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Car Maintenance

Dropping Off the Car

Arriving at the service center, discussing the car's issues or desired services with a service advisor, and handing over the keys.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
John (Male)
Good morning! I'm here to drop off my car for its 30,000-mile service.
2
Emily (Female)
Good morning, John. Thanks for coming in. Do you have an appointment?
3
John (Male)
Yes, I do. It's under John Carter, scheduled for 9:00 AM.
4
Emily (Female)
Alright, I see it here. And besides the routine service, were there any specific issues you wanted us to look at?
5
John (Male)
Actually, yes. I've noticed a strange squeaking sound coming from the front brakes, especially when I apply them at low speeds. It's been happening for the last few days.
6
Emily (Female)
Hmm, okay. We'll definitely have our technicians check that out. Anything else?
7
John (Male)
No, I think that's it for now. Just the service and the brake noise.
8
Emily (Female)
Understood. The service typically takes about 3-4 hours. We'll give you a call as soon as it's ready, or if we find anything unexpected with the brakes. Can I get the keys, please?
9
John (Male)
Sure, here you go. Thanks, Emily.
10
Emily (Female)
You're welcome, John. We'll be in touch. Have a good day!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

drop off

To leave something or someone at a place for others to handle, like leaving your car at a service center for repairs.

appointment

A planned time to meet or visit a service, such as booking a slot for car maintenance to avoid waiting.

routine service

Regular maintenance done at set intervals, like oil changes or checks, to keep a car running well.

brakes

The parts of a car that help it stop safely when you press the pedal; important for vehicle safety.

squeaking

A high-pitched, annoying sound, often from car parts like brakes, signaling a possible problem.

technicians

Skilled workers who fix or inspect machines, like car mechanics who handle repairs.

keys

The small metal or electronic device used to start and lock a car; handed over during service.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Good morning! I'm here to drop off my car for its 30,000-mile service.

This greeting introduces your purpose politely. Use it when arriving for a scheduled car check; '30,000-mile service' refers to maintenance at specific mileage.

Do you have an appointment?

A simple yes/no question to confirm a booking. Useful in services like auto shops; the structure 'Do you have...?' is common for checking possession.

Besides the routine service, were there any specific issues you wanted us to look at?

Asks about additional problems beyond standard work. 'Besides' means 'in addition to'; useful for service advisors to gather details on car concerns.

I've noticed a strange squeaking sound coming from the front brakes, especially when I apply them at low speeds.

Describes a problem using present perfect 'I've noticed' for recent ongoing issues. Helpful for explaining symptoms to mechanics; 'apply the brakes' means to use them.

We'll definitely have our technicians check that out.

Promises action on a reported issue. 'Check out' is an informal phrasal verb meaning 'examine'; use in customer service to reassure clients.

Can I get the keys, please?

A polite request for car keys. 'Can I get...?' is a common way to ask for something; essential when handing over a vehicle for service.