A Cadillac service advisor is calling out drivers who bring their cars in for service with no gas in the tank. DealershipLife (@mymechanicsaid), who describes himself as a “cynical service advisor for Cadillac,” lists three things customers should stop doing before they show up at the service department—and he doesn’t mince words about any of them. The Gas Gulf His first complaint is the one that clearly irritates him the most. “Don’t come in with no gas in your car,” DealershipLife says in a Facebook Reel, adding “It is so frustrating for a customer to come in and tell me that they’re experiencing some weird symptom on the highway, and then when I get in their car to check it in, they have 15 miles to empty.” He says that conversations that begin this way tend to go sideways. “And then you bring it up to these customers and you guys are like baffled that I would tell you to leave and go get gas,” he says, adding, “‘Okay, you go get gas? I mean, I can, but I’m gonna charge you for it.’” His frustration is easy to understand. Road-testing a vehicle before and after a repair is standard industry practice, with techs attempting to replicate symptoms and verify the quality of work. But that’s difficult to do safely when the fuel tank is near empty. Service advisors and technicians are tasked with this trouble shooting and verification work. Lincoln Tech’s career guide for service advisors notes that “when a customer drops a car off for service or repair with an as yet to be identified problem, the service advisor will sometimes road-test the vehicle to duplicate the symptoms.” DealershipLife expands on the issue, asking a hypothetical customer, “You knew you were coming in for service. You knew I needed to drive your car and you brought it to me and I’m gonna run out of gas on the highway,” he says. “That’s a you problem.” Commenter Katie Lingl, who is apparently a fellow tech, echoed his complaint. “The gas thing is my biggest pet peeve!! I’m also convinced that everyone that gets into an accident, is on their way to the gas station when it happens,” she wrote, adding, “Every car that comes in for sublet work from a body shop is running on fumes.” Brandon Hodges mentioned the exception that proves the rule, writing, “If you’re getting a fuel pump changed, don’t come in with a full tank.” No Free Riders DealershipLife’s second tip was another truth bomb. “Don’t call me and ask me to diagnose something over the phone,” he says. “Most service advisors don’t even have technical experience. And the ones that do, like myself, have spent years and years and years learning things and honing in on common issues so that I can have really good conversations with you guys when you come in for service.” His claim about technical experience holds up. The service advisor role is primarily customer-facing: Educators say it requires “a blend of technical knowledge, communication skills, and organizational expertise,” but “a service advisor does not need to be a mechanic.” Industry training firm DealerPRO notes that there are no minimum technical requirements from dealer groups or manufacturers for new service advisors, and while the ASE offers a voluntary service consultant certification, it is not a condition of employment. This means that a service advisor with hard won mechanical know-how is worth paying for. He frames this as a matter of respect, saying, “You call me and you want me to give away the farm over the phone.” He adds, “I’ve spent all this time and energy gaining experience. You gotta pay to play. I don’t just give that information away for free. And it’s disrespectful to even ask.” Commenter Amanda added to this, writing “Don’t call and make an appointment for a check engine light, then when you drop it off add 15 things and expect to get them all done.” The Loaner Car Trap The third point was aimed at customers who drop their cars off and expect them back the same day no matter what. DealershipLife explains that service departments operate on a triage system. Customers waiting in the building get served before drop-off customers, and if you’ve received a loaner car, “You’re the furthest thing on my mind,” he says. “You have wheels to use. These other people don’t,” he says. “Be patient. I’m not gonna put you on the back burner like that. But if I have to prioritize, you’re gonna be at the bottom.” Commenter goldpeaksweetie5 said they’d internalized this lesson, writing, “I learned number three very quickly. I wait for service every time. Found I was taken care of first.” The Internet Disagrees—Partly The rant was well received by others who appeared to work as techs or in dealerships, but not everyone was so sympathetic. Commenter imback went on the attack, writing, “Rule number 1…. Don’t bring your car to the dealer for service.” Shockj2000 was also blunt, writing, “Based on this, I’d never bring anything to you.” TheGame shot back at that comment, “Found the guy who brings his car in with the tank on E.” Commenter gandorf3 tried to find a middle path, saying, “I do most of my own work. But when I can’t, I clean the car, I go to the car wash. I don’t want someone disrespecting my car and not caring about it. No one cares about a dirty car with no gas.” DealershipLife himself pushed back against the anti-dealer sentiment in the comments. “Great mechanics are everywhere,” he wrote. “They can be at a dealer. Firestone. Private shop. The idea of take it to one location because they’re the dealer or they’re not the dealer—find a great mechanic and go there. Doesn’t matter where. As long as you trust the tech.” Motor1 reached out to DealershipLife via TikTok direct message for comment. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
