I have been working in automobiles for about 30 years. In that time I have seen the good the bad and the ugly when it comes to automotive things and tipping. Tipping seems to be something that creates stress and insecurity on humans. But it is mostly because people prefer to ignore the facts than to humble them selves and research the subject.

Money represents many things to different people. Some service providers rely on tips to survive, others can do with out them finely. But I stress the point that a tip is not only the value as money but a gesture. A smile or a hand shake followed by a tip has much more meaning to a person.
Doing research about this subject I found that the internet has little or close to nothing about it (tipping mechanics). The reasons why people don’t tip auto mechanics in my opinion are varied.
People argue that mechanics make very high amounts of money. Not so. Only a very few mechanics get paid properly. The tools and training mechanics need to be able to be professionals are paid usually by themselves. So why should you be responsible for that? You aren’t, a tip is a gesture. It is not expected but welcomed. If you are wealthy I say to you, be generous. The money you save is not going to do any good sitting in the bank.

Will a service provider be offended if you offer them a tip?

I am a mobile mechanic and shop owner, I have never gotten offended because someone wanted to show me their appreciation.
I read that in Europe in some countries tipping is not really practiced. If so, the tip is included on the bill.
To me a tip besides the monetary value has a deeper meaning. When it is given along a smile or a hand shake does wonders for your soul.

Mechanics don’t actually rely on tips to support their families, but some will probably be very happy when you tip them. They are indeed welcomed.

So what is considered adequate when tipping your mechanic?

I suggest this. If you are tipping a mechanic on a shop, 5% of the total bill before taxes, if it is a mobile mechanic around 8 to 10% of the bill (consider the convenience of someone coming to you), If the mechanic is also the shop owner then it is a little bit more tricky. Yes he/she makes “all� the money but he/she also has all the expenses of the business (overhead), So maybe 5% will be fair.
Remember be considerate. As you service providers are human, they get sad, distracted etc. Instead of withholding a tip, make a commentary to the manager for less than adequate service.
I agree that for intended very bad service with no explanation or apology you tip 0. Sorry.

Bottom line, you tip when you can and what your heart tells you. If you are a cheap skate, so be it, nobody wants to change you.

I read some service providers saying that they won’t accept a tip; well you must be making very good dough. But will you also reject a smile and or a handshake? No? I didn’t think so. The money that the customer wants to give you comes from their heart most of the time, so actually you could be hurting their feelings by not accepting their present.

Remember, the mechanic only gets a small percentage of what the shop charges, and none from the parts he/she usually sells.
With out the mechanic the shop wouldn’t be selling all those parts, still they get zero commission from that.

I think if you can’t tip because you are actually broke, then indeed smile and give us a handshake, we will understand.

What about giving presents as tips?

I think that is up to you. If you are the kind of person that likes giving baked goods or a 6 pack of beer, by all means. Give to your heart contents.
The point here is this, what you are doing is showing your appreciation, not buying better service. That’s why I recommend giving tips after the service is provided. That way no one has any expectations or duties.

Also do you have to tip every time you get service? Again, it is up to you. Some times you may not have enough to make a tip. It is ok. I don’t think a mechanic that received a tip from you before is going to be offended because you didn’t tip him/her again. Do not worry, as I said before we don’t really count on your tip, but we don’t hate the gesture.

I suggest you do some research on the net about this subject. There you can find much info that will enlighten you. Many people don’t know when or how much to tip. If you go out or travel a lot you need to educate your self if you want to avoid embarrassment. You need to be able to acknowledge other people’s efforts in to be able to socialize. Cheap skates are not liked anywhere, don’t be one of them.

9/07