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The potential of DataDrive in estimates and official car maintenance

Product

November 9, 2022

9 MIN of Reading

Since 2010, the new regulation has made clear the right of all drivers to choose the workshop where they wish to have their vehicles maintained and repaired, including during the warranty period.

This regulation, which will be reviewed next year (it expires on May 31, 2023), has brought structural changes on the operation of the aftermarket, imposing manufacturers to provide technical data and parts identification for vehicles maintenance or repair.

Over the last 12 years, this approach has aimed to protect a fundamental customer right. In fact, the customer pays, so he has the right to choose the workshop of his choice. On the other hand, it has brought major challenges to independent garages, which are now able to compete directly with the car dealers workshops, i.e. maintenance scheduled by the brands.

Despite the time that has passed since the regulation was introduced, there are still many doubts about its practical application, specifically in the repair estimation, and consequently in the validity of the guarantees provided:

- What must be included in an estimate to benefit from the warranties?
- Why are there different estimates between workshops?
- Can I only go to an official dealer so as to benefit from the warranty?

In an initiative between Tips4y and the "Mecânica sobre Rodas" channel, this whole context is properly clarified and explained in practice using DataDrive, as a multi-brand technical information platform.

This content ensures the following:

Official repair service can be carried out by any workshop that complies with the law, i.e. that carries out the maintenance plan recommended by the car manufacturer included in the official technical information and by using original parts or parts of equivalent quality, thereby maintaining the manufacturer's warranty.

To reinforce the previous item, it is important to note that the characteristics of original or equivalent quality parts are only confirmed by the precise validation of their technical specifications. Visual appearance is not used to distinguish the quality of equivalent parts.

The vehicle's data (Plate Number Search) is critical to start an estimation process with quality. The plate number gives access to the correct identification of the vehicle (VIN, year of manufacture, engine code, etc.). Using the year of manufacture and mileage data, it is possible to establish the maintenance plan recommended by the vehicle brand, depending on which comes first, the distance traveled or the age of the vehicle.

Considering that the access to the manufacturer's database is a critical requirement to know what is recommended for each maintenance, DataDrive ensures that this step is taken so that reliable sources are consulted and the information is as up-to-date.

It's worth remembering on this last item that paper service books can become outdated after the different vehicle models go on sale, because manufacturers have started to update maintenance parameters more frequently and share this information more quickly on technical information portals.

It has never been so easy to estimate in seconds!

DataDrive allows you to estimate an official repair in compliance with all the legal requirements and practices approved by the manufacturers, in a convenient, centralized way and without wasting time.

As a platform that aggregates multi-brand technical information, DataDrive was designed to facilitate and qualify the estimating process for independent garages, so that they can avoid the wrong complaints that affect the sector related to poor maintenance, lack of professionalism, excessive prices or even dubious “repair campaigns”.

In addition to DataDrive, Tips4y also offers access to the Technical Repair Support Line to assist professionals on maintenance and repair in a wide range of issues.

Learn more about DataDrive!

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