There has never been a time when America’s roads have been as devoid of cars as they are now.
That said, cars remain as important now than ever: grocery runs still need to be done and people still need to visit their doctors. In a time where public transport is noticeably curbed, a car is the most reliable way to get around during the quarantine.
But what if your car breaks down and needs repairs? Or, in the unforeseen situation that your car needs to be replaced, what should you do next? Here’s how to get in touch with your local car dealers:
Check operating hours
This will vary from dealership to dealership, as many will be closed while a select few operate with a skeleton workforce. Several dealerships will also be “open” but only online, meaning inquiries and transactions can only be processed over the internet. If you’re not sure whether your chosen Subaru dealership in Albuquerque is open or not, give them a call. You can also check their website or Facebook page for updates on their current schedule.
Get in touch
Aside from a hotline, you can contact dealerships through their website’s live chat function or their Facebook page’s chatbot. These digital platforms have the added benefit of being interactive: for example, a service representative from the dealership can instantly send you the necessary forms for you to fill out during your chat.
Schedule an appointment
For the next few weeks, you won’t be able to drive up to a dealership and expect walk-in accommodations for your trusty Subaru in Albuquerque, NM. Given the limited operating hours and scaled-down crew, most services will strictly be by appointment only. The upside? Having an appointment means you drop by only when it’s your turn at the garage; the less time you spend waiting, the lower your risk of contracting the dreaded novel coronavirus.
Take a Test Drive
Believe it or not, you can still take test drives during the lockdown—just not in the way you’d expect. Dealerships are making it easier for would-be buyers to request on-demand test drives. Simply choose a Subaru car model, and a salesperson will drop it off at your home. Of course, safety precautions will be observed; cars will be thoroughly sanitized before and after your test drive, while the dealer’s employees will observe proper social distancing throughout the process.
Buy a car
As Consumer Report notes, online car sales make up about 10 to 15% of all the cars sold in the country. But during the pandemic, don’t be surprised to see a spike in cars bought completely online. In many ways, they are especially suited to these times as online car purchases are “contactless.” All you should do is visit a dealer’s website, and choose a car model, color, and trim. Paperwork and payments can be processed securely online, and the car will be delivered to your doorstep in no time.
There’s no denying that COVID-19 has turned the world we know upside down. But if you need repairs or a new car amid the new normal, you can always rely on reliable auto dealerships in Albuquerque, NM like Fiesta Subaru.
