what is the minimum labor charge to install a new gas cap on a car?

Question

a friend had her car emission tested and her gas cap failed, they charged her $18 for a new gas cap and $30 labor to install the new gas cap, she complained but the $30 is the minimum labor charge they charge everybody, she also paid $45 for the emission test, $30 to screw on a gas cap?

Answer 1

that sounds about right, I have a minimum charge of 45 dollars plus 45 dollars per hour labor charge,

Answer 2

There's more to this then what is being told. Was this a state emission test ? Was this an emission test she asked the dealer for ? Was the car brought in because the check yellow light was showing ? When I worked for the dealerships (30 years), as partner in an independent shop (2 years) and my own shop (10) years) we had a minimum charge of 30 minutes (paper work and employees involved) but if if was something like where I asked you to purchase the gas cap and bring to me, I never charged labor. This was considered a courtesy.

Answer 3

I would complain to the manager of the shop, and let them know that after the $30 is paid, it will be the last time she will ever visit the shop and will make sure her friends know of the reasons why she will not go.

It might be worth noting -

1. In order to do the E-test, they must remove the gas cap to pressure test it. Do they not charge $30 to re-install it? (no)

2. If they removed the cap and it failed - Did they re-install the old one? If they didn't then they should not charge you for installing the new one (They re-install the old one as part of the E-test - dont they? So what the heck is the difference if the install the old one, or the new one that the shop made a few bucks on?

I had a transmission shop install new front axles on a car I own, (I provided the new axles) and there was no charge since they had to remove both axles to take out the transmission.



If none of that works, tell them to remove the gas cap and you will buy one elsewhere.

Just because the gas cap failed the E-test, you don't have to buy it there.

Answer 4

You mean a gas tank cap? U do it all the time when u go to the gas station to fill up. LOL u install it and re-install it. The shop that sold here the gas cap is probably charging for the pressure test

Answer 5

Your friend got took. Any reputable shop that sells you a gas cap for $18 should install it free since it amounts to nearly y nothing. I doubt you can do much about it but complain to the owner and take your business elsewhere if the owner refuses to refund the $30.



Lets hear from the Dodgeman, he's always right on target.

Answer 6

The testing of the emission does not relate to the testing of the fuel evaporative system which in itself is an extensive test and requires a certain amount of time to perform... understanding your repairs often times helps to eliminate the wrongfull anger experienced when you don't understand what happend and just make a general statement that could not be further from the truth... sorry but thats the way it works

Answer 7

It depends on what kind of car we are talking about. Labor cost seems right....for minimum charge. The cap price is different from one to the other. Without the brand, hard to justify here. She could have done it by herself...go to an auto parts store, buy one and install it by herself.

Answer 8

I would buy a locking gas cap. Whatever the mechanism is that makes it so one can't siphon gas, someone will find a way to bypass it, and quickly.

Answer 9

This may be true, but in Texas, it is illegal for the emissions testing place to sell you parts. She might want to check into this and see if it is true for her state.

Answer 10

She should have just bought the part and put it on herself. I'm a mechanic by trade and we don't have a "minimum" charge.

Answer 11

Have you ever heard of people dont work for free? Also did they diagnose the car for free? How did you know the gas cap was the problem? People like you want everything for free, free diagnostics, free fixes, and unless it is free, you are angry.

Answer 12

most places will charge you a minimum of he hour rate when they are slow. you have to look out for these places.

it is legal......

Answer 13

IS THIS A YOKE OR WHAT.

Answer 14

can you spell "S.H.E. G.O.T. T.O.O.K."?