Automakers’ Education Dilemma Drivers and automotive service personnel are often very different animals. But they share one trait. New technologies have them all dazed and confused: drivers trying to understand those technologies and service personnel saddled with trying to explain them, and getting those explanations to stick. Despite years of failure, car companies continue to …
Category: Articles & Commentaries
Discussions on topics of interest to drivers concerning things they may not understand about their vehicles as well as articles on the future of the auto industry.
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/09/new-car-problem-your-dealer-wants-the-call-no-matter-whose-frustration/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/08/dazed-and-confused-automakers-education-dilemma/
Automotive Warning Lights: Scrap the Useless System
Is There Any Value in Current Dashboard Symbols? Recent discussions in the automotive press (since deleted) have railed on the uselessness of the check engine light or called for an outright ban of the light and other automotive warning lights. And they’re on to something. Lets face it. Scrap the useless system. The current and …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/automotive-warning-lights-scrap-a-useless-system/
All Too Common Keyless Ignition Headaches
Keyless Ignition Headaches The development of hybrid vehicles all but required a change in the way a car is started. A hybrid deems itself “Ready” (or not) with the ignition on, and the gasoline engine is started with a press of the gas pedal. Thus were born keyless ignition, or push button start, systems. Well …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/06/the-trouble-with-trifles-keyless-ignition-headaches/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/distracted-driving-from-outside-the-lines/
Automotive Warning Lights: Multiple Light Syndrome
Multiple Light Syndrome This has been a difficult topic to write about. My goal is always to explain an automotive issue so that an average driver can follow along and understand. But I have been over and over and over this article, and I’m still not sure if I’m conveying the message properly. We devoted …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/02/automotive-warning-lights-multiple-light-syndrome/
The Automotive Knowledge Gap
The Knowledge Problem There is a serious automotive knowledge gap dividing dealers and drivers. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, in 2012 there are over 17,000 new car dealers in the U.S. and Canada. There is no data available on this next point, but dealers I’ve worked for currently average some 1,700 calls per …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/01/the-automotive-knowledge-gap/
New Car Problem? Your Dealer Wants the Call, No Matter Whose Frustration
A New Car Problem It is an odd conundrum. Car dealers desperately wish that all drivers understood everything about their cars. And yet, given the alternative, the same dealers wants drivers to call them for answers whenever questions come up. Any call is an opportunity to sell service, even warranty service, and the associated relationship …
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