The holiday season brings opportunities to visit family, reconnect with friends and hit the road for a much-needed getaway. But before packing the car and heading out of town, drivers who take time to check a vehicle’s condition can avoid unexpected breakdowns that could disrupt their plans.
At Christian Brothers Automotive in New Braunfels, franchise owner Kevin Carroll encourages drivers to be proactive about vehicle maintenance, especially before traveling long distances.
Why is it important to have your vehicle inspected before a holiday road trip?
From a check engine light to an unusual noise when turning, seemingly minor warning signs can indicate problems that can be serious. Some common issues that can affect vehicles during road trips include failing batteries, alternators or starters, worn belts, suspension problems and heating or air conditioning malfunctions.
Rather than waiting until a vehicle breaks down miles from home, Carroll recommends having it inspected before traveling to identify potential issues while drivers still have time to address them.
“If you let a place like us or any reputable shop look at your vehicle before you go, you can actually choose the downtime with your vehicle rather than having it thrust upon you while you’re out of town trying to enjoy your holiday,” Carroll said.
For drivers preparing for holiday travel, Carroll also recommends keeping emergency supplies in their vehicles, including roadside warning reflectors, a first aid kit, extra water, snacks and a blanket.
What does a pre-trip vehicle inspection include?
At Christian Brothers Automotive, technicians conduct digital inspections using a checklist of approximately 40 items to evaluate a vehicle’s condition.
The inspection covers components throughout the vehicle, including tires, suspension, checking for engine leaks, oil levels, other fluids and more. Technicians document their findings using photographs, videos and written comments, allowing customers to see the condition of their vehicles rather than simply receiving a list of recommended repairs.
Following the inspection, customers receive a digital report by text or email, which a service advisor reviews with them to explain any concerns.
For these inspections, Carroll said the New Braunfels location can sometimes accommodate same-day appointments, which can typically be completed within an hour. If technicians identify a problem requiring additional repairs, customers can schedule a follow-up appointment, often the same day, and sometimes, the next day.
To make vehicle maintenance more convenient, the business also offers transportation options for customers who need to leave their vehicles at the shop. These include a complimentary shuttle service, loaner vehicles when available and rideshare transportation to take customers home and pick them up once their vehicles are ready.
What expertise does the Christian Brothers Automotive team bring?
Before becoming a franchise owner, Carroll spent 30 years working in the wholesale industry, including 26 years with the same company. As he approached 50, he began exploring opportunities to own his own business.
After considering several franchises, Carroll learned about an opportunity to open a Christian Brothers Automotive location in New Braunfels and decided to pursue it. Today, Carroll leads a team that emphasizes technical expertise, ongoing education and customer service.
Of the shop’s nine technicians, five have advanced-level master technician credentials, while the remaining technicians are continuing their training and working toward additional certifications.
Carroll said that level of expertise is especially important as modern vehicles become increasingly complex, requiring technicians to understand advanced electrical systems, computerized diagnostics and other evolving technologies.
“We really focus on constant improvement around here,” Carroll said. “We’re reading books; we’re talking about them, and we’re always thinking about ways to be better.”
What should drivers look for when choosing an automotive repair shop?
Carroll encourages drivers, whether they are preparing for a holiday road trip or scheduling routine maintenance, to choose repair shops with ASE master-certified technicians and strong warranties.
Christian Brothers Automotive offers a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on repairs, with coverage extending to whichever limit provides the greater benefit to the customer.
For example, if a customer reaches 36,000 miles before three years have passed, the warranty continues through the three-year mark. And if three years pass before the customer reaches 36,000 miles, the mileage coverage remains available until the 36,000 miles are driven.
Overall, choosing a qualified automotive repair shop and addressing maintenance concerns before traveling can help drivers spend less time worrying about their vehicles and more time enjoying the holidays.
Those interested in learning more about Christian Brothers Automotive can find information here:
What transportation options are available if I need to leave my vehicle at the shop for an inspection?
Christian Brothers Automotive offers several transportation options for customers who need to leave their vehicles at the shop.
These options include a complimentary shuttle service, loaner vehicles when they are available and rideshare transportation to take customers home and pick them up once their vehicles are ready.
What kind of warranty does Christian Brothers Automotive offer on repairs?
The shop offers a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on repairs, with coverage extending to whichever limit provides the greater benefit to the customer.
For example, if a customer reaches 36,000 miles before three years have passed, the warranty continues through the three-year mark. If three years pass before the customer reaches 36,000 miles, the mileage coverage remains available until the 36,000 miles are driven.
What emergency supplies does the shop recommend I keep in my vehicle for a holiday road trip?
Franchise owner Kevin Carroll recommends that drivers keep several emergency supplies in their vehicles when preparing for holiday travel.
These recommended supplies include roadside warning reflectors, a first aid kit, extra water, snacks and a blanket.
Source: communityimpact.com
