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Run: Palos Verdes Style – August/September 2004
by Dave Carney Communication, the exchange of information or opinions, is key to satisfaction not only when it comes to automotive service or repair, but in all the arenas of one’s life. Fast forward. You take your car in for an oil change service. Following a routine safety inspection, “the guy” shows you a list of recommended services that need to be performed on your car. You are dumbfounded. You are afraid to say “yes,” you are afraid to say “no.” All you did was bring your car in for a routine service, and “the guy” is potentially talking about hundreds of dollars in additional work. What to do? Talk to me! Now is the time to begin the communication process. A “yes” or “no” will not get you where you need to be. Begin the dialogue by asking “why or please explain.” If you are told that you need an air filter, ask to see the old air filter next to a new air filter. Simply compare the two, and the answer will be clear. You can do this same test for belts, brakes, tires and fluids. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions. The person answering the questions needs to give you information in terms that you can understand. If he cannot, the obvious answer is “no”. If you can understand the information and visually see the deficiency, the obvious answer is “yes”. If you take your car to a shop that does not routinely do a safety inspection with every service, the shop is doing you a disservice. Remember, you as a consumer, need to be in charge of your repair process. You need to ask questions to get the information you need to make an intelligent decision. The purpose of the communication process is to develop a relationship of trust between you and the repair shop. Once this relationship of trust is established, your stress will be gone. You will be confident that your car is getting the services it needs, and that you are not being scared into spending money that you do not need or want to spend. Having trust in your auto repair shop is priceless. Questions? Please feel free to give me a call at Hillside Automotive, 373-7676, or stop by at your convenience. We’re located on the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. and Newton Street in Torrance. Our six ASE-certified technicians are at your service Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All auto repairs are AAA-approved and guaranteed. Safe, happy motoring! Dave Carney |
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