Whether it’s a flattened tire, a faulty thermostat, or spark plug issues, you will need to get your car serviced sooner or later. When something serious happens, owners can either check-in with the dealership or work with an independent mechanic. What’s the right option for you?
Let’s review the pros and cons of each choice and offer some guidance on whether to choose a mechanic or a dealership.
Warranty And OEM Parts
Servicing your vehicle at a dealership is one of the best ways to guarantee your car gets genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Whether it is oil filters or brake pads, you will receive everything straight from the assembly line. Plus, factory-trained mechanics will take care of your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Auto shops tend to source aftermarket parts, saving you money as a result. But while they are more cost-effective, these components often lack quality. You could work with a mechanic personally and ask them to use OEM parts. This could save you money on labor, but not on the parts themselves.
There is one other unbeatable argument for turning to the dealers. Your car always comes with a warranty that covers all manner of repairs. And going to a third party could potentially void your warranty. Unless you’re out of the warranty period, it just doesn’t make sense to head over to auto shops. Dealerships have several other benefits, too, and we will discuss these further. link alternatif ibcbet
Time Constraints And Location
Location always plays a crucial part in customer choice. Living near a dealership is especially beneficial, as replacing individual components comes at no cost because of the warranty. It comes in especially handy when you find yourself stuck in your car on your way to work. If the standard location is inconvenient, you can change it to a more convenient location, as this document provides options.
An independent mechanic may be your only choice if you live in a more remote location. Dealership’s service centers are usually in big cities, closer to the most populated zones. In such a situation, you could just try to find the best auto shop in your area.
But there is one more thing to consider. Time constraints are always an issue for car owners. Many use their vehicle to go to work, travel on vacations, or take road trips with the family, so sometimes waiting is not an option. It is where dealers massively outplay auto shops. Dealerships are full-service venues, and because their services are pretty expensive, the demand is usually low. But they can churn out jobs quicker because they have all the necessary parts on hand. Even if they do not, the waiting time would be negligible.
Rare Issues And Selling Your Vehicle
Turning to the dealer will always be optimal when you encounter a particularly complex car issue. Dealerships have every bit of expensive diagnostic equipment necessary, installing all-new software updates after they finish servicing your vehicle. Close relationships with manufacturers do have their benefits.
The same cannot be said about auto shops – at least not all of them. Some specialize in a specific brand of vehicles, and while they may have similar capabilities, they are fewer and farther between.
Additionally, going independent isn’t the best practice when you plan to sell the vehicle. Potential buyers will doubt what is installed under the hood, so they may try to lowball the price. To avoid this, you should service your vehicle at a certified dealership.
Summary
Choosing a dealer over independent mechanics or auto shops has its fair share of benefits. The repairs will be covered under warranty, and they can resolve rare or complex issues quickly and conveniently.
If you decide to go independent, pay close attention to Automotive Service Excellence (Ase) and Better Business Bureau certificates, or use a service like AutoTechIQ to find the best auto repair shops in your area. These prove that auto shops have qualified personnel. Also, try comparing prices and starting with a minor job, like balancing the tires, to assess the quality of the service. You may also want to check out online forums to put your finger on the best auto shop.
