Save Time & Money at the Shop
12129 Roxie Drive
Austin, Texas
345.5266
1. Take care to address the true reason for your visit. You may be there due to a misfire; a rattle or it could just be due for a service. At times a client will drop off their vehicle and ask for a tune up, when in fact they are experiencing a problem that a tune up may not cure. 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. You are paying for expertise, why not spend an extra few minutes before leaving your vehicle, rather than having to schedule a return appointment?
- Be prepared to describe symptoms: It is always better when pointing out things like fuel consumption to have the facts. So if you keep track of such data, bring it.
- Sometimes a written list of the symptoms may be helpful for both you and the technician.
- Try to delegate one driver to communicate with the technician. This reduces the chance of information being mis-relayed as well as time away from your vehicle.
- Try not to rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You are paying for years of experience, state-of-the-art equipment and well-honed knowledge. An off the cuff response may not be any more comforting than not knowing. We WILL to apprise you of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
- The reporter approach may work for you: note when, where, why, etc. of your symptoms.
- Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair.
- Yes, sometimes it is embarrassing to mimic the noises your vehicle makes. But you never know when it might save time that you are without your vehicle.
- Need some assistance describing what ails your four-wheel friend? See our handy checklist.
2. Verify that we have your contact numbers and vice versa. Often, time to get approval for a procedure may take longer than the operation itself. We can communicate by phone, fax, or email.
3. Make sure that you have left all necessary keys and alarm codes.
4. Combine repairs and services. For example, if you are having your brakes worked on, there is no charge to rotate your tires at that time. Or if your drive belts need to be removed for a certain repair, and they may need replacing within the next six months, you will save on both labor, and an additional visit to the shop.
5. Schedule an appointment. You will then have priority over a “drop-in”. If for any reason you can not make your appointment, please let us know. That way, we can help those in emergency situations.
- Some people schedule their regular maintenance when they go on vacation. This may work for you. However, if you will not be accessible for communication, or do not care to think about car maintenance while basking under a palm tree, we do not recommend this method.
- Others bring in their family or friends vehicle in succession to make more convenient the pick-up retrieval process.
And please...
Ask as many questions as you need. We always make a conscious effort to ensure that you understand the needs of your vehicle. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions or have diagnoses repeated. It is essential that you are comfortable with whom you place your trust.
