Service clinics help you learn basics
You may be exposed to some salesmanship, but you’ll get a handle on new technologies
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 and they were always well attended.
Lately they seem to 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 free.
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 ever-increasing 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.
Add to all this the fact that the main focus of customers at delivery time is getting on the road in their new vehicle as quickly as possible, and you have a perfect recipe for poor product-satisfaction scores.
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
(But no, this won’t equal the torture of a Florida time-share sales evening).
The best clinics take place in the service bays, where vehicles are 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 and 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 with your sales or service consultant where you can direct the interaction to fit your needs. A private clinic would also allow you to schedule it for a time that best fits your schedule.
Good retailers should be happy to accommodate this service, especially because your comfort with operating and understanding all the features of your vehicle generally leads to better survey scores, which are crucial to the dealership.