Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) are a modern implementation used by auto repair shops to help assess the condition of a vehicle more accurately and efficiently. These inspections involve using OBD2 scanners, to check the vehicle’s components.
The big benefit of using DVIs is that they improve the accuracy of estimates, make sure customers get the right price for repairs, and help build trust through transparency. This leads to fewer misunderstandings and more satisfied customers. For more about how technology is changing auto repair estimates, check out “What is Auto Repair Estimating Software?”
How DVIs Improve Auto Repair Estimates
Digital Vehicle Inspections improving the accuracy of auto repair estimates. When a repair shop uses a DVI, it not only helps them to diagnose vehicle issues with better precision but also offers several benefits to both the repair shop and the customer.
More Accurate Diagnosis of Vehicle Conditions
A DVI allows technicians to digitally inspect every part of the vehicle, from the engine and brakes to the suspension and tires. Instead of relying solely on notes written by hand or verbal descriptions. This means technicians can identify problems more accurately, making sure nothing gets missed.
For example, if a vehicle has a brake issue, a technician can take a close-up photo of the worn-out brake pads and the damaged rotor. By sharing this visual evidence with the customer, the shop ensures that the diagnosis is clear and precise.
This helps prevent misunderstandings about the nature of the problem and makes sure the customer knows exactly what needs to be fixed.
Clearer Communication with Customers (Photos/Videos)
Instead of explaining car problems using technical jargon, a digital vehicle inspection shows a photo or video of the specific issues.
Let’s say a customer comes in for an oil change and the technician notices that the vehicle has a cracked belt. Rather than just telling the customer, “Your belt is cracked,” the technician sends them a picture of the crack.
This visual confirmation helps the customer better understand what’s going wrong with their vehicle. Clear communication leads to fewer disputes and makes it easier for the customer to make informed decisions about repairs.
Improved Estimate Approval Rates and Trust
The visual evidence (photos and videos) provided by the DVI eliminates any doubts the customer might have, leading to quicker approvals and fewer questions.
In the past, customers have been uncertain about approving an estimate because they didn’t fully understand the issues with their vehicles. With the DVI report, they trust that the estimate is based on a thorough, detailed inspection. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
DVIs also help repair shops increase their overall estimate approval rates. Because the process is more transparent, customers are less likely to get frustrated with unclear or inaccurate estimates, which leads to more repairs being authorized.
Sending Estimate with Visuals to Customer via Email/SMS
After the estimate is created, it is sent to the customer through email or SMS. Torque360 helps you to share these inspection estimates with your customers. This software is integrated with Sendgrid (for sending emails) and Twilio (for sending SMS).
The customer views the estimate along with the photos and videos of the vehicle’s problems. This way, they have all the information they need to make an informed decision about their repairs, improving the chances that they will approve the estimate.
By using DVIs, auto repair shops make the process quicker, clearer, and more efficient for both the technician and the customer.
Wrapping Up!
Digital Vehicle Inspections bring a lot of value to auto repair estimates. They offer a more accurate diagnosis, improve communication with customers through clear visuals, and help shops gain trust and approval for their estimates. If you want to improve the accuracy and transparency of your auto repair estimates, consider using DVIs in your shop’s process.
