HOW TO WRITE AN ESTIMATE

STEP 1 Identify the vehicle. Usually, you will know the vehicle make, model and engine, but for confirmation, each manufacturer contains a model identification section listing model coverage, I.D. number location, engine codes, etc.

STEP 2 Familiarize yourself with all Groups or Sections.

STEP 3 Select the model being estimated or repaired.

STEP 4 Find the group or section needing repair and select that group or section.

STEP 5 Find the labor operation or part type needed and select it. Special attention should be given to any inclusions, notes or tariffs regarding items included or not included for that particular operation.

STEP 6 Add to the original suggested time any * ADDITIONAL TIME * or * COMBINATION TIME * which applies to the specific year, model, engine, etc., being looked up. These additional or combination times are presented immediately after the main labor operation.

STEP 7 Note if there are any special circumstances that might affect the overall repair (excessive rust, broken or corroded bolts, etc.). Allow additional time as necessary to cover repairs affected by these conditions.

STEP 8 Calculate the total repair operation hours including any Diagnosis Time, Additional Time or Combinations. Again, be sure to include any special labor conditions that may affect the estimate.

STEP 9 List all parts necessary for repair.

STEP 10 Make sure to note differences in prices between left and right side parts (if any). Inform your customer that parts prices may vary by area and, as a result, the actual price may be different. Contact your local supplier if it is necessary to have exact parts prices.

STEP 11 Observe the total of labor and parts. Present the estimate and go over it with the customer. It is extremely important that the customer fully understand what the estimate consists of, what work will actually be performed, and what the costs involved are. By making sure the customer is thoroughly aware of what you have quoted on your estimate, you can avoid potential problems that may arise at the end of the job.

POLICY AND PRESENTATION

CONTENTS

OnDemand5.com contains the latest labor and parts information available on all major repair operations. Also included are Machine Shop Labor Operations, Labor Times For Diagnostic Services, Model and Engine Identification.

COVERAGE

Vehicle coverage includes both parts and labor information on past and current popular production vehicles.

FORMAT

Within each vehicle section, all labor operations and times are listed first, followed by part descriptions, numbers and prices.

LABOR TIMES

The Mitchell 1 "Estimated Labor Times" are given in hours and tenths of an hour (6 minutes). The times apply only to standard equipment and production options provided by the vehicle manufacturer. The times generally reflect the needs of an average, trained auto technician using factory recommended tools and repair procedures. Mitchell 1 "Estimated Labor Times" are to be used as a guide only. The actual time taken can be expected to vary to meet individual repair shop and vehicle conditions, equipment used, etc.

The following outlines the operations which are, or are not, included in the labor times. You are encouraged to become familiar with these to be sure you have a thorough understanding of the Mitchell 1 approach to mechanical estimating.

INCLUDED OPERATIONS

• Vehicle repair preparation
• Drain & refill necessary fluids
• Tighten bolts, fasteners, etc., to manufacturer's recommended torque specifications
• Normal cleaning of parts associated with the repair operation
• Personal needs of the technician while performing a repair operation
• Preventative measures
• Position, set-up, return tools and equipment
• Verification of repair

 NOT INCLUDED OPERATIONS

• Writing estimate, booking the job, billing or any special courtesy services
• Training
• Reference time on unfamiliar operations
• Adverse weather conditions
• Disposal of hazardous materials (unless indicated)
• Diagnosis (unless indicated)
• Machine operations
• Resetting of any electrical components due to battery disconnection
• Removal of locking lug nuts or wheel covers
• Time necessary to free up parts frozen by rust or corrosion
• Broken bolts, studs, etc.
• Rework parts to fit a particular year or model
• Excessive grease, tar and undercoating removal or any other materials that could interfere with operation
• Cleaning areas of the vehicle which may have been contaminated by failure of the component on which the operation is being performed

LABOR TIME DETERMINATION

Labor time estimates are determined by Mitchell's editors with extensive mechanical backgrounds in the automotive industry. Times are based on field research, time studies, and information supplied by vehicle manufacturers. Mitchell's goal is for completeness in each CD. However, there are some operations without labor times which could not be verified in time for release (these appear as blank fields). In these isolated cases, an equitable time should be agreed upon by all parties and recorded on your estimate. This is referred to as an "on-site estimate."

OVERLAPPING LABOR TIMES

When two or more operations are performed on a vehicle and have overlapping labor times, a reasonable deduction should be made from the total times given. It is impossible to give specific recommendations for all these situations (your judgment is the best guide for the job at hand), but we often provide reminders. For example, if you are replacing a tie rod and discover the vehicle needs a complete alignment, .4 hours should be deducted after totaling the individual times since both operations include adjusting the toe-in.

ADDITIONAL TIME

 "Additional Time", that extra time needed to gain access to a part. Further additional time should be used to cover conditions such as:

• Broken Studs or Bolts
• Seized Bolts
• Rusted or Corroded Parts
• Undercoating Removal
• Steam Cleaning
• Check and Clean Used Parts
• Accessory Items not covered by text.

COMBINATIONS

"Combinations", are additional labor times to be used to perform tasks which are directly related to the original operation, and are conveniently done along with it. For example: a voltage regulator being replaced in combination with an alternator overhaul.

FACTORY TIMES

Factory recommended labor times have been included in some instances for your convenience. These factory times are the approximate times used by the various manufacturers in the determination of payment of warranty claims.

HOURLY RATE

Labor rates vary throughout the country. Local or individual rates must be multiplied by labor hour totals created by the estimate.

PART NUMBERS

Part numbers are included in the program to facilitate estimating. It is recommended that they not be used for parts ordering. It is suggested that the year, make, model and VIN or model code information be given to dealership personnel for verification of application and most current pricing.

PART PRICES

This program reflects the latest pricing information available from the vehicle manufacturers at the time of production. The prices shown are MANUFACTURERS’ SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY OF PARTS VARY FROM TIME TO TIME AND BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Prices not available at the time of release are indicated by blank fields.

SKILL LEVEL CODE

The code letter immediately following the labor times in the far right column under the heading "SL" designates the suggested level of skill for that operation. The four levels of skill are defined as follows:

 (A) HIGHLY SKILLED - Requires the use of precision measuring tools and specialized test equipment. Requires thorough knowledge of complicated systems and strong diagnostic capabilities.

 (B) SKILLED - Requires the use of basic tools and simple measuring devices. Accurate diagnosis is required using special test equipment. Must have basic knowledge of complex systems.

 (C) SEMISKILLED - Requires the use of basic tools. Diagnosis is limited to a single possible cause of a problem. Must have basic knowledge of component or system operation.

 (D) LOW SKILLED - Repair consists of part replacement only. Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions.

DEFINITIONS

D&A: Disassemble and Assemble.

R&I, REMOVE AND INSTALL: Removal of a part or assembly from vehicle to facilitate overhaul or other work and reinstall the same part on vehicle. Includes any alignment necessary to reposition removed part of assembly.

R&R, REMOVE AND REPLACE: Removal of part or assembly from vehicle, transfer of any attached part to new part or assembly, re-install new part or assembly on vehicle. Includes any alignment necessary to reposition removed part or assembly. Add time as necessary if welded parts are transferred.

O/H, O/HAUL, OVERHAUL: Overhaul times include removal of assembly (R&I) from the vehicle, disassembly, cleaning and inspection, replacing necessary parts, reassembly, reinstalling and making any necessary adjustments.