Let your dealership give you the basics

Service clinics can help answer your questions

Factory dealership service clinics, or second-delivery events as they’re sometimes called, used to be very popular, to the point that almost every retailer offered them.

Lately they have fallen out of favour, possibly because initially they were designed primarily for female vehicle owners, and today retailers want to avoid the appearance of being sexist at all costs. But these events still exist, and they can provide some great value for the time spent.

And they are almost always done without cost to the participants.

If there ever is a time when a person is exposed to more information than they can possibly handle, it has to be when they take delivery of their new vehicle. Sales reps always seem to be in a hurry, and sometimes they seem more interested in getting signatures on paperwork than explaining to consumers all the details of an overwhelming barrage of technology and electronics.

Whether it’s collision mitigation features, infotainment systems or simply how to adjust a seat, there is a lot to take in. And with the everincreasing speed that automakers exhibit in bringing new devices to market, it’s no wonder many vehicle purchasers often have more than a few questions about their new wheels when they get home.

If you do get an invitation to a dealership service clinic, you need to be aware of all of your retailer’s intentions. Yes, they want to take the time to explain the operation of your vehicle and its characteristics, but they’re also interested in planting the seeds of future business for their parts and service departments.

The best clinics take place in the service bays, where vehicles can get hoisted to provide up-close views of the under-carriages many drivers seldom see. You may also expect proficient staff will show you how to check fluids, change a flat tire or even swap out common bulbs or wiper blades.

What most seasoned drivers are really interested in are all the new electronics in their vehicles. They want to know how to pair phones with infotainment systems or how to download song lists from their MP3 players. They want information on those mysterious beeps and warnings, from lane-departure to forward-collision warning systems. So it’s helpful if a clinic will involve owners with similar vehicles.

If your dealership isn’t offering regular clinics, you can still ask. Sometimes it’s better to arrange a one-on-one where you can direct the interaction to fit your needs. You may also be able to arrange something that fits your schedule.