Should I Attend a New Owner's Clinic at the Dealership Where I Bought My Car?
New owner’s clinics are an increasingly popular service being offered by automobile manufacturers to their new customers. Normally held on a monthly basis, new owner’s clinics offer an opportunity for customers to talk to the service manager, or equivalent, about their new car, asking for tips and advice on maintenance and potentially raising any issues that may have occurred since the car was purchased. Here's a Tom Peacock Cadillac guide to help you decide if you should sttend a new owner's clinic.
What are the objectives of a new owner’s clinic?
Interacting with automotive dealers in this way can form an invaluable part of the cycle of new car ownership. While the issues of care and maintenance may seem obvious to experienced drivers, for new car owners, these meetings can offer a wealth of tips and information that might otherwise have been missed. This is not just a useful activity for new drivers, however, because advances in vehicle technology mean that there always are new tips and tricks to be learned about how to get the most out of your new vehicle. There is strong evidence for a need to undertake this kind of activity. A report published by a fleet vehicle website in May 2011 indicated that call-outs to broken down vehicles as a result of driver error had increased by 10 percent over the previous year.
Consumers that attend a clinic can obtain help on both basic and more advanced issues. A common topic is awareness of fuel levels and ensuring that drivers know when to refuel. Similarly, basic maintenance issues are also covered, giving customers a checklist of the things they should be looking at, and when. Some manufacturers will then also discuss some of the lesser known features on vehicles, encouraging customers to take advantage of them and showing them how to get the most of it.
What other benefits are there for customers?
For new car owners, these clinics are an opportunity to become familiar with the service personnel at their local dealership. It will provide an opportunity to speak face-to-face with somebody about any concerns or complaints that you may have, and in such a public environment, you can be assured that your complaint will receive attention. It is a good opportunity to get to know your vehicle, too. Very often, a particular model is hoisted up on display, and customers are given the chance to see the vehicle in a detailed manner that would not normally be possible. The events are also very sociable, with free food and drink, and the chance to make friends with other new owners.
How are dealers managing these events?
Most dealers now advertise these events widely, often using social media to connect with customers and invite them to the events. Many dealers regularly post photos and updates on their Facebook pages to create interest and to encourage customers to share their views via comments and shares.
Attendance at a new owner clinic can offer an innovative new way for dealers to connect with new owners and to establish an ongoing relationship with them. Given that an auto purchase is almost certainly one of the most expensive items bought by most families, any opportunity to get the most out of that purchase is certainly worthwhile, and new owner clinics can be a good way to do this.