Automotive Service: Where Procedures Save Lives and Reputations

When clients entrust you with their vehicles, they’re also entrusting their safety. Minor oversights can have catastrophic consequences, making rigorous procedures essential—not just in service bays, but throughout your operation.

We can learn from other industries. Aviation and healthcare follow precise, standardized protocols developed through experience, often at the cost of human lives. Automotive service demands similar standards, especially considering that modern vehicles contain over 30,000 parts with complex systems.

The cost of cutting corners and skipping procedures can lead to professional consequences: lost trust, expensive rework, legal liability, and reputation. There are also safety implications: accidents, specialist injuries, and compromised safety systems (ADAS systems compromised)

As you review your procedures, they should include easy-to-follow documentation on standardized inspection protocols, quality control measures, and training/education requirements.

What you get out of this intensive review: Improved efficiency, client confidence and trust and reduced liability.

Looking forward, as vehicles become increasingly complex, including electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous features, robust procedures and safety will become even more crucial. Like in aviation and healthcare, proper protocols aren’t optional—they’re our responsibility.

Remember: A process isn’t bureaucracy; it’s a promise that standards, efficiency, and safety matter. We can’t afford another John Eagle settlement.

About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP

Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.

Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.

As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app and always listen to learn just one thing!