Auto Mechanic Time Lapse

What A Day As A Mechanic Looks Like ~Time Lapse Video

Happy Wednesday everyone. Today we have a little mix of the automotive podcast, and Shop Shots. Many of you asked me to do a time lapse video of a day at the shop. So I hooked up the GoPro and gave it a try. I am really looking for your input on this video. Here is what I want to know:

  • Did you like it?
  • What would you change?
  • How was the speed?
  • Any other feedback

If you guys like this video, maybe I will do more from different angles. This was a pretty fun video to sit and edit. It gave me a look at how much time I spend waiting on things. As entertaining as it was, I will be using this to fine tune how I do things in the shop.

Trouble viewing? Watch “What A Day As A Mechanic Looks Like ~Time Lapse Video” on Youtube.

Like I said, your thoughts and comments are very important. As always feel free to share them. If you have an idea for a show topic, use the contact me form and let me know 🙂

Don’t forget to follow me at:

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failed VW coolant bottle

How VW Coolant Bottles Fail ~ Video

failed vw coolant bottleHey everyone! As you all know, Tuesdays are failed VW part day. Today we are looking at failures of Volkswagen coolant bottles. This has been happening since the start of VW having a coolant bottle. Failures of this VW part comes in a few different forms. Luckily this is an easy DIY, and pretty cheap too. Check out all the Failed VW Parts videos on YouTube.

Sponsor Of The Day
Today’s show is sponsored by Deutsche Auto Parts. They are the VW and Audi parts experts. They have great prices and awesome service. Plus they work really hard on a ton of VW DIY videos. Paul and the boys at DAP are awesome. Check them out!

Join me as we break down the VW coolant bottle

  • What the VW coolant bottle does
  • How the VW coolant bottles works
  • How the VW coolant bottle fails
  • Signs of coolant bottle failure
  • Diagnosing VW coolant bottle issues
  • Is the coolant bottle a DIY part?
  • Get a new coolant bottle from DAP. (As always confirm with your VIN)
  • and more

Having trouble viewing? Watch “How VW Coolant Bottles Fail ~ Video” on YouTube.

As always, your questions and comments are welcome. Please post them below. If you would like to suggest a part of a show like this, email me Charles(at)HumbleMechanic(dot)com. Also thanks to VW for hooking up some sweat VW Driver Gear.

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Automotive Podcast

Viewer’s Questions ~ Podcast Episode 36

Happy Monday everyone. I hope that no one has a “case of the Mondays”. It shocks me that people don’t get that movie reference these days. 🙂

Today is episode 36 of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. I may have called it episode 35 in the show. On Monday shows, I take your questions about all things automotive. If you would like to submit a question for a show like this, send me an email to Charles (at) humblemechanic (dot) com. Be sure to put QUESTION FOR CHARLES in the subject. I get a ton of emails so be sure to use that in the subject so I an answer your questions.

Join me as I take your questions on:

  • Warming your car up on cold mornings
  • the “snowflake” sign on VWs
  • Modifying VWs
  • How modifying VWs may impact your warranty
  • Why VW uses vacuum pumps for brake boosters
  • Difference in “dealership” oil vs “store bought” oil
  • a 40yr ban on motorsports
  • the worst DIY fixes
  • Diagnosing a bad wheel bearing
  • Engine oil I use in my Passat and why
  • Golf R VS WRX
  • And more

Having trouble viewing? Watch “Viewer’s Questions ~ Podcast Episode 36” on YouTube.

As always your comments are very much appreciated. Please post them in the comments section below. If you have a question to submit, email me Charles (AT) humblemechanic (DOT) com put QUESTION FOR CHARLES in the subject. If you have an idea for a show, email me, or use the contact me form.

Don’t forget to follow me at:

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Future Of Auto tecs episode 35

The Future of Automotive Technicians ~ Episode 35

Happy Friday everyone. I hope that you had a great work week. Today we go a little out there, and talk about the future of being an automotive tech. Some of you may think that I am going a little off the deep end in today’s automotive podcast. But, stick with me and I think you will get it.

This is also one of those shows that YOUR participation is vital. If you are a tech, this may be your future. It could be an amazing time, or it can be a nightmare. It depends on how forward thinking you are. Sadly as techs, we find ourselves playing catchup. We need to be the ones at the front of technology!

Join me today as we look to the future:

  • Guided diagnosis
  • Tech brain removed from the process
  • MORE input from “tech line” types
  • Catching issues early
  • More TSBs and Tech Tips
  • More updates
  • Over the Air updates
  • Carnet
  • Over the air dealer reports
  • Shift of technician levels
  • Need for less “A” techs?
  • Need for more “C” techs
  • And More

Having trouble viewing? Watch “The Future of Automotive Technicians ~ Episode 35” on Youtube

As always, post your comments below. If you are a tech, or thinking about being a tech, you NEED to be thinking about the future.

Don’t forget to follow me at:

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Streamlight Stylus Pro ~ Tool Review

Streamlight Stylus Pro ~ Video Review

Happy Thursday everyone. As you know, today is tool review day. We are going to take a look at the Streamlight Stylus Pro flashlight. As you will see in the video review, I really like this little light. I think it is perfect for keeping in a shirt pocket.

Join me as we break down the Streamlight Stylus Pro

Having trouble viewing? Watch “Streamlight Stylus Pro ~ Video Review” on YouTube.

As always, post your comments below. If you have a tool you would like for me to review, use the contact me form. Or email me Charles(at)HumbleMechanic(dot)com, and put TOOL REVIEW in the subject.

Don’t forget to follow me at:

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http://youtu.be/b7zTExFVuVw

Factory Repairs VS Non Factory Repairs ~ Podcast Episode 34

Hey everyone! Today we are talking a look at the difference between a “factory car repair” vs a “non factory repair”. This is a really cool topic to talk about. Be sure to post your thoughts in the comments below.

When it comes to this type of thing, I come from a dealership mentality. But I also understand, that does not always equal the right way. I actually like to step out of the normal mindset. I think it makes me a better tech, and can be a little more fun. Not only that, it may work out even better for the customer.

Join me as we talk about:

  • Show schedule
  • What is a factory repair
  • Why factory repairs
  • A warranty mindset
  • The programming of a dealership technician
  • Headlight repair vs replacement
  • The influence of the parts department
  • Customer’s expectation at the dealer
  • Giving options
  • Let customers choose
  • Diesel Geek repair kits
  • And more

Having trouble viewing? Watch “Factory Repairs VS Non Factory Repairs ~ Podcast Episode 34” on YouTube.

As always, post your thoughts in the comments below. If you have an idea for a show topic, use the contact me form and let me know.
Don’t forget to follow me at:

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leaking 2.5 Vacuum pump

How The VW 2.5L Vacuum Pump Fails ~ Video

IMG_3779 2Hey everyone! It is Tuesday, so we are looking at failed VW parts. Today we are diving into the 2.5L vacuum pump leaking oil. Last week we looked at how a 2.0T rear main seal fails. The funny thing is, this vacuum pump leaking is often mistake for a leaking rear main seal. For a list of all the failed part shows, check out “Failed VW Part Videos” on YouTube.

Sponsor Of The Day
Today’s show is sponsored by Deutsche Auto Parts. They are the VW and Audi parts experts. They have great prices and awesome service. Plus they work really hard on a ton of VW DIY videos. Paul even hooked me up with a sweet custom Humble Mechanic/Deutsche Auto Parts bottle opener!

Join me as we take apart the 2.5L vacuum pump:

  • What the 2.5l vacuum pump does
  • How the 2.5l vacuum pump works
  • How the 2.5l vacuum pump FAILS!
  • The signs of 2.5l vacuum pump failure (hint it leaks oil 😉 )
  • Why the vacuum pump fails
  • How to diagnose 2.5l vacuum pump failures
  • DIY or Not?
  • Link to buy this pump 2.5l Vacuum pump
  • and more

Having trouble viewing? Watch “How The VW 2.5L Vacuum Pump Fails ~ Video” on Youtube

As always, your questions and comments are welcome. Please post them below. If you would like to suggest a part of a show like this, email me Charles(at)HumbleMechanic(dot)com. Also thanks to VW for hooking up some sweat VW Driver Gear.

Don’t forget to follow me at:

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