Why Auto Repair and Maintenance Facilities Are Considered “Essential Businesses” During the COVID-19 Pandemic

To slow the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, countries, states and cities around the world are telling people to stay home and not participate in any social gatherings outside of their core household group. Depending on where you live in the United States, this order is known as shelter in place, stay at home or self-isolation. If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with the virus and are able bodied, you must self-quarantine at home. While social distancing is now the new normal, you can still leave your house for essentials, like groceries, medical care, gasoline and home maintenance supplies.

On the other end of the worldwide shutdown are certain services we all depend on, such as plumbers and electricians. But what about businesses that fix vehicles? Are auto repair shops considered essential services in Madison, TN during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes, we are, but here’s what you need to know before bringing your vehicle in for maintenance or repairs.

Understanding the stay at home order and needing car services

Your state issued a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order, but you have to leave to go do important things like buy food and necessities and pick up people or pet medications—and some people are still going to work instead of working from home (for one reason or another). You may need to drive somewhere at some point during the stay-at-home order, which you are allowed to do as long as it’s considered an essential need. Auto repair and maintenance facilities—including auto shops, car dealerships and tire shops—are on the list of essential services.

Call ahead for status and hours

Even though many auto service facilities remain in operation at this time, they likely have adjusted their days and hours of operation due to smaller staffing. Some auto shops may close temporarily or seemingly at random, so service appointments during COVID-19 might go a little differently than you’re used to. If your vehicle requires going to one of the manufacturer’s dealerships for specialty services, repair and maintenance departments may be open for business, but not the sales floor. Of course, individual facilities can choose whether or not to stay open.

When to put off vehicle repairs or maintenance

Here’s where common sense comes into play. Let’s look at routine maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups. You’re not putting a lot of miles on your car right now, so this type of maintenance can probably wait until COVID-19 subsides. Major part replacements, on the other hand, are a matter of safety. No matter your car repair or maintenance needs during the shelter-in-place order, call your mechanic to see what he or she recommends.

Reliable transportation is important normally, and even more so right now. That said, because auto repair shops in Madison, TN are considered essential during the pandemic, many shop owners have opted to remain open to serve the needs of the public. Don’t hesitate to contact Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair to book an appointment for vehicle repair or maintenance!

Categorised in: Auto Repair Shop

This post was written by Writer