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The
benefits of sticking to a regular maintenance schedule for
our cars have been drummed into us again and again. However,
when things go wrong, as they inevitably do, being able to
communicate effectively with your workshop will help solve
the problem in a more efficient manner.
The most common obstacle faced by workshops is a customer
who fails to effectively communicate what the problem is. A
good example of this is asking for a tune up because in your
mind, it has been a while since you had it tuned and your
car has been increasingly hard to start in the mornings. As
a result of your request, your workshop performs a regular
maintenance tune-up thinking that the request for a tune-up
is to maintain its performance – rather than repair an
existing problem. When your car is returned, you notice that
the problem has not been resolved and you lose faith in your
regular workshop.
In the same situation, communicating what is troubling your
car would be more effective in getting the exact service
your car needs. For example, you could say, “The car is hard
to start in the mornings. Can you please check and let me
know what is wrong and what needs to be done to rectify this
problem?”
As a result from that request, your workshop mechanic runs a
diagnostic test on your car to determine the exact problem.
With your permission, the required parts are replaced and
the car is retested to make sure you now have good cold
starts.
The big difference here is focusing on what your car is
doing that you don’t like as opposed to asking for a service
that you think might help.
So the next time you’re having coffee with a friend
discussing how your transmission doesn’t shift right and
your neighbour says it’s time for a fluid change, don’t just
cruise down to your shop and ask for one. Instead, tell them
what the problem is, “My transmission doesn’t shift right
anymore.” Then ask the shop to check out the problem.
Once you get into this habit, you will find car maintenance
to be much easier because you won’t have to think about what
may be going wrong – that’s the mechanic’s job. You’re
paying for this service, so let them earn it.
How To Be An Expert Customer
- Ask questions. Don't be shy to ask too many
questions. You may think your questions are irritating
but a good mechanic is trained to help you fully
understand your maintenance needs.
- Fully describe your car's symptoms. No matter how
silly it may sound, a reputable automotive technician
will be able to use your descriptions to undertake the
proper diagnostic procedures.
- Get it in writing. Make sure the technician writes
down all aspects of the recommended service including
costs. The list should include parts, cost of parts,
cost of labour and the estimated delivery time. Make
full use of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer
Affair's guideline that will require all workshops to
display part prices within their premises. This will
enable you to do some comparison-shopping and make some
informed choices.
- Courtesy call. Ask your mechanic to call you before
proceeding on repairs beyond the scope of the written
agreement. Other maintenance needs, not apparent during
the first diagnostics may be necessary and a courtesy
call will give you the opportunity to consider your
options.
- Give your technician enough time to do a good job.
5-Step Guide to Choosing a
Trustworthy Repair Facility
- Shop around for a workshop before you need repairs.
- Ask a facility for work references and follow-up
with calls on them.
- Ask family, friends and co-workers to recommend a
reputable shop.
- Don't shop for price alone; always compare price and
quality.
- Look for a shop with the proper equipment and
skilled mechanics needed to properly diagnose your car’s
problems.
Article contributed by
AAM
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