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With The Right Tools, You Can Build Trust

Video has opened up an entirely new level of communication between customers and service departments. Where customers once had to rely on a service technician or advisor to explain what was wrong with their vehicle, video made it possible to actually show them. Now inspection videos take the customer under the hood with the technician as they point out what needs to be addressed and why.

But an effective inspection video requires more than just a good camera angle and smooth narration. To truly help customers understand the services and/or repairs their vehicle requires, you need the right tools to help you show measurements and wear, or point out damage. Make sure you always have the following tools on hand every time you perform an inspection video.

Tire Depth Gauge

Outside of completely bald tires, most customers have no idea when their tread depth has reached the level where their tires need to be replaced. Some of them even rely on the old quarter trick before they bring their vehicle in for service. That’s why showing tire tread measurements during the inspection video is such a key part of the MPI.

A lot of techs keep a stick tread gauge on hand, which certainly provides an accurate measurement of tread depth. However, you may find it difficult to focus the camera and the surface of a stick gauge. Using a digital gauge gives you a large surface to show the whole measurement in 32nds of an inch and is easy to read on camera. Funny enough, an analog dial is even better because the measurement is clear and it shows the color progression from green to red as the tires wear between each visit.

Brake Pad Feeler Gauge

Brake gauges are extremely helpful in showing the customer how much brake pad they have left before safety is compromised. Most techs have some version of a brake gauge, metal or plastic, but they tend to become scratched and discolored with use. Obtaining a new set of gauges will show up much clearer on the inspection video. You may also want to write the millimeter number on each finger in permanent ink because the embossed numbers don’t read as well on camera. When you make things easy to understand, you put your customers at ease.

Pointers

This may seem obvious, but a pointer is the best way to direct a customer’s attention to the area or part of the vehicle that you’re describing in the video. It’s especially relevant when you’re showing a leak or a hole or a belt deep inside the engine block. You can go high end and get yourself a laser point or a telescoping pointer. Or you can use a good, old-fashioned screwdriver or mini flashlight to get the job done. Of course, when space permits, nothing beats your index finger for showing the way.

Get our point?

Markers

There’s a reason brightly-colored markers are so popular with students and teachers. They make important facts and information stand out. You can use a paint stick or marker to write tire measurements as a visual aide while you’re recording your video. And, if there’s a leak or a nail in the tire, you can circle it so it’s easy to find as you walk the customer through the inspection video.

Can you record videos without these special tools? Sure. But using them makes your videos a whole lot better by easily helping the customer become more informed about their vehicle and the services or repairs you’re suggesting.

And that’s how trust is built.

Interested in Learning More?

For more insights into what we’ve learned along with details about how to film and narrate inspection videos and overcome barriers to successful implementation, order a copy of our comprehensive new book The Ultimate Guide to Inspection Videos.