Digital vehicle inspections are becoming a handy tool for car repair shops. They benefit customers, shop owners, and employees, making a remarkable situation for everyone involved.
Digital vehicle inspection software is part of the new wave of technology that is changing how car shops work with their customers.
It uses modern methods like text messages and emails to connect with people while helping shops boost their productivity, efficiency, and growth. To use this valuable service, car shops need to know how digital vehicle inspection reports function, when to use them, and how to combine them with their other services.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand and make the most of this helpful tool.
What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection, and How Does It Help?
A digital vehicle inspection (DVI) is a modern take on the old paper-and-pencil vehicle inspections.
Like traditional multi-point checks, DVIs give quick and easy updates about different vehicle parts, such as the tires or brakes. However, DVIs use cameras to take pictures of everything and show it in a visual format. For example, instead of just reading on paper that your radiator needs coolant, a DVI app lets you see how much coolant is in the radiator and if you need to add more.
DVIs use software to make car services digital. The inspections can be customized based on each shop’s focus.
For instance, an auto repair shop might use DVIs to check for scratches and parts that need replacing, while a shop that works with heavy-duty vehicles might use DVIs to check the engine and transmission regularly. After the inspection, the results are sent to customers via email or text, often including photos and videos.
Why Digital Vehicle Inspections Are Great for Car Shops
One of the best things about digital vehicle inspections is that car shops can do them whenever it’s best for their business. Some inspections, like detailed, thorough ones, should be done once a year to keep customers updated on their vehicle’s overall condition. Other inspections might be related to specific services or what the customer needs.
For example, a quick check during an oil change—covering fluid levels, brakes, lights, and tires—can boost earnings and customer happiness in these areas.
How Digital Vehicle Inspections Keep Your Customer in Check
Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) work by showing clear images of all the essential parts of a vehicle that matter to a car shop. Shops using auto repair shop software can check many systems in a car, such as electrical parts, hoses and belts, suspensions, and more. They can even check different points during these inspections.
After the information is recorded with photos or videos, it is stored in software with digital vehicle inspection features. Many of the best solutions are available online. Finally, the results are sent to customers via text, picture, or email.
Why Digital Vehicle Inspections Are Excellent for Car Shops
- Builds Customer Trust: With DVIs, customers don’t just have to rely on what technicians say. They can see what needs to be done, which builds more trust.
- Safe and Convenient: Customers don’t need to visit service areas to check their vehicle’s condition. DVIs let them view everything from their own devices.
- Boosts Business: Seeing detailed recommendations and required work helps increase trust, leading to more revenue, customers, and stronger long-term relationships.
- Faster and Better Work: Technicians can work more quickly and accurately with DVIs. This helps avoid the problem of inspections getting rushed and less detailed as the day goes on.
- Helps with Sales: DVIs make suggesting extra repairs or services more accessible. Customers can see what needs fixing before it becomes a bigger problem.
- More Efficient: DVIs let shops handle more inspections efficiently, helping them do a lot more than without this technology.
How Digital Vehicle Inspections are Beneficial for Car Shops
Customizable Checklists
Shops using digital vehicle inspections can personalize their inspection checklists to include exactly what they need. This means they can create different checklists for various types of vehicles, like cars and trucks or specific services.
For example, a checklist for truck repairs might look different from one for regular car maintenance. This flexibility helps shops stay organized and covers all necessary points during inspections.
Add Photos and Videos
One of the great features of digital vehicle inspections is the ability to attach photos and videos to comments. Technicians can take pictures or videos of parts that need attention and include these visuals in their reports.
This makes it easier for customers to see exactly what’s wrong and understand why certain repairs are needed. Visual evidence helps make the inspection results more transparent and more convincing.
Visual Evidence Builds Trust
Instead of telling customers that their vehicle needs new brakes or another repair, shops can use digital inspection software to show them photos and videos. This visual proof helps build trust between the shop and the customer.
It’s beneficial if the customer isn’t able to visit the shop in person. Seeing what’s going on with their vehicle makes the repair process more transparent and reliable.
Organized Digital Records
Digital vehicle inspections also mean all inspection records are stored electronically. This helps shops stay organized and quickly access customer and vehicle information whenever needed. There’s no need to search through piles of paper; everything is just a click away.
This digital storage helps shops keep track of past inspections and quickly retrieve information to assist with future service.
Improved Communication
The digital inspection tools enable better communication between shop staff, including technicians, service writers, and shop owners. They can quickly gather detailed inspection results and share this information with customers.
This improved communication helps explain the vehicle’s condition in detail and discuss any additional services that might be needed. It ensures everyone involved is on the same page and can make informed decisions.
Increased Sales Opportunities
By providing precise, visual details of what needs to be fixed, digital vehicle inspections help shops suggest additional repairs or services that customers might have yet to consider. This can increase sales and help shops offer more comprehensive service options.
When customers see the actual condition of their vehicle, they may be more likely to approve extra repairs or services, leading to greater customer satisfaction and higher revenue for the shop.
Wrapping Up!
Digital vehicle inspection software revolutionizes how auto repair shops operate, significantly benefiting businesses and their customers. By leveraging advanced technology to provide visual evidence of vehicle conditions, DVIs enhance trust, streamline communication, and improve overall efficiency. With customizable checklists, the ability to attach photos and videos, and organized digital records, shops can deliver more accurate and transparent service.
