Communication Tips for Better Auto Service

Modern cars are complicated, technologically advanced machines. This really shouldn’t be much of a surprise, especially when you consider that many cars now feature gadgets like radar cruise control, adaptive dampening, continuously variable transmissions and more. However the amount of technology and computing power a modern car has might surprise you. According to the IEEE Spectrum, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer’s magazine, a high end premium car can have one hundred million lines of code, running on upwards of 70 microprocessors.

By comparison, the F-22 Raptor jet fighter has 1.7 million lines of code and the 787 Dreamliner- Boeing’s latest and most advanced passenger jet has 6.5 million lines of code.

Modern cars 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:

  1. Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs.
  2. Today's technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading is much less.
    1. Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
    2. Follow the recommended service schedules.
    3. Keep a log of all repairs and service.
  3. Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check it for:
    1. Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights , gauge readings.
    2. Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
    3. Worn tires, belts, hoses.
    4. Problems with handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
  4. Note when the problem occurs.
    1. Is it constant or periodic?
    2. When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
    3. At all speeds? -only under acceleration? -during braking? -when shifting?
    4. When did the problem first start?
  5. Once you are at the repair facility, communicate your findings
    1. Be prepared to describe the symptoms clearly – whether you are talking to the sales person, service writer or to the technician.
    2. Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the sales staff or technician.
    3. 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.
  6. Stay involved and ask questions
    1. Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.
    2. Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. A reputable shop will call and appraise you of the problem, course of action, and the costs involved - before work begins.
    3. Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

Superior Advice

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.

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs.

At Superior Tire & Auto Centres, we try awfully hard to listen for the problem and suggest the right solution. Then our staff and technicians put their skills to work in correcting that problem - whether it be installing the perfect tire for your driving needs or completing the repairs necessary for your motoring comfort and safety.