Precision Tune Auto Care, which has 300 franchisee-owned stores, is the first major auto care chain to sign up for DriverSide’s new co-branded version of its online vehicle profiles. The profiles include maintenance records. Customers can also receive reminders and special offers via emails, alerts or a servicing calendar.
Customers can also use the DriverSide service to look up auto related info, such as repair costs, or to locate parts or accessories. The ad-supported service, which competes in the online car maintenance space with RepairPal, also enables users to ask certified mechanics questions for free, and interact with other auto owners.
“Precision Tune sees that they can create stronger bonds with existing customers by providing a full ownership experience — even if some of the content and services do not relate specifically to their business,” says DriverSide CEO Jad Dunning, who was previously an executive with Intuit’s StepUp. “It’s about being top of mind during all ownership touch points.”
“Our mission is to support the industry by helping it cost-effectively acquire new customers for a wide range of vehicle ownership services and better manage relationships with existing customers,” Dunning noted separately, in a press release.
Such a service also reduces churn, especially for the uncertain customer just trying out a maintenance shop. “Virtually all existing auto web sites focus on the three months a consumer researches a new car purchase, while DriverSide provides tools for the five-to-seven years the average consumer owns their vehicle,” says Dunning in the release.