We find that a lot of Kalispell automotive service and repair customers are initially a little tentative when they talk with their automotive service advisors. They may want to ask questions, but don't want to be embarrassed or appear unknowledgeable. Today's cars, trucks, and SUVs are very complicated and there's more to know about them than most of us have the time or desire to learn. Maybe it's because vehicles have become so much more reliable that the average person just doesn't need to know as much to keep their vehicle on the road.

Did you know, your local hospital has a Patient's Bill of Rights that they post inside the hospital. We think our Kalispell automotive service customers also have a right to ask any question they need to understand what is wrong with their car or truck and what it will take to fix it right. They need to feel free to ask about the cost and benefits of recommended services. And they certainly have a right to understand the financial end of the transaction.

It's all about the communication. It's a little harder when you're trying to find the right automotive service center in Kalispell. But once you've developed a relationship with a shop such as ours, the communication should become much easier.

What are some of the biggest barriers to communication? Well, let's go back to the medical example. When your doctor is explaining something medical to you, it's something that he or she understands very well and is very familiar with. So the doctor may use industry terms or jargon that you don't understand or that you don't have the education, background or training that is foundational to understanding what she's trying to explain.

This creates confusion and it is easy to fall behind and get frustrated.

It can be the same with your Kalispell automotive service advisor. Most service advisors tend to be very busy trying to service and fix cars in order to get their customers back on the road. So if you feel confused, just ask when you need more information.

Financial related issues seem to be most frustrating to customers. If you're not sure, ask what the payment policies are. For example, there's a big difference between giving your car a quick once over and doing a thorough inspection. Diagnosing a problem may take quite a while. Make sure you know what's done as a courtesy and what has a fee. Remember, you still have to pay for the office visit even if the doctor says you only have a cold.

Communication is always a two way street. If you have real budget concerns, ask your Kalispell service advisor what options may be available to you. He can let you which items are priorities and the recommended order in which they should be done . He can tell you what needs to be taken care of right away for safety or financial reasons. Then you can work out a plan for when to get the rest done. He can also help you with options on the parts. The preference is to always use a high-quality part with a reputation for reliability. But if money is real tight, he might be able to find a rebuilt part or a remanufactured part. The service advisor should tell you the difference in the guarantee for the part so you can make a good decision.

Ask about warranties for parts and labor. Be sure to get all the paperwork you need to make a possible claim in the future. Loren's Auto Repair and its technicians stand behind their work and want you to understand precisely what that means.

Be sure to ask for and keep a detailed explanation of all the work that's done on your vehicle. These records will help you keep track of service, warranties and document the good care your vehicle has received when the time comes to sell it.

Call Loren's Auto Repair to make an appointment.
1309 US Hwy 2 West
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-755-7757