Which Types Of Vehicle Repairs Are Consumers Most Skeptical About?
This article was originally published on AftermarketNews.com
The Internet age has simultaneously helped and harmed the auto industry. Consumers are learning how to diagnose their vehicle issues online, which generally helps them understand when it’s urgent to visit a repair shop.
However, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there, making consumers question the validity of manufacturer recommended maintenance intervals. According to Google, consumers are skeptical about the following six vehicle repairs:
1. Timing Belt Replacement
Replacing a timing belt per the OEM’s schedule is so much cheaper than repairing the damage caused by a broken timing belt. When a timing belt breaks, the pistons and valves may get damaged. Replacing them is so expensive that many times it’s cheaper to replace the engine.
Some consumers are hesitant to replace their timing belt because it isn’t broken yet. It’s an expensive job, and it’s a little hard to believe that a belt breaking can lead to really bad engine damage.
2. Cabin Air Filter Replacement
A cabin air filter should be replaced once a year. The symptoms of a clogged cabin filter, such as reduced cabin cooling or heating, build slowly. So, many consumers hesitate because they don’t really notice. But they should notice the difference as soon as the new filter is in place.
3. Catalytic Converter Replacement
A failed catalytic converter increases emissions, but the consumer doesn’t really notice anything. Many people will only replace their catalytic converter before a mandatory smog test.
4. O2 Sensor Replacement
The average driver doesn’t notice the signs of a failed O2 sensor. So, many consumers respond with skepticism when they’re told that one of their O2 sensors need replacing.
5. Rotor Replacement
A lot of people believe that rotors will last the life of a car, unlike brake pads. It’s a little hard to believe that a big chunk of metal can wear out. Also, many people don’t understand why rotors should be replaced in pairs, even though only one is worn out.
6. Engine Mount Replacement
Engine mounts are one of the parts consumers rarely think about. So they’re usually surprised and skeptical when they’re told that they have a bad engine mount (or two) in their car. This is another case when the symptom of additional vibration grows slowly. Also, most people do not understand how a bad engine mount can lead to damage to other components.
Convincing Your Skeptical Customers to Agree to These Repairs
The last thing you want to do is to ignore your customers” skepticism because it will only make them more hesitant to agree to these important repairs. Instead, you want to acknowledge their skepticism and then explain two things:
- The consequences of not replacing these parts when they show signs of wear or damage
- The benefits of replacing these parts (such as improved fuel economy or reduced risk of engine damage)
It’s also important to explain to the customer that you care about their safety and you would feel uneasy sending them back on the road when their car is running on a part that really needs to be replaced.
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