Consumers demand service GOOD CUSTOMER service is one of the few things that can benefit drivers as well as their dealers and mechanics. By Robert Galster Contributing Writer Paul Pineau, service manager at . Regency Nissan, points out that in today’s market a dealership could not survive without its parts and service department. “The sales departments at most dealerships usually run at a substan- ther tial loss," he said, “The cars we sell that come back for servicing are what keeps the light on." Due in part to the increased competition among automobile manufacturers, a buyers’ market has started to prevail, “IE you don’t service and satisfy your customers, they aren't poing to come back,” said ineau. “Customer retention is a must and that doesn’t happen overnight.” The advantages of good cus- tomer service to the consumer are obvious, Strong competition among dealerships maintains low price lev- els and services rendered increase without any extra costs, The services being offered by Nosth Shore dealers include one- stop service and parts facilities equipped to deal with any problem, Pineau adds that in addition to this, his dealership has tried to develop a sense of trust with his customers by limiting employee turnover, thus providing continuity, “A customer will come in, put his keys on the counter and say “fix my car.’ At that point we know we've gained his trust. We've got- ten to know each other.” (CC REDUCTIONS - NEW STOCK COMING - EVERYTHIN 9480RT AN/FM Stereo Cassette DIH Chassis w/Detachable Control Panel AN/ER Stereo Cossette w/(D Changer Controller DIK Chassis w/Detochable Contrel Panel ‘LL DEMO SPEAKERS 20% OFF! NEWS photo Paul NeGratth BY TAKING advantage of the latest in electronic engine diagnostic equipment, Showroom Auto Service technician Peter Starostecki is able te pinpoint engine trouble more quickiy. Computerized engine diagnostic equipment pinpoints problems ELECTRONIC ENGINE diag- nostics are supposed to make new cars quicker and easier to fix despite all the. sophisticated and complicated gear. 28. y PLUS TAX PLUS TAX By Anna Marie D'Angelo News Reporter A code checker is plugged into the car’s computer which then retrieves information that includes a ATR {OPENISE ONT OBG-117 | STATION) Electronic engine diagnostics involves the use of tools called, by some, “computer code checkers.” number such as “08.” The number indicates a specific trouble spot in the car. Trouble spots flagged include such things as a malfunctioning circuit in an exhaust’s oxygen sensor, “A code checker helps to pin- point a problem. That's where you start to look,” said Jim Dalgleish, a : : : ay i Gite ‘ : , service technician at Regency North Hwa : . an : Shore Mazda. Meanwhile, Showroom Auto’s ~ CALL FOR SPECIAL TUNE-UP PRICES -- Bradd Bradley said that without . electronic engine diagnostics find- ff /auromaric, I) siscssase TRANSMNSSH SERVICE SPECIAL relatively minor. /ncludes all Bradley said many automotive service shops have found it neces- necessary adjustments, huids & gaskets Oi change with up to & qis. Motorcraft quality of @New orgi- fal equipment Motorca fong-te oil fiiter @New orginal equipment Motorcraft long-life oil filter eComplete chassis lube einspect air fitter @ Check power steenng fluid @Check transmis- sion fluid @Check brake tuid eCheck windshield washer fluid eCheck windshield wiper blades for wear @ Check air pressure in | tires @ Visual inspection of bat- tery Visual —_ inspection: Chassis/suspensior/exhausten INJECTION SERVICE All Electronic Fuel Injection Systems Chemically Clean & Inspect Fuel Lines sary to buy electronic engine diag- nostic equipment as new cars have become increasingly loaded with computer-type equipment. The electronic engine diagnostic equipment is hooked up to ignition systems, fuel-injection systems, along with on-board computers. (On-board computers are located within a vehicle's interior). The malfunctioning car compo- nents the code-checker equipment Diesel Slightly Higher All Ford Mercury & Lincoln 3 comparment 74 5, 68 Diesel Stiohlly ge Cars & Light Trucks picks up will affect a car's perfor- mance, emissions output, drivability and fuel consuinption, said Bradley. Without the electronic engine diagnostic tools, a mechanic may misdiagnose a problem and disas- semble equipment unnecessarily besides wasting costly service time troubleshooting. a