Fixter launches virtual diagnostics service

Online car maintenance provider Fixter has launched a new virtual consultation service that enables car owners to diagnose faults without leaving their house.

The free service connects users with Fixter mechanics via video call, for a 20-minute assessment, who can then arrange to have the vehicle repaired at a local garage

Fixter says it has introduced the solution to make car maintenance as easy as ordering a takeaway.

Limvirak Chea, the co-founder and chief executive, Fixter, said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance our innovative service and our new Virtual Diagnostic Consultation offers something completely new on these shores.

“Fixing issues with your car, whether it is getting the correct diagnosis, knowing how much it is going to cost, and even just getting it repaired at the right place initially can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. Our initiative takes the stress away, providing customers with trusted and transparent feedback in minutes.”

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the use of virtual consultations across a number of sectors including medical, where 99% of GP practices in the UK now offer them.

Fixter believes that a large proportion of car issues can be resolved by simply discussing and demonstrating the related symptoms with a professional.

It said common problems, such as a flat battery or low oil levels, can be easily diagnosed, and often resolved, with the virtual support of an expert, saving car owners the time and disruption associated with garage visits.

The virtual consultation service is available across a variety of digital platforms, including FaceTime, Google Meet, Skype and WhatsApp.

When it isn’t possible to be sure of the problem without physically inspecting a customer’s car, Fixter says it will provide insight into the likely causes as well as an initial cost estimate, ensuring there are no “nasty surprises” when the car is handed over to a garage for repair.

By assessing the car remotely, the required parts can be ordered in advance, meaning that in the scenarios where a garage service is still required, the process will be quicker.

Having diagnosed any problems with the customer’s car, Fixter’s mechanic can arrange for a driver to collect the vehicle and take it to be repaired at a local garage, before dropping it back on the same day.