I recently read an article on Forbes.com which touched on how proper communication between customers and auto mechanics can ensure quality repairs and extend the life of your car. It also discusses the importance of not delaying routine car maintenance and small repairs to save a few bucks, as it can come back to haunt you by compromising the safety of the vehicle and/or leading to major repairs later.
Jim Gorzelany, writer of the article, goes further to say, “But making the decision to bring in a car for service is only half the battle. To get the most for their maintenance and repair dollars consumers need to know how to best deal with an automotive technician so that a trip to the shop won’t ultimately turn sour.”
I think anyone who owns or runs a repair shop should print this out and post it on their counter for all customers to read. And put several in the waiting area in case they didn’t finish reading it while standing at the counter. And maybe hand it out to customers as they walk in. OK that last one may be too much…but you get the idea.
One additional thing I would suggest to customers is to keep a small notebook in the car to log issues as they happen (or soon after, like when they are done driving). The worst thing is trying to describe the issue and forgetting important details.
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