Common Service Terms in Rochester Hills, MI

 

There are many different kinds of service you can (and should) have performed on your car, and there's a lot of lingo you might want to know so you understand everything that's being said to you. Here are some common terms you'll probably hear when you go in for service.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): OEM parts are parts designed by the same automotive manufacturer that made your car, so the parts are designed specifically for it.

Aftermarket parts: Aftermarket parts are made by non-OEM companies. If you need a new part on your car, you may be able to choose between OEM and aftermarket parts.

Synthetic and conventional oil: These are the two kinds of motor oil you can put in your car. Synthetic lasts longer but is more expensive, while conventional is cheaper but doesn't last as long.

Tire rotation: Often done at the time of an oil change. Tire rotations switch the positions of your tires to different wheels and help them wear more evenly.

Recall: If a recall has been issued on your vehicle, it means there's a safety issue that needs to be repaired. Usually your dealership will do this repair for free.

TBS (Technical Services Bulletin): A bulletin manufacturer's issue to dealerships and repair shops explaining processes or parts needed to address common issues in a vehicle, not the same as a recall.

Estimate: The estimate is a write-up of how much the services to your vehicle will cost, including repair and maintenance costs, labor time, and miscellaneous fees.

Labor Rate/Time: Labor rate is how much the shop charges per hour to work on your vehicle. Labor time is how many hours it takes to work on the vehicle.

Miscellaneous fees: Miscellaneous fees may include the cost of the fluids added to your car, disposal of chemicals, and other shop supplies.