Identifix is a comprehensive automotive repair website designed for technicians and repair specialists in order to help facilitate faster, more efficient repairs. The company has been in business since 1987 and they offer a three-fold approach to assisting subscribers in finding answers to tough repair problems and reducing unbillable time. Automotive technician jobs can sometimes be straightforward, but for those that involve tough challenges, Identifix can help direct you and your mechanics to a quicker, easier repair.
Direct-Hit
This aspect of the Identifix service works by giving subscribers access to an expansive online repair database. Automotive repair shop owners and dealerships can pay a subscription fee, and in return are able to search vehicle-specific information in the database of more than 1,000,000 shortcut tests and confirmed fixes. These car repair solutions are culled from verified fixes spanning all the way back to the company’s inception in 1987. Auto mechanic training can prepare you for a wide variety of repair jobs, but when a job turns out to be particularly complex, drawing on the decades of experience offered by dozens of other mechanics can be invaluable.
In addition to access to a multitude of diagnostics, the website also gives you access to service and repair information created by the original equipment manufacturer. This includes links to relevant documents such as wiring diagrams. You also have the option of using keywords in order to locate the diagnostic, service, and repair information you need on almost any vehicle. These documents and resources are especially helpful if you have new mechanics fresh out of automotive mechanic training – they can consult the combined expertise of thousands of other master mechanics, which saves you time, money, and resources on training issues.
The Identifix Repair Hotline
The company also offers a live repair hotline, which is perfect if you prefer to speak with a live person when you encounter a puzzling auto mechanic job. The hotline is manned by OE trained, ASE Master, L1 Carline Specialists, and features sliding scale pricing which goes down with each call you need to make for the same issue (according to the company, most issues are resolved on the first call). The rate for the first call is $39, the second call for the same issue is $17.50, the third is $9, and the fourth and any additional calls are free.
The hotline specialists are divided into five teams:
- Ford
- GM
- Chrysler
- European
- Asian
The advantage of the Identifix repair hotline is that getting an expert second opinion can cut your diagnosis time short, saving valuable billable hours and allowing you to accept automotive technician jobs that you might otherwise turn down. It’s important to note that Identifix repair hotline specialists cannot provide support for damaged, modified, chopped, or recovered vehicles.
Direct-Shop
The Direct-Shop Shop Management System is the third facet of the Identifix service, allowing shop owners to conveniently connect with vendors, access customer information, track inventory, and order parts. In addition, shop owners enjoy corporate-level accounting functionality, whether you have one or multiple locations. The core features of the Direct-Shop Shop Management System are:
- Streamlined Customer Check-In
- Easy Shop Inventory Searches
- Parts Ordering
- Quick Service Packages and Quote Creation
- One-Click Access to Factory-Recommended Routine Maintenance, Inventory, and Sales and Productivity Reports
- End-of-Day Checkout Systems
Direct-Hit and Direct-Shop subscriptions are available to automotive repair shops and dealerships, at monthly or yearly rates. The repair hotline is charged at a per call rate, regardless of whether you have a subscription to the other Identifix services. In order to sign up for the auto repair database or shop management system, you need to fill out a request for information on the company’s website.
If you’re attending automotive technician school, you may have complimentary access to Direct-Hit through your educational institution, so be sure to check with your school to see if the online database is available to you.
