As one of the greatest expense areas, auto repair is one thing that general managers should know something about.
With this knowledge, they would be better placed to know how to cut the costs; which is in line with their fundamental duties (where the core duties of general managers usually revolve around trying to maximize profits; while taking measures to minimize costs).
Most of the basic facts about auto repair general managers should know therefore revolve around understanding what the major cost areas in auto repair are and what mitigating measures can be taken to keep the costs down.
Successful management of auto repair costs, as indeed the successful management of all costs, starts with the keeping of proper records.
A system should be created where all repair costs related to each and every vehicle the organization owns are noted and added up; to ascertain whether it is economical to continue keeping the vehicle in the first place.
Auto repair costs can be pushed down if cars can be taken for repairs in a timely manner; because procrastinating the repairs more often than not means that the underlying fault only gets worse (and therefore more expensive to repair).
Auto repair costs can be pushed further down if the right service providers can be identified and relationships nurtured with them or if an in-house auto maintenance department can be established.
Some of the basic facts about auto repair general managers should know also revolve around the identification of common mistakes organizations make, regarding auto repair, and ensuring that one's organization does not end up making the same mistakes.
An example of such mistakes regarding car maintenance that people unwittingly make is that of delaying belt replacement procedures.
As it turns out, the car has a number of belts, through which power is passed from one system to another.
Delays in belt replacement therefore put the vehicle at major risk of simply 'falling apart' one day (which is a crisis of sorts); typically at the worst possible times.
Another mistake with regard to car maintenance that people unwittingly make is that of going about fuel pump and injector replacements in the wrong way.
Since these are frequently done procedures, many people come to take them for granted; often to their great detriment.
The truth of the matter is that fuel pump and injector are in fact highly delicate vehicle parts, whose replacement should only be done by highly qualified and experienced mechanics.
In other words, these are not suitable DIY projects.
Delay in changing engine oil is another car repair mistake many people tend to make; often causing their cars untold harm.
As we all know, engine oil should be changed after every so many miles logged by a vehicle.
And in an organizational setting, a rule should be created to the effect that the vehicle must not be allowed to move around with engine oil whose replacement is past due.
Of course, these are just a few of the facts about auto repair general managers should know; but they do show the general direction one should be looking if they want to keep their auto repair costs down.