The pandemic has accelerated the use of virtual consultations across a number of sectors, including retail and medical. In fact, 99% of GP practices in the U.K. now offer them*. Now in keeping with the times, Fixter, the country’s first end-to-end online car maintenance provider, has launched the first Virtual Diagnostic Consultation for your car.
This unique, innovative service allows time-poor car owners to book a free, 20-minute video consultation with one of their in-house mechanic experts, to assess any problems with their car without leaving the comfort and safety of their home.
Since its launch in 2017, Fixter’s ambition has been to profoundly transform the car maintenance industry by placing convenience at its core. Its research has found that a huge variety of car issues can be resolved by simply discussing and demonstrating the related symptoms with a professional. Common problems, such as a flat battery or low oil levels, can be easily diagnosed, and often resolved, with the virtual support of an expert, saving car owners the time and disruption associated with frequent garage visits, missing parts and return travel. Furthermore, with the average UK car diagnostic test costing £49, this industry-leading approach also saves car owners money, by resolving most issues with a simple and free virtual consultation.
As lockdown restrictions ease, consumers are looking for convenient and modern ways to interact with experts, with the retail and medical sectors leading the way. Car owners deserve to benefit from the advent of modern technology too. Gone are the days when consumers were happy to criss-cross towns to complete tedious life admin during the weekend. Further enhanced by over a year of lockdown restrictions, the modern consumer wants to spend time enjoying the things they value the most in life and with those they care about. Fixter has introduced this modern approach into the automotive servicing industry, making car maintenance as easy as ordering a takeaway and ownership more of a pleasure, than a chore.
Using the digital platform they are most comfortable with – from FaceTime to Google Meet, Skype to WhatsApp – customers can guide the in-house expert around their car during the free 20-minute call. They receive a convenient and transparent initial assessment, which in many cases will be enough to provide them with the required information to fix the car from home themselves, saving both valuable time and money. The service empowers car owners who might otherwise be hesitant to fix their car themselves. The mechanic can guide them through the process for many routine repairs, such as topping up engine oil levels or replacing a tire, and this knowledge exchange will help customers be more confident in maintaining and servicing their car in the future.
For more complex issues, when it isn’t possible to be sure of the problem without physically inspecting a customer’s car, Fixter will provide insight into the likely causes as well as an initial cost estimate, ensuring there are no nasty surprises when their car is handed over to the garage for repair. Another key benefit to this disruptive approach is that, rather than assessing the car blindly when it first arrives at the garage, the required parts can be ordered in advance, meaning that even in the scenarios where a garage service is still required, the process will be considerably quicker and hassle-free.
Having diagnosed any problems with the customer’s car, Fixter’s mechanic can then arrange for a fully insured driver to collect the vehicle and take it to be repaired with a high-quality local garage, before dropping it back on the same day. The door-to-door service includes convenient 30-minute time slots for delivery and collection and live text updates, taking the hassle out even further.
Limvirak Chea, co-founder and CEO of Fixter, said, “We are always looking for ways to enhance our innovative service and our new Virtual Diagnostic Consultation offers something completely new on these shores. Fixing issues with your car, whether it is getting the correct diagnosis, knowing how much it is going to cost, and even just getting it repaired at the right place initially can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. Our initiative takes the stress away, providing customers with trusted and transparent feedback in minutes.”
Fixter’s tech-led approach enables customers to book high-quality car maintenance online, as well as get an instant quote, using a laptop or smartphone. The award-winning firm employs in-house technicians who liaise directly with its local independent garage network for service and repair quotes and approvals. Furthermore, customers can use Fixter’s convenient collection and drop-off service.
Naturally, in these uncertain economic times, cost has become even more important. Fixter comes to the rescue by offering the potential to save up to 30% compared to typical franchised dealer costs. Their approach is clearly working, given the company’s very positive 4.6 out of five stars on Google Reviews and 4.4 out of five stars on Trustpilot.
Customers can get an instant quote by visiting https://www.fixter.co.uk/how-it-works or calling 0330 808 9527.
