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On the face of it, automotive engineering and customer care have little to do with each other. Of course, everything that engineers do is aimed at satisfying the customer and offering higher and higher value, but the two disciplines of engineering and customer care seem to be on two different ends of the spectrum. One would imagine that the engineers do their job and then it is the role of customer service department to interact with customers and deal with their issues. However, if you are willing to look a little beyond the surface, you will find that combining engineering and customer care can be highly advantageous to both the automotive industry as well as the end customer.

Let us begin by looking at what exactly an automotive engineer does. What does his job role entail?

To begin with, it is the role of automotive engineers to design as well as develop various automotive systems like engines, electronics, brakes, fuel systems, suspension, etc.
Secondly, they are also responsible for designing, developing, operating, managing and maintaining automotive assembly lines.
Their job also involves dealing with suppliers for different parts made to their exact precision, managing their costs as well as delivery.
They also have to design, develop and implement a number of tests to ensure that individually and collectively, the parts function optimally and safely. Ensuring safety of the final product is part of their job role.
Finally, it is the role of an automotive engineer to gather data from service centers, repair shops and end customers to identify the problems they have faced in operating the vehicle and them implement adjustments in design as well as the manufacturing process to remove the faults and improve the vehicle.

Now, that the job description of an automotive engineer is before us, it becomes easier to understand how customer care training can be helpful to them. The final point that concerns interacting with customers can be the one factor that gives one company an edge over the others in the industry. If the company has its ears to the ground and is aware of the needs as well as the problems of their customers, the products designed by them are sure to offer greater value to those who use them.

Now, as you can see, getting customer feedback is already a part of the job role of the automotive engineer. But often, he gets information that is second hand. For instance, a customer may make a complaint to a customer care executive, who will pass it along to the engineer. But, it is important to remember that the customer care executive is not technically trained. Neither can he fully understand the exact problem of the vehicle, neither can he ask appropriate question to clarify a point. When the information reaches the engineer, it hardly explains the exact nature of the problem. As you can see, if the engineer was himself dealing with the customer, he would be in a much better position to gauge the problem as well as create a solution.

Automotive engine repair and engine replacement are major undertakings that can be very expensive, just like car transmission system repair and replacement. As a vehicle owner you should, therefore, educate yourself on it. To avoid untimely engine repair and engine replacement, you also need to know about engine tune-ups. Your best source of information would be an automotive mechanic in Tampa whom you trust. He should likewise be an expert in auto repair and truck repair as well as auto inspection. Do not rely only on the handyman who does your auto oil change. It would be much better if your automotive mechanic works in a reputable Tampa automotive shop that supplies only genuine car parts like those from AC Delco.

An engine tune up is a routine preventive maintenance service done on the vehicle engine according to the instructions of the engine manufacturer. These instructions can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual along with the recommended schedule of frequency for each procedure. This may cover the examination of the ignition system and emission controls; the replacement of certain parts of the ignition system such as the contact breaker, distributor cap or rotor button, if necessary; corrections in the air-fuel mixture, carburettor idle speed and valve; adjustments in the cylinder head bolts; and the replacement of filters and spark plugs. In newer vehicle models, engine tune ups are not needed too often and can be done once in every ten years. They should never be ignored, though.

Even with proper engine tune ups, there are still various factors that can lead to engine breakdown. When this happens, there is often a choice between engine repair or engine replacement. With engine replacement still comes the choice between getting a brand new engine, a used engine or a remanufactured engine.

Engine repair and replacement is recommended by most automotive mechanics in Tampa only if the vehicle is less than ten years old, with a market value exceeding $2,000.00. Otherwise, the expense is not worthwhile and you are better off buying another vehicle.

Of course, engine repair is only possible if your engine is still repairable. Automotive mechanics in Tampa do not recommend repairing engines that have locked up or have been running for over 150,000 miles, making strange noises and burning oil.

For engine replacement, you will spend most if you go for a brand new engine, also called a crate engine. This is almost identical to your original engine or may even be better if the manufacturer has added upgrades to the same model. It comes with a solid warranty and ready for installation.

Less expensive than a brand new engine but not necessarily inferior to it is a remanufactured engine. This means a used engine has been totally overhauled and rebuilt with new components. Remanufactured engines meet and can even exceed the specifications and standards of original equipment manufacturer engines. They also come with solid warranties and ready for installation. Using a remanufactured engine that has been recycled is more ecologically sound and environmentally friendly.

The third option of getting a used engine is not recommended by reputable automotive mechanics in Tampa even if this is the cheapest choice. There is no guarantee that these used engines will last long.

Being diligent about your regular preventive maintenance procedures and engine tune ups will ensure that you will not have to spend for automotive engine repair and engine replacement sooner than necessary. At some point in the life of your vehicle, though, the need for engine repair and engine replacement is inevitable. If you are properly prepared, you can work well with your automotive mechanic in Tampa on this.