There’s not really a good way to describe the exact emotions you feel when you realize something is wrong with your car. The sudden spike in anxiety leads to all kinds of outward, physical symptoms including clammy hands, slurred speech and shortness of breath. Some have even been unfortunate enough to feel the overwhelming chest-pain that comes at the exact moment they figure out how much the issue will cost to fix, subsequently breaking their heart.
Some accept the emotional, and sometimes even physical pain that comes from automotive repair needs as inevitable. We do not. We want to make the process of repairing or servicing a vehicle as easy and low-stress as possible. Here’s some advice on how to make that a reality:
Scheduling a Service Appointment
The first and maybe most important thing to remember is the importance of finding a knowledgable and reliable mechanic. As friends or family members for recommendations, and check online that those referrals are for mechanics with up-to-date certifications with the National Institute for Automotive Servicee Excellency (ASE).
It’s also important that the mechanic or auto shop you choose specializes in the make of vehicle. Generic auto service or repair is rarely up to par, whereas mechanics who specialize in the make of your vehicle are trained to know your car inside and out.
When scheduling a service appointment, it’s also good to make that appointment by phone, online or in person. Customers who make appointments are priority, and usually have a better overall experience due to less wait time, less-crowded shops and happier service technicians.
Be Prepared Ahead of Time
Usually there is a lot of anxiety that comes as the service or repair appointment approaches. This is why preparation is key. Before taking your car in for its service or repair, it’s important to clean the car to the point that nothing will get in the way or distract the mechanic.
Mechanics also need to know a detailed explanation of the issue and the vehicle’s service history. Make sure you have a description planned, and it even might be a good idea to bring in your vehicle’s service history.
Time of Service
While honest mechanics are the only choice in a perfect world, there are some out there who will take advantage of their position. There are also some mechanics who are required by their top brass to try and “up-sell” customers. If this is the case for you, it’s always a good idea to stay patient, friendly and firm in your decisions.
Once your car is in the shop, it’s good to have an open line of communication with the mechanic so both parties know exactly what is wanted and what is being accomplished. As a customer, you should get a written estimate on what repairs are going to be made beforehand, know how long the service is planned to take and don’t hesitate to ask questions and offer any information on the vehicle.
When the service in complete, make sure you get documentation of what repairs were made, how they went and how much was paid. This will help with issues to the current repair and with future needed repairs.
Post Service or Repair
At this point, hopefully the repair was affordable, time-efficient and complete and you are back out on the road. At this point in the repair cycle, be mindful of the difference the repair made to your car. Ask yourself if it runs and drives the same or better as before. If not, call the repair professional with any issues they are responsible for.
Here at Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Avondale, we make sure all of our service technicians and repair specialists are properly vetted and trained to make sure your car gets the quality service or repair it needs. Call us at 855-594-9304 to schedule your service appointment, or visit AvondaleDodge.com.