Receiving a Service Quote/Recommendation
The service center contacts the customer to explain recommended services or repairs based on their inspection, including estimated costs and timeframes.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inspection
A careful check of a vehicle to find problems. Use it when talking about car services, like 'The mechanic did an inspection.'
brake pads
Parts in a car that help it stop by pressing against the wheels. They wear out over time and need replacement for safety.
worn down
Describes something that has become thin or damaged from use, like tires or pads. Say 'My shoes are worn down' for everyday items.
replace
To put a new item in place of an old or broken one. Common in repairs, e.g., 'I need to replace the battery.'
air filter
A part in the car engine that cleans the air going in. It gets dirty and needs cleaning or replacement regularly.
labor
The work done by mechanics, often charged separately from parts. In costs, it's 'parts and labor' for total price.
pickup
When you come to get your car after service. Use as a noun, like 'I'll come for pickup at 4 PM.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
We've finished the inspection on your Honda Civic.
This reports the completion of a check-up. 'We've finished' uses present perfect for recent actions; useful when updating someone on progress in services.
What did you find? Is everything okay?
A polite way to ask about results. Simple past 'did you find' for questions; great for inquiring about health or vehicle checks.
Your front brake pads are pretty worn down and should be replaced.
Describes a problem and suggests action. 'Should be replaced' is passive modal for recommendations; use in advice situations like repairs.
How much would it be to get those replaced, and the air filter too?
Asks for cost estimate. Conditional 'would it be' for hypotheticals; practical for shopping or services when confirming prices.
For the front brake pads and rotors, parts and labor, that would be about $350.
Gives a price breakdown. 'About' means approximately; useful for quoting costs in business or everyday transactions.
How long would that take, approximately?
Inquires about time needed. 'Approximately' softens the question; common in planning appointments or services.
If we start on it now, we should have it done for you by late afternoon.
Provides a timeframe with condition. 'Should have it done' expresses expectation; use for promising completion times.
Please go ahead with the brake pad and air filter replacement.
Authorizes work to proceed. 'Go ahead' is idiomatic for permission; polite in professional settings like approvals.