Working Multiple Vehicles

[Bois]

GlassStarz recently stated in a post, "...I may see 12 breaks on 8 cars qoute $175 and go to work using 3 bridges im there 1 1/2 hrs...". And, I read that many repair techs carry 3+ bridges and achieve similar success.

My question is...how can you work on multiple vehicles without lining them up side-by-side? I have several dealers who have 50-100 used cars that I walk every week. I leave my mark so I don't re-inspect each car. When I find cars in need of repair they are usually 50-100 feet apart. I carry a double bridge kit and equipment to work on 2 cars at a time but I find the walking time too wastefull (and tiresome) so I usually won't work on more than one car unless they're close to each other. Many are pick-ups where a stool is needed. And, I don't want to ask the dealer to move them around for me.

What do most of you do?

Dale...

[screenman]

Personaly I normaly work on 2 or 3 at a time but if you are happy to do 1 then that is great. As for the distance between cars or trucks just walk quicker or even run.
As long as you are doing quality repairs in the way you are happy then you have got it right. Its one of the great things about our business, there are lots of ways to do it right.

[mafsu]

It's just a matter of choice. I usually will work on cars at the same time if they are close enough together. I probably shouldn't qualify how far apart they are since the extra walking would do me some good. Usually it's just a matter of which way aill get the job done faster.

[JAC]

I agree with the others that it's all up to you and there is no right or wrong way to do it. There is one other factor though. Unless this lot is the only this you do that day and you don't mind being there all day, time spent there could be important. Time is money.

I wonder if you could get something to ride around on? Lots of dealerships have golf carts... maybe you could use one. Maybe purchase some sort of small electric cart. If one day you had a dozen repairs to do and did them 1 by one, you'd probably be there 6 hours. If you could even just do 2 at a time, you cut it to 3 hours. Something to think about. Borrowing a golf cart on site would probably be the best.

JAC

[Bois]

Thanks for the thoughts. The walking (running) would be good for my health but it's been in the 100's lately so I'll slow down a bit. I've thought about getting a golf cart for scouting the RV parking lots at a large flea market here. There's usually 100+ RVs scattered about in 4 parking areas. When I go, I usually take my RV and spend the weekend with a tent set-up. But I need something to move around in. I'm not equiped to tow a vehicle, yet.

Dale...