This skill should be used when a customer asks "how much for...", "what would it cost...", "I need an estimate for...", "price for brakes/oil change/repair", or describes symptoms (squealing, grinding, overheating, won't start, check engine light) that need diagnosis and pricing. Covers maintenance, brakes, electrical, suspension, cooling, AC, exhaust, and tire services with labor time lookup, parts pricing, vehicle class adjustments, and bundled service recommendations.
Create price estimates for a mobile mechanic service. OLP and RockAuto are references, not gates — use automotive knowledge to fill gaps.
lookup_labor_time — OLP database (2.4M entries). Try 2-3 search variations before estimating
manually.lookup_parts_price — RockAuto live pricing. Try 2+ part name variations. Use "daily driver" tier
as default.list_vehicle_services — Browse OLP service categories for a vehicle.create_estimate — Generate the estimate. Accepts services (labor+parts model) and
customItems (flat-rate bypass).get_estimate — Retrieve an existing estimate by ID to check status, details, or expiration.ask_user_question — Present structured choices. MANDATORY for any multiple-choice situation.Before creating an estimate:
get_customer or create_customer)lookup_labor_time — if no OLP data after 2-3 search variations, estimate hours manuallylookup_parts_price — if unavailable, estimate from the reference table belowcustomItems instead of the labor+parts modelcreate_estimate with all dataask_user_question to offer next steps: "Send formal quote", "Book appointment", "Adjust
services"OLP and RockAuto use specific naming. If the first search returns nothing, try alternates:
ask_user_question to confirm before estimatingcustomItemsCustom items bypass the labor hours x hourly rate calculation — they go straight onto the estimate at the set price.
Labor: hourlyRate x laborHours (from OLP or manual estimate)
Parts: Tiered markup on cost (40% under $50, 30% $50-200, 20% $200-500, 15% over $500). Pass
parts cost in dollars to create_estimate — the system applies markup automatically.
Fees (set flags on create_estimate):
involvesHazmat: true — $15 hazmat disposal (see Hazmat Services list)tireCount: N — $5/tire disposalinvolvesBattery: true — $25 battery core chargetravelMiles: N — $1/mile beyond 15-mile base radiusisRush: true — $75 same-day serviceisAfterHours: true — $50 after 6pmisEarlyMorning: true — $25 before 8amisWeekend: true — $35 SaturdayisSunday: true — $50 SundayisHoliday: true — $100 holidayDiscounts (discountType on create_estimate):
returning_customer — 5%referral — 10%fleet — 15% (5+ vehicles)senior — 10% (65+)military — 10%first_responder — 10%Set involvesHazmat: true for: oil change, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid
flush, transmission fluid change, thermostat replacement, radiator replacement/hose, water pump,
heater core flush, fuel filter replacement.
Fallback estimates when OLP/RockAuto are unavailable. Adjust based on vehicle class multipliers.
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional oil change | 0.3-0.5 | 25-40 | Hazmat. Include filter |
| Synthetic oil change | 0.3-0.5 | 45-75 | Hazmat. Include filter |
| Air filter replacement | 0.2-0.3 | 15-35 | |
| Cabin air filter | 0.2-0.5 | 15-40 | Some vehicles harder to access |
| Spark plug replacement (4-cyl) | 0.5-1.0 | 20-50 | |
| Spark plug replacement (6-cyl) | 1.0-2.0 | 30-75 | Transverse V6 adds time |
| Spark plug replacement (8-cyl) | 1.5-3.0 | 40-100 | |
| Coolant flush | 0.5-1.0 | 20-40 | Hazmat |
| Transmission fluid change | 0.5-1.5 | 30-80 | Hazmat. Drain and fill, not flush |
| Brake fluid flush | 0.5-1.0 | 15-30 | Hazmat |
| Power steering fluid flush | 0.5-0.8 | 15-25 | Hazmat |
| Serpentine belt replacement | 0.3-1.0 | 20-60 | Tensioner may need replacing too |
| Timing belt replacement | 3.0-6.0 | 80-200 | Often bundle with water pump |
| Valve adjustment | 1.5-3.0 | 0-10 | Honda/Acura common |
| Battery replacement | 0.3-0.5 | 100-250 | Battery core charge applies |
| Wiper blade replacement | 0.1-0.2 | 15-40 |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads (1 axle) | 0.5-1.0 | 30-80 | Front or rear |
| Brake pads + rotors (1 axle) | 1.0-1.5 | 80-200 | Include resurfacing option |
| Full brake job (both axles) | 2.0-3.0 | 160-400 | |
| Brake caliper replacement (1) | 1.0-1.5 | 60-150 | |
| Brake line repair | 1.0-2.0 | 20-50 | Hazmat |
| Parking brake adjustment | 0.5-1.0 | 0-20 |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check engine light diagnosis | - | - | Use customItem: $95 flat |
| Alternator replacement | 1.0-2.0 | 150-350 | |
| Starter replacement | 1.0-2.5 | 100-300 | |
| Battery terminal repair | 0.3-0.5 | 10-25 | |
| Headlight bulb replacement | 0.2-0.5 | 10-60 | HID/LED higher |
| Fuse diagnosis + replacement | 0.3-0.5 | 5-15 |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strut replacement (pair) | 1.5-3.0 | 150-400 | Quick strut assemblies faster |
| Shock replacement (pair) | 1.0-2.0 | 80-250 | |
| Ball joint replacement (1) | 1.0-2.0 | 30-80 | |
| Tie rod end replacement (1) | 0.5-1.5 | 25-60 | Alignment recommended after |
| Control arm replacement | 1.0-2.5 | 50-200 | |
| Sway bar link replacement | 0.5-1.0 | 20-50 | |
| Wheel bearing replacement | 1.0-2.5 | 40-120 |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat replacement | 0.5-1.5 | 15-40 | Hazmat |
| Radiator replacement | 1.5-3.0 | 100-300 | Hazmat |
| Water pump replacement | 2.0-4.0 | 50-150 | Hazmat. Often bundled with timing belt |
| Radiator hose replacement | 0.5-1.0 | 20-50 | Hazmat |
| Heater core flush | 0.5-1.0 | 10-20 | Hazmat. Full replacement is 4-8 hrs |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC recharge (R-134a) | 0.5-1.0 | 30-60 | |
| AC compressor replacement | 2.0-4.0 | 200-500 | Include drier + orifice tube |
| AC condenser replacement | 1.5-3.0 | 100-250 | |
| Blower motor replacement | 0.5-2.0 | 40-120 | Access varies wildly by vehicle |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| O2 sensor replacement | 0.3-1.0 | 30-100 | Per sensor |
| Catalytic converter replacement | 1.0-2.0 | 200-1500 | Huge price range by vehicle |
| Muffler replacement | 0.5-1.5 | 50-150 | |
| Exhaust leak repair | 0.5-1.5 | 10-40 |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | 0.3-0.5 | 0 | No parts |
| Flat tire repair | 0.3-0.5 | 5-15 | Patch/plug |
| TPMS sensor replacement | 0.3-0.5 | 30-70 | Per sensor |
| Service | Labor (hrs) | Parts ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel filter replacement | 0.3-1.0 | 15-40 | Hazmat |
| PCV valve replacement | 0.2-0.5 | 10-25 | |
| Engine mount replacement | 1.0-3.0 | 40-150 | Per mount |
| Transmission mount replacement | 0.5-1.5 | 30-80 |
Apply these multipliers when OLP data is unavailable:
| Class | Labor | Parts | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 0.8-1.0x | 0.8-1.0x | Corolla, Civic, Sentra, Elantra |
| Standard | 1.0x | 1.0x | Camry, Accord, Altima, Sonata |
| Truck/SUV | 1.0-1.3x | 1.0-1.2x | F-150, Silverado, RAV4, CR-V |
| Luxury | 1.2-1.5x | 1.5-2.5x | BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus |
| European sports | 1.3-2.0x | 2.0-3.0x | Porsche, Maserati, Jaguar |
| Heavy duty | 1.3-1.5x | 1.2-1.5x | 2500/3500, Super Duty, diesel trucks |
| Hybrid/EV | 1.0-1.3x | 1.2-2.0x | Prius, Bolt, Model 3 (limited service) |
Luxury and European vehicles have significantly more expensive parts AND longer labor due to tighter engine bays, specialty tools, and more complex systems.
Suggest bundles when a customer needs related services:
Guide diagnosis when customers describe symptoms:
| Symptom | Likely Services |
|---|---|
| Squealing when braking | Brake pads (possibly rotors if grinding) |
| Grinding when braking | Brake pads + rotors |
| Car pulls to one side | Alignment, brake caliper, tie rod, control arm |
| Vibration at highway speed | Tire balance, warped rotors, wheel bearing |
| Shaking when braking | Warped rotors (pads + rotors) |
| Check engine light | Diagnostic ($95) + repair based on code |
| Car won't start | Battery test -> battery/alternator/starter |
| Overheating | Thermostat, water pump, radiator, coolant leak |
| AC not cold | AC recharge -> compressor/condenser if leak |
| Rough idle | Spark plugs, air filter, fuel injectors, vacuum leak |
| Whining noise when turning | Power steering fluid, power steering pump |
| Clunking over bumps | Sway bar links, struts/shocks, ball joints |
| Leaking oil | Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal |
| Leaking coolant | Radiator hose, water pump, thermostat housing |
| Battery dying frequently | Alternator test, parasitic draw test |
| Exhaust smell in cabin | Exhaust leak repair |
| Poor fuel economy | Spark plugs, air filter, O2 sensor, fuel filter |
customItems liberally for anything that doesn't fit the labor x rate model.ask_user_question for multi-choice situations.