Episode 31 remembering parts

How Auto Mechanics Remember How To Put Cars Back Together~ Podcast Episode 31

Volkswagen Routan Tranmission ProblemHave you ever wondered how a mechanic remembers where all those parts go? Or how we somehow manage to get things put back together? Well, today I share the ways I manage to keep things straight.

This is the Routan I talk about in the video. I came in to the situation as the 3rd tech. Dealing with these types of things is awful. Just another reason to keep your stuff organized.

Today on the Automotive Podcast, we talk about:

  • Starting jobs smart
  • Being consistent
  • Label EVERYTHING
  • Tips on labeling parts
  • Taking Pictures
  • Removing Parts together
  • Some parts find their natural place
  • Mindset of Organizing.
  • One more little secret 😉
  • Post talking more about that Routan Transmission failure.
  • And more

If you are having trouble viewing, watch “How Auto Mechanics Remember How To Put Cars Back Together~ Podcast Episode 31” on YouTube.

As always, your comments are appreciated. If you have any tricks or tip to staying organized, plot them up :). Be sure to subscribe

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DSG Questions

Viewer Questions on DSG Transmissions, Podcast Episode 30

VW DSG TRANSMISSONHey everyone. Today we are talking about DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox transmissions. I posted on Facebook asking for YOUR questions on DSGs. The reason for that is, Jason from Engineering Explained joined me in the shop for a very in depth video on the DSG. I wanted to use that opportunity to answer your questions before his video comes out. Let me say, you guys are going to love that video.

Join me as I answer your questions on:

  • Using the Factory fill tool
  • Measuring the proper fluid level
  • Clutch wear life
  • The beer I am drinking 😉
  • Issues with hesitation at start
  • Awkwardness in stop and go traffic
  • Why does my DSG roll after pulling it in park
  • DSG vs PDK
  • DSG in a MK4
  • Why are they replacing manuals
  • DSG in a MK1 (WHAT THE WHAT??)
  • Showing some love for Engineering Explained AND EricTheCarGuy

If you are having problems viewing, watch “Viewer Questions on DSG Transmissions, Podcast Episode 30” on YouTube.

Thanks again to Jason from Engineering Explained (check out our VR6 video) for hanging out, and doing some fun video work. Remember, if you have a question you want to submit for a show like this (DSG or otherwise), email me Charles(at)Humblemechanic(dot)com, be sure to put QUESTION FOR CHARLES in the subject.
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Viewer Questions, Podcast Episode 28

Viewer Questions, Podcast Episode 28

Happy Monday everyone. I have an awesome show for you today. I posted on Facebook asking for your questions. It got a huge response. So today on the automotive podcast, I answer all of your questions. If you think this is something you would be interested in me doing more, please let me know. I had a blast doing it.

On today’s automotive podcast, I answer your questions on

  • The DSG transmission as a replacement for a manual transmission
  • Running Bio Diesel in a 2011 Jetta Sportwagon TDI
  • Letting techs borrow tools
  • The VW 2.0t FSI oil burning issues
  • VWs 10k miles service intervals
  • Buying a MK2 Jetta Coupe
  • Moving from Service Express to a main line technician
  • What I like and dislike about the VW MK7
  • Why I choose VW, and why I am an Audi/VW enthusiast
  • Did I forget about Landon? 😉
  • My Thoughts on Rotary engines
  • Turbo or naturally aspirated
  • Replacing engine mounts
  • 91 Cabby burning oil diagnosis
  • Reliability of TDI long term
  • Craft beer
  • Automotive service people’s pet peevs
  • Best engine designs
  • VW history
  • Getting hired as a tech
  • And more

If you are having trouble watching, visit Viewer Questions, Podcast Episode 28 on YouTube

As always, I love to hear your comments and questions. If you think this is something we should do more, post that in the comments below. If you have an idea for a show topic, use the contact me form.

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Post by Humble Mechanic.
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How I Would Start As a Mechanic Today

How I Would Start As a Mechanic Today, Podcast Episode 27

Today on the Automotive podcast, I want to talk about how I would get started as a tech, if I was doing it today. I have talked about how I got started on other shows. But I think that if I was going to do it again, I may take a different approach. The internet has given us a huge opportunity to learn for very little or free. That along with training programs at dealers, makes skipping tech school an interesting option.

Today on the Podcast we chat about:

  • Costs of tech school
  • Time investment of tech school
  • Starting at a Jiffy change type place
  • Starting at a small shop
  • Online Learning
    Engineering Explained
    EricTheCarGuy
    ScannerDanner
  • Dealership Service Express
    You can start with little time and tool investment
  • Dealership training programs
  • Where Manufacturers lack in training
  • VW’s old training program

If you are having trouble viewing “How I Would Start As a Mechanic Today, Podcast Episode 27“, watch it on Youtube.

2 Questions for everyone:

  1. How would YOU get started if you had to do it again?
  2. If you are early in your career, or in tech school, What would you change?

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Managing Money as a Mechanic, Podcast Episode 26

Manage money as a mechanicHey everyone. I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that Christmas is next week. This year just FLEW by. I guess it is time to start putting together my 2014 wrap up show. 🙂

Today we are talking about ways to manage your money as a technician. Working on flat rate can have big ups and even bigger downs. The way that we manage and budget our money is vital. There are so many things that impact the volume of cars coming in the shop. Heck anything from weather to gas prices can cause bad weeks. That doesn’t even take into account getting your butt kicked by a car.

This type of information is very much lacking in automotive training. We are told that it is important, but no one goes into detail about HOW to manage it. I have seen a lot of guys get stuck financially, and I don’t want that to happen to you. BTW I am NOT NOT NOT a financial adviser. This is just some of the things that I do. This is also not a flat rate show. You can see that at “Getting Paid on Flat Rate”.

Today on the automotive podcast we talk about:

  • You have to MAKE the money first
  • Buy tools smart
  • Don’t get in debt with the tool man
  • Buy used
  • Live below your income
  • Auto draft into your savings
  • Avoid other debt too
  • Do you need a new car? (No unless its a 2015 Golf Sportwagon 😉 )
  • Understand your busy times
  • Understand your slow times
  • Podcast on What To Do When The Shop Is Slow
  • and more

If you are having trouble viewing this video, watch it at Managing Money as a Mechanic, Podcast Episode 26 on YouTube.

Do you have any questions or comments on the show? Please post them in the comments below. Also, if you have an idea for a show topic, post that in the comments, or use the contact me form.

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Understanding Vehicle Warranties, Podcast Episode 25

Happy Monday everyone. I hope that you all had a great weekend. Today we take an in depth look at vehicle warranties. We focus on the manufacturer side of warranty. Dealing with car repairs under warranty is something I do a lot of. There are a lot of things that customers may not realize happen when a car is repaired under warranty.

Today on the Automotive Podcast we chat about:

  • Base car warranty AKA bumper to bumper
  • Powertrain warranty
  • Federal Emissions warranty
  • Corrosion warranty
  • What MAY be covered
  • What is probably NOT covered
  • Why a dealer will not “just fix it all”
  • Manufacturer tracking of repairs
  • Dealership chargebacks
  • Where to find warranty information
  • All about Buying an Extended Warranty

If you are having trouble viewing, watch Understanding Vehicle Warranties, Podcast Episode 25, on YouTube.

As always, your comments and questions are appreciated. BTW, what do you guys think of the new studio setup?

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10 Habits of Successful Technicians; Podcast Episode 23

10 Habits of Successful Technicians; Podcast Episode 23

Happy Monday everyone. I hope that you all had a great weekend. Today we are talking about 10 habits of a Successful Technician. Even the best technicians or mechanics can stand to tune up our game. I sat down that thought of the things that I am really good at and the things that I struggle with.

As I say in every show and post, be sure to post any questions or comments below. This is a community for all of us. I want to be sure that everyone feels good about posting their thoughts. So if you have a tip or a habit you can share, please share it.

Join in as we chat about:

  1. Be Punctual
  2. Have the right tools
  3. Known your product
  4. NEVER forget the basics
  5. Listen
  6. Work smart
  7. Always keep learning
  8. Know when to ask for help
  9. Do not be scared of a job
  10. Work with your customers

If you are having trouble watching, you can see it at 10 Habits of Successful Technicians; Podcast Episode 23

As always your questions and comments are encouraged and appreciated. If you have any tips you would like to share, please post them in the comments below. If you have a show topic suggestion, use the contact me form, or email me Charles(AT)humblemechanic(DOT)com

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