What To Look For In A Trusted Exotic Car Service Center
Whether you’ve opted for the engineering precision of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS or the Italian racing pedigree of a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, as a driver of fine exotic cars, you want to know that your investment is protected when it’s time for a service. In this article, we’ve assembled the following information to give you a bullet-proof guide on what to look out for when you next need to service your exotic car.
Brand Training & Experience
Exotic cars are a far cry from the ordinary daily drivers and SUVs that proliferate the roads these days. While they may share some similarities with ordinary motor cars, they have far more complex designs and components that are necessary to make them some of the most performant and enviable vehicles in the world. With carbon fiber body panels and specialized aerodynamics, these cars are not simple to work on and require specialized training that includes many hours of exposure to gain the necessary expertise.
Verifiable Manufacturer Certification
The exotic car service center that you choose should have the verifiable certificates of training from the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Brands such as Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce will all require that the service centers have not only attended training but also received the necessary qualifications to work on their cars without voiding factory warranties.
Non-Standard Components Require Special Knowledge
Exotic motor vehicles have complex workings and components that are both non-standard and require special knowledge of their function, as many of these innovations are the first of their kind. Without receiving training from the manufacturer and having an actual, real-world model to work with, there would be no way to gain the necessary training. Service centers that have been around for a long time have the advantage, as they have grown with the brand and have been exposed to the ethos of each manufacturer’s quirks.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
Every service center should have an ASE certification to ensure that the standards of its technicians are of the highest level. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that ensures the quality and standard of automotive technicians by testing individuals and then certifying them if they pass the test. This should be a base requirement for any service center, but it is even more important when working with exotic vehicles.
Advanced Diagnostic Equipment – More Than OBDII
For most consumer cars, the de facto standard is OBDII. It has been a reliable way for many enthusiasts to delve into the inner workings of their car’s ECU to determine what faults the computer is picking up and whether all sensors are functioning correctly. The CAN (Controller Area Network) of an exotic car is far more intricate and bespoke since the systems used are usually specific to that car. The diagnostic tools used to analyze exotic cars do far more than just tell why the check engine light is on. It can also perform software upgrades, adjust calibrations, and monitor real-time sensors that other generic systems can’t see. A reputable exotic car service center needs to invest in these tools, and just like the cars, they don’t come cheap.
Exotic Car Service Centers Use OEM Parts
The use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts is essential for any car service center to maintain the vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturer can’t be held liable for the use of a substandard part that was not designed to be used in the motor vehicle. The risk becomes even higher in an exotic car that has higher levels of performance and much lower tolerances and room for error. Because of the excess heat that is generated by the high-revving engines, the parts need to be designed to cope with that heat and torque stress. This applies to every gasket, seal, nut, and bolt in the engine. The fluids are also very specialized and can cause havoc if the incorrect fluids are used. Special coolant, oil, and brake fluid are all vital for the smooth running of an exotic car’s engine, transmission, and differentials.
High-End Facilities For High-End Motoring
When you take your exotic car to a service center, you want to know that it will be safe and well cared for. The facilities needed to have adequate security to protect your investment, and they also need to have all the means that make it a workshop, such as car lifts, air compressors for power tools, proper storage for parts, and lock-up garages with tight security and surveillance. The cleanliness of an auto shop can often give you an indication of the attention to detail that exists as a company culture, and should give you extra peace of mind that you have found a service center you can trust. Lastly, a climate-controlled area is essential as the motor cars need to have a large enough facility that they are not left out in the sun and remain in an area where extreme temperatures do not affect sensitive electronics.
Quality Of Communication
If an exotic car service center provides clear and concise communication without ambiguity, then you are in for a pleasant experience. A reputable business will also give you a clear estimate before attempting any work on your vehicle. The estimate should be itemized and clearly show the difference between parts, consumables, and labor required. These estimates should also be accompanied by photos and videos sent via digital channels such as iMessage or email that show the damage or reason for repair or replacement. When a repair is being done on an exotic motor car, there should be consultation with the vehicle owner, and it should not come as a surprise to them. The owner should be constantly kept up to speed with what is required and what the service center would recommend. A great service center will have a dedicated employee who acts as the liaison between the customer and the service center.
Community Reputation
The exotic car community is often a smaller one than most, and you will be able to find many fellow exotic car owners who have experience with reputable service centers. You can also join some online forums that deal with the specific make and model of your car, as well as some local South Florida clubs that meet from time to time for a road trip. Get to know the community and read online reviews to get an idea of how the service center looks after its customers.
Exotic Car Service Center in Pompano Beach
If it’s English, German, or Italian, Foreign Affairs Motorsports can assist with your exotic car service. For over 30 years, Pompano Beach and South Florida car owners have benefited from our expertise and passion for foreign luxury and performance vehicles.
We pride ourselves on our dedication to quality and the relationships that we build with our customers.
Call us at (954) 746-0488 to book your next service.