Workshop Walkthrough: 

Shaikly Motor Company is an award-winning independent workshop. Based in Colchester, United Kingdom, this family-run workshop has been serving loyal customers since 1977. Nearly half-a-century later, Michael Shaikly – son of the founder – owns and operates a thriving business that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most respected and renowned workshops in the country.

Michael is responsible for 14 skilled technicians, from inquisitive and enthusiastic technicians beginning their careers to vastly experienced master technicians, all of whom utilize ALLDATA Repair in their daily tasks – from preparation to handing over the keys back to the customer.

Challenge: Earning the Trust of the Motorist

Modern cars are complex networks of sensors, control units and software; for example, adaptive cruise control systems integrate radar sensors, cameras and onboard software to automatically adjust speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Consequently, before a technician even attempts a repair, they need to know what that repair looks like.

At Shaikly Motor Company, it recently received a vehicle that had been repatriated from France. Based on the information provided by the customer, the vehicle was a non-starter and had been assessed by both an independent workshop and franchised dealer – but no solution had been found.

The initial suspicion was that the vehicle had suffered a fuel pump failure, but without investigating and authorization of the customer to conduct a Stage One Diagnostic Assessment, it would be incredibly difficult to offer an accurate diagnosis.

Michael said: “Because the injectors were difficult to access, accurately diagnosing a three-phase fuel pump system was nigh-on impossible. We needed a solution that would save time and give an accurate diagnosis. Possessing evidence would earn the customer’s trust and, in likelihood, ensure we were permitted to carry out the repair.”

Solution: ALLDATA Repair Embedded into Daily Routine

The way Michael and his team use ALLDATA Repair has transformed. What began as a single computer is now a fully integrated process across the entire workshop – every technician now has their own laptop, and crucially, ALLDATA Repair is used before a vehicle is even touched.

This preparation begins with the front-of-house staff. When a customer books a job in, service advisors itemize the reported fault and use ALLDATA Repair to set realistic expectations. This ensures that diagnostic assessments and repair times are communicated transparently and that the customer fully understands the process before authorizing work.

Accurate labour times are a vital benefit. Published job times can be misleading, but with ALLDATA Repair, Shaikly Motor Company can confidently quote times and costs that reflect the true scope of the work. This prevents disputes, avoids wasted time and ensures customers trust the pricing.
Returning to the Land Rover case, Shaikly Motor Company deployed its structured Stage One Diagnostic Assessment, which includes:

• A full diagnostic scan of the vehicle
• Analysis of fault codes and live data
• Review of relevant OEM Technical Service Bulletins
• Road test, where appropriate

Shaikly Motor Company reported a 50% success rate in obtaining authorization for the assessment, which costs £120.

Using ALLDATA Repair’s wiring diagrams, the team traced the circuit and quickly identified a suitable test area and plan. This process ruled out a pump failure without the need to dismantle components to access the fuel pump. Instead, the technicians were able to pinpoint the fault to the fuel pump control unit – a far quicker and easier repair.

The front-of-house team explained the plan; the customer authorized the process, and the technicians completed an accurate and efficient repair.

Result: Accurate and Quick Repairs, Stronger Trust 

The Land Rover was diagnosed and fixed within days, compared to six months of confusion abroad. This result was achieved because of the communication and trust established – because Shaikly Motor Company could rely on ALLDATA Repair’s OEM repair data and labour times.

Having those tools at Shaikly Motor Company’s disposal means:

• Fewer misdiagnosis: Structured planning, meaning the team – apprentice or master technician – looks at the whole picture before committing to a diagnosis.
• Faster turnaround: Potentially, repairs are completed quicker because unnecessary disassembly is avoided.
• Accurate labour times: Quotes are based on OEM times and processes, establishing trust.
• Team development: Every member of staff is trained how to use ALLDATA Repair – it is part of the curriculum – making it a core part of the workshop’s culture.
• Profitability and professionalism: The combination of accuracy, transparency and efficiency translates into stronger customer satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat business – meaning a healthier bottom line.
   

Conclusion: The Difference is in the Detail

For Shaikly Motor Company, ALLDATA Repair has been integrated in its entire repair process – from enquiry to handover of the keys. By being able to illustrate repairs and labour times on a quote, Michael and his team are in a stronger position to deliver a better customer service.

Michael summarised: “The power of ALLDATA Repair is allowing us to prepare for the job. If a particular window regulator needs attention, which we’ve never seen before, I encourage our technicians to look up and follow the process.

“Our front of house team will itemize the concern that the customer has and outlines the cost of that investigation, using information sourced directly from ALLDATA Repair. This means customers know exactly what we are testing, how we are testing it, and what it’s likely to cost – which builds confidence and trust before we even pick up a tool.”