and suppliers operate on a limited schedule on weekends, which means that repair shops might face delays in obtaining the necessary parts for your car. This can result in longer repair times and added inconvenience for you as the customer.
You may end up waiting longer for a repair to be completed.
If a shop isn't able to accurately diagnose your concern over the weekend, your vehicle could get lost in the shuffle of the Monday rush and the tech who began your job may not be the one finishing your job. This can cause undue stress for commuting or travel plans.
The overhead is higher for a shop that must staff for Saturday/Sunday hours.
Saturdays/Sundays can mean an increased cost in overtime and operating expenses. That cost is passed on to you.
The majority of shops with weekend hours are chains.
This can add 5 to 20 percent to your bill in the form of royalties. Harrell & Beverly is a small, local business and we have fair prices for the quality of work and level of customer service we provide!
Due to abbreviated weekend hours, your job may get rushed.
Properly diagnosing a vehicle issue is crucial for ensuring the right repairs are performed. During the weekend, when the shop is busy, there may be limited time for a thorough diagnostic process. Rushing through this step can lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary repairs, which can be both costly and frustrating for customers. Technicians and service advisors that are rushing through jobs are likely to make more mistakes. This affects how your repair is completed, the quality of the parts, and your cost.
Weekend hours can cause technician burn out.
Shops that are open on Saturdays/Sundays will notice a decrease in productivity and customer service. If employees are thinking about missing out on time with family and friends and the ability to work on home projects, then they are not concerned about your car and the quality of the work. Shops that are open on weekends don't necessarily have their employees' best interests in mind. Harrell & Beverly greatly values the expertise and work-life balance of our team and so we provide them with work-free weekends and hour-long lunches so they are rested and ready to give you the best automotive service and repair you've ever experienced.
There's the potential your bill may be higher.
While it's not universally true, some automotive repair shops may charge higher rates for weekend services. Due to the demand for weekend repairs and the need to pay overtime to employees, you might end up paying more for the same service that could be cheaper during the week. It's essential to inquire about pricing and compare it to weekday rates to make an informed decision.
The best technicians don’t work at places that are open on weekends.
You won't often see high-caliber, experienced technicians working on the weekend. You need to be able to trust your mechanic and know that he will be there when you need him.
In Summary
While it might be tempting to get your vehicle repaired over the weekend for the sake of convenience, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks.
Limited staff availability, rushed jobs, reduced quality, higher costs, limited access to parts, and less accountability are all factors that can make weekend automotive repairs less ideal.
If possible, it's often better to plan your vehicle repairs during the week when repair shops have their full staff, access to parts, and the time needed for comprehensive diagnostics and quality workmanship. Your car deserves the best care, and YOU do too! Sometimes that means waiting until Monday rolls around.
We can help you get your car checked out during the week so that's one thing off your weekend list of to-dos. Harrell & Beverly provides shuttle service, free wi-fi, snacks and drinks, and music requests! We hope this has been helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!