My old mechanic, a four-bay garage, always had time for emergencies–usually no more than a day or two. I get the feeling that they left a few slots open every day for emergencies.
Since I moved, the new place I go to not only has a week lead time for emergency repairs, they actually take a week off for Christmas. It’s like they don’t actually care that their customers depend on their cars. and just fill up every slot they have as soon as they can, regardless of urgency.
Is always having time available for emergencies a usual practice or an unusual one?
Every emergency mechanic visit I’ve had has been same day, sometimes with an hour or two wait if they’re full up.
A week though? Seems a bit much.
My mechanic is usually able to take me same day. Patched a slow leak in my tire in 20 minutes.
My mechanic takes appointments for scheduled maintenance… Always my pick of the day, even next day. And he’s awsome if I have a problem, like I need a tire patch or something urgent, I go in and wait and he gets me out asap.
Waiting a week? Naw man, go elsewhere. If you have AAA, find a shop that gives you the AAA discount on hours too.
It’s like they don’t actually care that their customers depend on their cars.
Or they are super busy, and maintain a work life balance.
Find a new mechanic. I could have my car in tomorrow with my mechanic if needed
Different places have different norms. You’ll also find shops of any sort that work better and worse with your schedule. Whether or not it works with your budget may be a different story.
