When it comes to servicing and repairing cars, communication plays a vital role in the customer experience. As an auto repair shop owner, it’s my responsibility to make sure all our customers are completely satisfied with the work we do on their vehicles. To you, that means fixing it quickly and the right way, the first time you bring it in to our shop for car repair. When it comes to the car repair experience, customers have certain common questions they ask.
Why is there a charge for diagnostic testing on my vehicle?
Diagnosing a car problem involves more than looking under the hood and checking some codes on a scan tool. In fact, depending on the complexity of the problem, it can be quite time consuming (an hour to several hours) and requires the use of specialized equipment along with extensive training. As an example, we can use a scan tool to tell us there is a problem with the oxygen sensor, but it might not mean the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. The problem could also be coming from a faulty fuel pump, bad air flow sensor, or any number of other sensors that regulate the mixture of air and fuel in the engine. This YouTube video from the Car Care Council explains it a little further >
If I already know what’s wrong with my car, why can’t I just get an estimate from you?
I’ll answer this question by first asking you a question. If your dentist gave you an estimate for some dental work, would you call around to other dentists to ask for a quote or would you want them to take a look at your teeth first? We want to fix your vehicle right the first time you bring it in for a repair. We also want to make sure any car repair estimate for work is the most economical and as accurate as possible. That requires us to take a look at your vehicle, and in some cases, undergo diagnostic testing.
How should I be prepared when I drop off my car for repair?
It all gets back to communication. If you can let us know what you are experiencing when you are driving your vehicle, that will give us a starting point to diagnose the problem. Are you noticing any strange sounds or smells? Is your car stalling or hesitating on acceleration? Write down all the symptoms you are noticing so you don’t forget to mention something when you drop off your vehicle. Don’t worry. We like to hear the details as it helps us during the diagnostic testing process. One other item to note. Please make sure you provide us with a phone number where you can be reached if the technician has any questions or we need to get your approval to start work. Not doing so will delay any of the car repair work being done on your vehicle.
How long will it take to complete the car repair work?
We understand it’s difficult to be without your vehicle. Some repairs take longer than others to complete. Again, it depends on the complexity of the problem. Once we know what’s wrong and get your approval to start, we then order the parts and schedule the repair work with all the other maintenance and repairs we have scheduled for the day. We will provide you with an estimated amount of time it will take to complete your repair. If the repair will take longer than expected, we will let you know. Also, remember, we can provide you with free local transportation to your home or office. If it is available, we can also make arrangements for you to use our free loaner vehicle.
The best way to avoid frustrating car repair issues is to invest in preventive vehicle maintenance. It’s also prudent to have something fixed when you first begin to notice the problem. When repair work is delayed, it typically results in more extensive and expensive repair work. Click here to schedule your next maintenance or repair with Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey.
