What to do if your car dealer keeps fixing the same thing?

What to do if your car dealer keeps fixing the same thing?

Often, work suddenly becomes free or your car gets fixed days or weeks ahead of time. If your dealer keeps fixing the same thing over and over again, get another dealer, or ask the service manager to escalate the problem (as mentioned earlier). If your dealer treats you badly, lies to you, etc., get another dealer.

What are the ground rules for dealing with a car dealer?

Before we go on, though, let us set out two ground rules: Always be calm and courteous, even when you are not treated well. The service guy might just be right — we at least need to be open to that possibility. Most car dealers are independently owned and are protected by a thick wall of franchise laws, so automakers have limited leverage.

Is the dealership manual written by the manufacturer?

See, the manual was written by the company that built your car. It is the most accurate description of how to care for it. But when people go to the dealership for routine maintenance, the service advisor pushes the “dealer recommended service” on them.

Which is better dealer service department or independent shop?

Dealer service departments have access to an array of specialized tools and service bulletins, and are usually the first to get them, but independent shops can acquire them if they can foot the bill. Dealerships usually have large, clean and organized facilities.

Who are the service staff at a car dealership?

Most dealers have an ongoing training program for the service staff, which includes not only the service technicians but also the service manager, advisors and support staff (also see our ” Roles of the Service Staff “). The manufacturers offer these training programs only to their network of dealers.

Which is better a repair shop or a dealership?

Repair shops are often in more easily accessible locations than the dealers — as in the proverbial “corner” garage. You might have dozens of small shops to choose from on the drive that stretches between your home and your dealership.

Do you have to pay dealer service department?

Dealership owners, or principals, have to pay vehicle manufacturers in order to work under their banner. Since they represent the manufacturer, service departments are required to measure up to corporate standards of customer satisfaction as part of the deal.