If you do not charge for diagnostic time to diagnosis undercar problems, you might as well put a sign on the door that says "ROB ME."

With the complexity of brakes, suspension and exhaust systems increasing every year with little chance of standardization, it is difficult to diagnosis these systems with just a visual inspection, testdrive and some poking with a pry bar.

There are three myths that prevent charging for undercar diagnostic time. First, the leading myth is that undercar repairs are not as complex as underhood systems. Second, since parts are not that expensive for brakes, suspension and exhaust, you can afford to throw parts at a car until the problem is solved. Third, the belief that: "If I charge a diagnostic fee, the customer might go elsewhere."

All three myths are preventing some shops from being profitable. The current approach of finding the problem, writing an estimate and waiting for approval does not work in all cases. Charging for undercar diagnostic time is essential to not only becoming profitable, but to increasing customer satisfaction.

It is a falsehood that "book times" for repairing vehicles include the diagnostic time. It is up to you to charge for this time. It is also naive to think that there is enough profit in the parts to pay for the diagnostic time.

The three myths or beliefs discussed do play a part. But, it also has to do with what the customer has been told the past ...