July 21, 2022—Repair shops remain busy with customers, but inflation has made its presence known in the day-to-day of running a business.
According to KCEN TV, shops like Jesse Britt's Automotive in Waco, Texas, have noticed that repair costs are up around 30 to 50 percent as compared to two years ago.
"The average cost of doing vehicle repairs has gone up drastically pretty much in the last six months because of parts availability and also because of inflation," said shop service advisor Thomas Whelchel, according to KCEN TV.
Jesse Britt's has temporarily adjusted prices for certain services including oil changes, alignments, and even tires.
"We're trying to offset some of the costs of the prices with some discounts that we're able to offer," Whelchel said.
The shop is struggling to secure parts as well, similarly to many shops around the country. Regardless of parts delays and higher repair costs, Whelchel said that he has noticed that these factors are not necessarily driving customers away. Drivers are avoiding steep new car sticker prices by attempting to maintain their current vehicles and keep them on the road longer.
