Lyft makes auto repair home visits in Houston
Lyft has launched a new service through its app that will allow Houstonians to order from a menu of auto maintenance services and have the job done at their home.
The service, an extension of an existing Lyft driver program, will allow Houston customers to order oil changes, windshield repairs, tire rotations, spark plugs and repair work. braking by reserving them via the application. The mechanics come to the vehicle and Lyft promises “initial estimates and no upselling.” The company also offers diagnostic work on engines, sensors, ignition and belts.
In preparation for some time, the rollout of the program has been accelerated in response to growing demand for delivery services during the pandemic.
“Going through the repair process can be frustrating and time consuming, which is why we have started offering these services to drivers on the Lyft platform,” said Max Loosen, regional manager for Lyft in Texas, in a statement. Press release. “We are also delighted to provide these same top-notch services to our biker community. “
But Tony Molla, vice president of industrial relations at the Texas-based Automotive Service Association, greeted the new aisle offers with a dose of skepticism.
Auto shops like those his association represents are equipped with all the equipment technicians need to do their jobs. And if something’s wrong, he says, you know where to find them.
“You can pull out an annex on a kitchen table, but that’s not the right way to do it,” Molla said.
Lyft chose these particular services based on the types that could be performed outside of a store, Loosen said in an interview. He said the technicians have been carefully vetted and are experts in their field. And, he added, unlike in the store, customers can watch their car maintenance and ask questions.
And, unlike the Lyft ride-sharing drivers who are self-employed “gig workers” who drive their personal cars, the mechanics are employed by Lyft, which owns the vehicles from which they operate.
For maintenance services, Lyft said it would redo the job within 30 days if there was a problem. For all other services, Lyft provides a parts and labor warranty for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Loosen said Lyft is committed to quality and has no intention of cutting corners.
“This is one of the reasons why we decided not to operate on commission,” he said. “It’s really about the long term life of the vehicle. “
Customers can also order services to be performed from their office car parks, Loosen said, adding that he hopes this will avoid any safety concerns resulting from deferred maintenance. He said Lyft is starting out small, with four techs in Houston so far, but will look to expand soon.
The launch comes as revenue plummeted during the pandemic for the San Francisco-based rideshare company. Lyft said it also provides auto care for drivers in Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago.
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