Communication is at the top of every shop owner’s list. After all, we want to make sure our customers are happy about the car repair services we provide. We also want to make sure your car, truck or van is fixed properly… the first time you bring it in to the shop. There are certain aspects of the car repair process that elicit questions. That’s ok. At Country Road Automotive, we are happy to answer any questions our customers have when it comes to the car repair process. Here are the answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.
Why do you charge for diagnostic testing?
That’s a fair question. Did you know that today’s vehicles can have 6 or more computers that control how the engine operates? Not only that, but because cars of today are much more sophisticated, they require the use of specialized equipment along with extensive training to properly diagnose and repair car problems. There is much more involved in diagnosing a car repair problem than just looking under the hood and checking a few codes. For example, a scan tool can tell our technician there is an issue with the oxygen sensor. Sure, it could be from a faulty oxygen sensor, but it could also be the result of a bad fuel pump, air flow sensor or any of the other sensors involved in regulating the fuel-mixture in the engine. With this initial information in hand, our technician then checks the output of various electrical signals and analyzes them against the symptoms you described when you dropped off your vehicle. It can sometimes take an hour or several hours to diagnose the problems.
To further understand why an auto repair shop charges for diagnostic services, check out this YouTube video from the Car Care Council >
If I know what’s wrong, why can’t you just give me a car repair estimate?
Remember, we want to fix your vehicle the first time you bring it in for repair. If you need something simple, like new brake pads or the muffler or radiator needs to be replaced, we will most certainly provide you with a written estimate. More complicated repairs, however, require us to go through the diagnostic testing process so we can provide the most economical and accurate estimate possible. This is especially true when problems may be occurring in complex systems or they only appear under certain conditions or happen intermittently.
How can I be better prepared when I bring my car in for repair?
The best way to be prepared when you drop your vehicle off for repair is to let us know what you are experiencing with your car. Write down things ahead of time – like any strange sounds, sensations or smells you are experiencing when you drive. Is your car bucking or hesitating when you accelerate? Let us know. Are the brake lights staying on when you shut off the ignition? Let us know. Whatever issue you may be having let us know. We don’t mind hearing all the details. It will help us during the diagnostic testing process. Also, it’s important to leave phone numbers where you can be reached and to respond as quickly as you can if our technician leaves a message for you. If he or she can’t reach you, it will delay the work being done on your car.
How long will it take to complete the repair on my car?
It’s important to set realistic expectations when it comes to car repairs. Once we diagnose the problem, we need to get your approval before starting work. Once we get the go-ahead from you, we have to order the parts and then schedule your repair work along with the other work going on in the shop during the day. Once we know what’s wrong with your vehicle, we’ll be able to provide you with an approximate amount of time it will take to repair your vehicle. Remember, if transportation is a problem for you, we provide free local transportation to your home or office. With advance notice, you can also arrange to use one of our three loaner cars.
The best way to avoid car repair issues and the major repair expenses that go along with them is to invest in preventive maintenance. It’s also important to get something fixed when you first notice the problem. Delaying a repair often leads to a more serious problem which means more expensive repair bills. Click here to schedule your next maintenance or car repair with Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.