How to Reserve a Loaner Car at Glenn’s Auto Service in Downey
When your car needs more than a quick oil change, the next question is usually:
“How am I supposed to get around while it’s in the shop?”
That’s exactly why we offer loaner cars at Glenn’s Auto Service. But because we’re a smaller, family-focused shop (not a giant dealership with a huge fleet), our loaners are limited, and we’re very intentional about how we assign them.
This guide walks you through how our loaner system works, how to request one, and what to expect.
How Our Loaner Car System Works
We keep our policy simple and fair:
We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, based on your repair needs. We try to reserve the loaners for those who have larger maintenance or repair needs that take several days.
What that means for you:
Loaners are not guaranteed, but we do our best to help.
We prioritize bigger jobs that will keep your vehicle here overnight or for multiple days.
Quick, same-day services usually don’t require a loaner in those cases; our shuttle or help with Lyft is often a better fit.
Our goal is to make sure the people who truly cannot be without a car for several days get the support they need most.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Loaner Car
1. Mention It When You Schedule Your Appointment
The best time to ask about a loaner is before you arrive.
When you call or book online, let us know:
That you’re interested in a loaner car
The type of service or concern you’re coming in for
Whether you expect major work or have already been told it may be a larger job
If you’re booking online, you can note this when you request an appointment through our Appointments page on Glenn’s Auto Service.
The earlier you ask, the better chance we have of planning around availability.
2. We Review Your Repair Needs
Loaners are reserved primarily for:
If you’re coming in for something simple like basic maintenance we may recommend:
3. We Check Availability (First-Come, First-Served)
Because we only have a small number of loaner vehicles, they are:
Assigned in the order people book, not last-minute at the counter
Sometimes already reserved for larger, pre-scheduled jobs
If a loaner is available and your repair qualifies as a multi-day or major service, we’ll reserve one for you and go over any basic paperwork or requirements when you drop off your car.
If loaners are already booked, we’ll talk through backup options to keep you moving.
4. Drop-Off Day: Final Confirmation
When you arrive for your appointment:
We’ll confirm the expected length and size of the repair.
If the job turns out to be simpler or same-day, we may discuss whether a loaner is still necessary or if our lobby, shuttle, or Lyft option is a better fit.
If everything lines up as expected, we’ll complete the loaner agreement and hand over the keys.
We’ll also keep you updated on your vehicle’s status and coordinate a time for you to bring the loaner back when your car is ready.
Why We Prioritize Loaners for Larger Jobs
We know everyone’s time is important, but loaner cars are especially critical for:
Parents juggling work, school runs, and appointments
People who rely on their vehicle for daily commuting
Customers scheduling major engine work, transmission repairs, or extensive diagnostics
Multi-step maintenance on vehicles that need extra care and time
By reserving loaners for the jobs that truly put a family’s life on pause, we can help the people who would be most impacted by being without a vehicle for several days.
For shorter visits, our goal is still to support you just with different tools: a comfortable lobby, local rides, and clear timing.
Other Ways We Help You Get Around
Even if a loaner car isn’t available or necessary, we don’t want you feeling stranded. Depending on your situation, we may be able to offer:
Local shuttle service – We’ll drive you home or to a nearby location.
Help hiring a Lyft – When timing is tight, or distance is tricky, we’ll help coordinate a ride.
A comfortable waiting area with Wi-Fi – Perfect for shorter visits when you’d like to work from the lobby.
You can always see what kind of work we do (and what might be a “loaner-worthy” job) by visiting the Services page on Glenn’s Auto Service.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Loaner
While we can’t guarantee availability, these steps really help:
Book ahead – Don’t wait until the last minute if you know you’ll need major work.
Tell us the full story – If the car has been at another shop, or you already know it needs big repairs, share that when you schedule.
Be flexible on timing – If your schedule allows, we may be able to coordinate your repair for a time when a loaner is more likely to be available.
The more we know upfront, the better we can plan around your needs.
Quick FAQ: Loaner Car Policy at a Glance
Q: Can I just show up and request a loaner on the spot?
You’re welcome to ask, but loaners are almost always spoken for in advance. It’s best to request one when you schedule your appointment.
Q: Are loaners free?
We’ll go over all details, expectations, and requirements when you schedule. Our goal is to make loaners as accessible and fair as possible for customers with multi-day repairs.
Q: What if no loaner is available?
We’ll talk through other options like our shuttle, help with hiring a Lyft, or scheduling the repair at a time that works better for you.
Q: Who gets priority?
Customers with larger maintenance or repair needs that are expected to take several days are given priority for loaner cars.
Talk to Us Early About a Loaner Car
Reserving a loaner car atGlenn’s Auto Servicereally comes down to two things: letting us know early if you’ll need one, and helping us understand the size and timing of your repair. From there, we’ll do everything we can, within our limited fleet, to keep your life moving while we take care of your vehicle. If you’re scheduling a bigger job soon, reach out, ask about loaner availability, and let’s plan it together.