Are auto repair shop delays keeping your car in the shop a little longer than you expected? Hopefully not, but if they are, you’re not alone. Shops around the country are experiencing delays and auto repair shops in Arizona are no exception.
What exactly is causing these delays? And is there anything YOU can do about it as the vehicle owner? Let’s take a closer look at the problem as well as some solutions.
Why You Can Expect to See Some Auto Repair Shop Delays
For the consumer, auto repair shop delays may come as a surprise. That’s because for 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 could it take longer than normal for your car to undergo repairs at your favorite local auto repair shop? There are two key reasons:
1. Staff shortages
First, even though the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, employees are still getting sick. Whether it’s with COVID-19 or another illness, reduced staff can certainly affect a repair shop’s schedule.
Second, the automotive industry is seeing a general decline in the number of available technicians who are trained and ready to work on vehicles. Fewer younger people are getting into the business and this creates employment 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. Parts shortages
Although the actual virus may not be making as many headlines, the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still around. We’re talking about raw material shortages and shipping delays that are affecting a variety of things, including car parts. Unfortunately, some parts may not be available to stock and could take a while to get when the need arises.
How to Deal With Auto Repair Shop Delays
Ultimately, you probably have no control whatsoever over the economy or labor and parts shortages. But there are a few things you can do to make your auto repair or maintenance experience easier now and in the future.
1. Don’t wait
Is your car making a funny sound or emitting a strange smell? If anything seems abnormal, schedule an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible. If parts are needed, it’s best to know about them sooner than later so they can be ordered before your vehicle becomes undrivable.
2. Plan ahead
Before you bring your vehicle to the shop for repair or maintenance, talk to your mechanic or the shop’s service advisor. Ask if they anticipate any delays. While they can’t predict every scenario, they can let you know if they’re seeing a delay in getting specific parts. Then, you can 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 is most likely doing the best they can to get your vehicle fixed and returned to you in a timely manner. There are factors out of their control just like there are some out of your control. Keep the lines of communication open and be patient if delays do happen.
4. Prevent major repairs
Regardless of what’s happening in the economy, one of the best ways to take care of your vehicle is to follow a regular preventative maintenance schedule. When you do, it’s often possible to prevent some major repairs simply by catching and fixing small problems before they become big ones. It could even help you avoid some auto repair shop delays by reducing the need for certain parts that are difficult to come by.
Affordable Auto Repairs and Maintenance in Tempe, AZ
At Good Works Auto Repair, we’re committed to bringing you the best auto repair and maintenance experience possible. While we can’t eliminate every possibility of a delay, our staff works hard every day to provide top-quality repairs at an affordable price and in a timely manner.
Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online with us today. And if you know of anyone who’s interested in an automotive industry career, encourage them to check out our list of open positions. We’re always on the lookout for experienced, dedicated, and friendly people to join our team!
