At Atomic Auto, we’ve traded the constant ringing of 1960s technology for a custom-built, high-tech communication suite. If you call us and get a voicemail, or if we ask you to text, it’s not because we’re ignoring you—it’s because we’re busy making sure the cars in our care are receiving the best work we can do!
Here is why our “Text-First” approach makes us the best shop for your vehicle:
1. We Speak “Car,” but We Value the Paper Trail
Have you ever played the game of “Telephone”? By the time a message goes from a receptionist to a service writer to a technician, “a faint ticking sound in the dash” can turn into “the engine is exploding.”
By texting us, your exact description of the problem can go right on your online repair order. Our technicians see your words, your photos, and your videos exactly as you sent them. No data gets lost in translation. Keep in mind with us often a picture is worth 1,000 words! Phone calls cannot convey some things pictures can!
2. Quiet Shops Fix Cars Better
Ever try to solve a complex puzzle while a fire alarm is going off? That’s what a ringing phone sounds like to a mechanic. By moving to asynchronous communication (texts and voicemails), our technicians can stay “in the zone.”
We don’t have a receptionist because we’d rather spend that money on better diagnostic tools and specialized training. Lower overhead for us means more value for you.
3. No More “Phone Tag” Purgatory
We’ve all been there: You call us, we’re under a car. We call you back, you’re in a meeting. You call us back, we’re at lunch. Often we are talking with a client in person, and if we answer your call its not polite to the person in front of us!
With our system:
- Text us anytime: Even at 2 AM when you remember that weird noise.
- See the evidence: We use online software that enables us to show and tell digitally. Want to explain the situation to your mechanic friend or family, just send them a link!
- Translation built-in: If English isn’t your first language, our system helps us translate SMS so we can communicate clearly with everyone in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Are you guys just being lazy?”
Quite the opposite! It takes more effort for us to maintain this custom system than to just pick up a handset. We do it because it creates a permanent record of your car’s history. If we promised you a price or a timeline, it’s there in writing for both of us to see.
“What if I have an emergency?”
Leave a voicemail saying its URGENT or send a text explaining the situation. Typically if you text we can type a response in less time than it takes to do the phone shenanigans!
“I hate texting. Can I still call?”
You can certainly call and leave a voicemail! Every single one is transcribed and we can quickly read them. However, typically we respond to those voicemails via text or a scheduled callback. This ensures we have a quiet moment to give you our full attention rather than rushing you because there are three people standing in the lobby.
“Is a robot answering my texts?”
Nope. You’re talking to the same humans who are getting their hands greasy working on your vehicle. If we take a few minutes to reply, it’s probably because we’re finishing a torque sequence.
The Bottom Line: We value your time and your safety too much to rely on “he-said, she-said” phone calls. Text us at 503-969-3134, and let’s get your vehicles mechanical needs handled!