First, welcome to our bit of the Internet.
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Originally Posted by Mark E Smith
I own an auto repair shop and was wondering if I should try to market to other hybrid owners. What would make you leave the dealer and go to an independent repair facility?
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Price, a clue, and quality of service.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark E Smith
I own a hybrid so I know what irritates me when I HAVE to take mine in for warranty, otherwise they will never see it. I know most hybrid owners are very tuned to scheduled maintenance, but I could offer personal experience. If this violates the forum rules please remove, though I only want input not selling anything.
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It would be rude to post a URL to some service offering. But discussing what you'd like to do for hybrid service is a good thing. I would recommend it not be specific to any one make or model of hybrid.
If you are interested in some of the hard core hybrid technologists, the "Prius Technical Stuff" Yahoo group would be an excellent place to visit. A bunch of 'over the top' Do It Yourself types, we have some strong opinions about what an independent shop should handle. But short list:
1) oil testing as part of lubricant service - sharing the results with the owner but assemble your own database to look for trends.
2) 'wellness' service - checking everything from traction battery to tires to bearings, steering and suspension service.
3) 4-wheel alignment - use shims or other means to provide four-wheel alignment services.
4) enhanced options - tow assemblies done right with wiring; 12 VDC inverters done right; power seats for those cars without them; backup cameras; engine block heaters.
5) solutions to mitigate summer, solar heating
This is my 'short list' but it kinda gives an idea of my direction.
Bob Wilson