You spent a great deal of time and effort to build an excellent business reputation. Yet, it can all come tumbling down with one misstep – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Perhaps no industry is more susceptible to the pitfalls of modern consumer retribution than automotive service.
It is human nature to doubt what we cannot understand. Fluid replacement recommendations have always been a subject of consumer contention. Why? Because, there are no consistent recommendations from one carmaker to the next. Is fluid life really a matter of generic time or mileage? Or, do other factors come into play? What is the proper interval to change vital fluids; once every two to three years; perhaps never . . . “Lifetime Fluids”?
Many motorists opt to follow the non-thinking “mileage” threshold. This decision does not take into account driving conditions. No odometer detects the condition of automotive fluids.
Remarkably, the truly deceptive practice of using human senses (color, touch, taste or smell) are still used to persuade consumers to buy fluid services. “Fluid dab-trays” only offer a visual, unscientific comparison of in-service and new fluids. This puts consumers at a disadvantage. Any fluid will appear different after a short duration in service.
Dab trays have been condemned by many state regulators and are a prime example of why the Consumer Protection Act of 1965 was enacted. Yet, some shops and chains continue to utilize dab-trays to push fluid services. This puts their reputation at stake; and exposes them to potential legal action. Is this you?
“It’s difficult to understand why anyone would use a fluid dab-tray. First off, it’s quicker, easier, cheaper and more effective to test fluids,” said Magna-Guard, Inc. CEO Ron McElroy. “Not to mention that a subjective guess, based on color, doesn’t hold up against the integrity of a test that your customer can verify.”
McElroy is the inventor of Fluid Rx Diagnostics’ Vital Fluid Analysis, an in-shop, instant lubricant test that uses chromatographic technology to accurately reveal the true condition of automotive vital fluids in a manner of minutes.
“Our easy-to-use process follows national, Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) and California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) guidelines. We educate and show techs and customers ‘why and when’ fluid services are required or suggested. And, we make it quick and simple to add Vital Fluid Analysis to any shop’s Multi Point Inspection process (MPI),” McElroy concluded.
All modern lubricants contain additives that inhibit breakdown. As the additives become depleted, the fluid degrades and no longer performs its intended function. Fluid Rx Diagnostics measures additive depletion and the level of sludge or debris in fluids. ISO (International Standards Organization) diagnostics charts show how specific fluids appear at various points of depletion on their unique test sheet; “GOOD” – “CHANGE” – “OVERDUE”.
Fluid Rx Instant Lubricant Diagnostics provides technicians and consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions on why and when fluid services are required.
Links:
Fluid Rx Diagnostics
