I have a friend who has been an auto mechanic for well over 30 years. I’ve learned a lot from him over the years about vehicles, the auto repair trade, and vehicle owners in general. He’s mentioned to me a number of times that I’m like the ideal (and unusual) customer who “gets it” when it comes to the importance of vehicle maintenance and having repairs done right.
I know from my mechanic friend that most people want the cheapest and most minimalist fix possible without realizing the cascading effect that causes problems to escalate and get more expensive later. Warnings about the consequences of putting off needed repairs fall on deaf ears. Maybe it’s because I did so much of my own car repair back when cars were more owner repairable but I understand how mechanical devices like vehicles work.
This friend has not actually told me why brake jobs are overpriced or even the fact that they are. The overpriced nature is my own observation because I know how simple brake service is and how disproportionate the pricing is compared to other types of repair. Other things my friend has told me make it easy to understand the reason, and I would go so far as to say it’s a necessary response to consumer behavior.
To me, understanding why this disparity exists in the auto repair industry is predictable, logical, and provides a solution to what would otherwise be a serious hindrance to what every business needs—profitability. Vehicle repair shops need to be repairing vehicles or they can’t stay in business. The natural instinct of repair shop customers to not spend any more than they absolutely have to is at odds with running a healthy business. Neither side can be blamed, that’s just reality.
Any mechanic will tell you what my friend has told me…people by and large do not properly maintain their vehicles. But when they need brake service, that is a MUST HAVE and can’t be put off. Brake jobs being overpriced is not a criticism of the auto repair industry. If anything, it’s a lesson on why you should be very careful buying a used vehicle. The “optional” repairs us conscientious vehicle owners pay for are more fairly priced. These same ones the masses let go as long as possible, if ever done at all, are pawned off to the next owner.
Given the nature of this site, you would have good reason to wonder how this could possibly relate to Melaleuca and its products. The answer is some incredible hand soap. I can’t speak for all varieties Melaleuca offers, they do have several, but I’ll zero in on the only one I use…Mint & Herb.
It’s ideal for everyday use, gentle, not girly (I have reason to wonder if Melaleuca realizes that guys also buy hand soap), derives its germ killing power from natural thyme oil, doesn’t leave any annoying film on your skin, and for those times when your hands are really filthy, it cuts through just about anything with the power you would expect from an industrial hand cleaner but without the harshness.
I mentioned that I used to do a lot of my own car repair. That is no longer the case and hasn’t been for decades. Most work can’t be done without specialized tools and equipment anyway. However, brakes are different. The basic functionality of braking systems is no different than it was 70+ years ago. Sometimes I’ll hire it done but I’m manly enough that doing it myself and getting my hands dirty offers a certain amount of raw personal satisfaction and connection to my heritage of growing up in the muscle car era…the braking system being one of the last remnants of a simpler automotive era when owner and machine could actively engage each other at a core level.
Interestingly, both of my cars recently needed brakes within a week of each other. Then lo and behold, a couple weeks later my 24-year-old son calls me asking for help with his brakes. In the last month I’ve had three opportunities to put this old practice to use. That made for some very dirty hands and some occasional dirty language. Melaleuca hand soap was a great resource to have “on hand” in the situation. It’s always great for everyday use but also nice for when the need for challenging cleaning power is met with stellar performance.