How to Communicate for Better Automotive Service



           Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with

digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and

more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of repair facility

you patronize...dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a

national franchise...good communications between customer and shop is vital.

The following tips should help you along the way:

Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service. Today's technician

must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading

is much less.

• Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
• Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it

every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't

ignore its warning signals. Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently.

Check for:

• Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
• Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
• Worn tires, belts, hoses.
• Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
Note when the problem occurs.
• Is it constant or periodic?
• When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
• At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
• When did the problem first start?

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance

of communications in automotive repairs. Once you are at the repair establishment,

communicate your findings.

• Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger shops you'll probably speak with

a service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.

• Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service

manager.

• Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would

with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the

technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

 

Stay involved... Ask questions.

• Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay

definitions.

• Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis.
• Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs

before work begins.

 

• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor

  rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

  Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

BACK TO CAR CARE TIPS!