HORSHAM, Pa. — Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is launching a multi-point inspection service to help consumers shopping for new cars assess the safety and roadworthiness of prospective purchases.
Called "Pre-Purchase Check," the service is being launched to coincide with National Car Care Month, and will be available to selected Cottman franchise locations, the company said.
Cottman is now part of Icahn Enterprises L.P., following Icahn's Oct. 1 purchase of Cottman franchisor American Driveline Systems.
There are 52 Cottman locations in the U.S., predominantly in Pennsylvania and the Carolinas.
Too often, consumers see auto repair shops as adversaries, trying to sell them repairs that they'd just as soon not have to buy," said Derik Beck, vice president of digital marketing at Cottman.
"The Pre-Purchase Check is unique in that it both educates the consumer and establishes Cottman as a trusted ally in the car care process, so our valued customers know they always have a place to go with car care questions big or small."
Cottman did not disclose what it's charging for the service.
Cottman has produced a video featuring its Cottman Man digital character to introduce the Pre-Purchase Check and its benefits.
"While there are many services out there that provide consumers with a repair history, that only shows what happened in the past," Mr. Beck said, noting that sometimes, events that could affect a vehicle's safety or performance go unreported.
The Cottman Pre-Purchase Check will survey the vehicle to determine existing wear issues, diagnostic trouble codes or problems that haven't been addressed, he added.
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