Under the bonnet

We look at the state-of-the-art technology which Ford uses in all of their motors

Ford’s servicing technology is consistently improving year after year. Not only can it improve the lifespan of your car or van, it can also enhance its performance. Here, we look at the state-of-the-art technology that Ford uses in all servicing

Ford is committed to clear and transparent servicing. Customers now have an inside view of the servicing done to their vehicles that creates real trust between the customer and the dealership. Some of Ford’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to engage directly with its customers and this has added to the outstanding reputation that Ford has been receiving in recent times. Ford’s reputation was solidified when it was voted in the top ten of most reputable brands in Ireland in 2016.

Below we feature some of the technological highlights of Ford servicing:

FORD ECHECK

It is incredibly important to look after the health of your vehicle. The free Ford eCheck assessment is designed to give you a comprehensive picture of your vehicle’s health. With this check, you can be reassured that your vehicle is in perfect condition.

The Ford eCheck checks the vehicle inside and out, looking for anything that might need to be updated, changed or fixed.

Along with being thorough, the Ford eCheck is also quick and efficient, which counts for a lot when working with busy customers. Customers are spared waiting around for long periods of time for the check to be completed.

Ford technicians check over 50 different elements of each car, and provides an electronic report with an explanation of everything they have found. Customers also receive a cost estimate for any work that may be required.

David Pimlott, Customer Service Director for Ford says that Ford prides itself on the fact that they are one of the first networks, both in Ireland and the world, to embrace electronic vehicle health check technologies on such a scale.

“Now referred to as Ford eCheck, all of our dealers are equipped to electronically record any defects found during an inspection,” says Pimlott. “The record can then be sent to the customer with a price menu, via their phone or computer. This empowers the customer to decide whether or not they wish to have the repairs carried out immediately, or at a later stage.”

Ford eCheck works like a traffic light system with red, amber and green lights. It shows you exactly how safe and roadworthy each and every part of your vehicle is. It also recommends any upcoming replacement parts or repairs that might be needed in the future.

It means that Ford has the ability to store important maintenance information and remind you when the repair is due. In summary, everything is methodically inspected and maintained so you never have to worry.

Red items

If an area shows up as red, this means it needs urgent attention. It may be unsafe to drive the vehicle in this condition and the vehicle’s performance and road worthiness may be in question. Anything with a red light needs to be repaired urgently and you are informed of this urgency. Examples of a red light area include a broken part or damaged brakes.

Amber items

The amber light shows up to give a warning about a particular area of the vehicle. It is different to a red light in that the area, or part, may not need urgent attention. But, not taking action could result in a more serious problem in the future. The amber light warns you, and the technician, that there is something wrong, and fixing it now could save you both time and money.

Green items

The green light means you are good to go. With green areas, there is nothing you need to worry about, at least until the next service and Ford eCheck.

FORD VIDEO CHECK

A picture says more than a thousand words.

When you arrive at a Ford dealership, you are offered the free Ford Video Check.

The Ford Video Check enables the tech- nicians who are servicing the vehicle to film any work needed. They then send this video directly to you, highlighting the problem.

For example, if a tyre is close to the legal limit, the technician can show you the actual tread depth of the tyre using a digital gauge. The same can be done for any defective part. David Pimlott says “Customers love the video. It makes them part of the decision process and it also gives them a chance to see components that they may have heard of, but have never seen.”

The video report is sent by email and text. You can then watch the video on your mobile, tablet or PC. A price for the work is also provided and you can authorise it immediately, if you wish. You also have the ability to rate the quality of the video out of five stars. If you decide to go ahead with the service, the advisor gets a notification of the approved work to be completed.

TECHNOLOGY

Ford technicians use state-of-the art videography kits. One of these kits is made up of a 32GB iPod Touch, an iRig Microphone Cast, and a Stabiliser.

Ford now has the technology to allow the technician to talk directly to the customer which has changed the entire service

routine.

“We launched the Ford Video Check earlier this year and it is because of the Video Check that we now have the opportunity for our after sales personnel to truly engage with our workshop customers,” says David Pimlott.

THE FUTURE IS ALREADY HERE!

Other technologies offered by Ford include the online booking system. This allows customers to select a dealer of their choice and book their car and van into that dealer for a service or repair in just a matter of minutes. This allows Ford customers to really take control of their vehicle servicing.

To complement the online service booking, and to help Ford owners decide which dealer to use, Ford will also be adding a rating system. This will allow customers to see how others have rated the dealer for their service and repairs in the past.

In addition, Ford has introduced digital service record technology into all of the Ford dealerships. Records of a vehicle’s service are now digitally stored automatically in the ‘cloud’ for future use. This means that all pertinent information is stored for customers to share as proof of past servicing. This process improves the value of the vehicle and removes any suggestion that the service history has been tampered with.

The Ford service experience has become a technological fest in recent times, which will continue to advance into the future. It’s clear that Ford’s aim is to make servicing as clear, transparent and easy as possible for all stake holders.