Wandering through a shop the other day, there still are a few that will let me wander around, I noticed a few things.The toolboxes are huge, they are bigger then a park model home in Phoenix and many are equipped with a laptop computer. With the computer controlled systems and cramped engine compartments today’s techs need a variety of tools to repair modern vehicles. They were also spotless and waxed to a shine, with the $ they have invested this is not surprising. I am sure many have 30 to 50 K invested and this may be a low estimate. I also noticed a manual on replacing batteries. It listed the necessary steps to take before disconnecting a battery and how to reprogram the accessories after installation. On some models this list is extensive. The power windows require reprogramming on some models. The numbers of fluid flush and replacement machines were also numerous. Tire repair and replacement also requires more than just a tire machine and a balancer. Special tire machines are required so the expensive rims are not damaged. TPMS also need reprogramming, and no longer just a simple plug is stuck in a tire. Installing a belt may also require special tools as stretch to fit belts are becoming the norm. The dollars they charge per hour for repair dont seem quite as excessive as they did before my tour.Whatever happened to replacing the rear tires, I burnt the tread off of last night, on a manual tire machine, replacing a belt with a crescent wrench and putting some 50 cent gas in my tank.