Are auto repair shop delays making your car in the shop a little longer than you expected? Hopefully not, but if they are, you’re not alone. Shops across the country are experiencing delays, and Arizona auto repair shops are no exception.
What exactly is causing these delays? And can you do anything about it as the owner of the vehicle? Let’s take a closer look at the problem and some solutions.
Why you can expect to see some delays at auto repair shops
For the consumer, auto repair shop delays can be surprising. That’s because in most areas of the country, life is returning to a new normal as the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be in our rearview mirror. Businesses are open, people are working and mask mandates are few and far between.
So what’s the problem? Why might it take longer than usual to get your car repaired at your favorite local repair shop? There are two key reasons:
1. Lack of staff
First, even though the worst of the pandemic seems to be behind us, employees are still getting sick. Whether it’s COVID-19 or another illness, downsizing can certainly affect a repair shop’s hours.
Second, the auto industry is experiencing a widespread decline in the number of available technicians who are trained and prepared to work on vehicles. Fewer younger people are joining the business and this creates job gaps as older employees retire. If you know someone who loves cars and enjoys working with their hands, encourage them to pursue an automotive career!
2. Lack of parts
While the actual virus may not make as many headlines, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are still there. We’re talking about raw material shortages and shipping delays affecting a variety of things, including auto parts. Unfortunately, some parts may not be available for stock and may take some time to obtain when the need arises.
How to deal with auto repair shop delays
Ultimately, you probably have no control over the economy or labor and parts shortages. But there they are some things you can do to make your auto repair or maintenance experience easier now and in the future.
1. Don’t wait
Does your car make a funny sound or smell weird? If anything seems abnormal, schedule an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible. If parts are needed, it’s best to know sooner rather than later so you can order them before your vehicle becomes undriveable.
2. Plan ahead
Before taking your vehicle into the shop for repair or maintenance, talk to your mechanic or shop service advisor. Ask if they anticipate delays. Although they cannot predict every stage, they tin notify you if they see a delay in getting specific parts. You can then plan accordingly for your vehicle to be in the shop longer than usual.
3. Be patient and kind
Remember that your local auto repair shop will most likely do their best to fix your vehicle and get back to you in a timely manner. There are factors out of their control just as there are some out of your control. Keep the lines of communication open and be patient if delays occur.
4. Avoid major repairs
No matter what happens in the economy, one of the best ways to take care of your vehicle is to follow a regular preventive maintenance program. When you do, it’s often possible to avoid some major repairs simply by catching and fixing small problems before they turn into big ones. It could even help you avoid some delays at auto repair shops by reducing the need for certain hard-to-get parts.
Affordable auto repair and maintenance in Tempe, AZ
At Good Works Auto Repair, we are committed to providing you with the best auto repair and maintenance experience possible. While we cannot eliminate every possibility of delay, our staff works hard every day to provide the highest quality repairs at an affordable price and in a timely manner.
Just give us a call or schedule an appointment online with us today. And if you know someone who is interested in a career in the automotive industry, encourage them to check out our list of open positions. We are always looking for experienced, dedicated and kind people to join our team!
