What’s better for your car: going to a dealership or a mechanic?
Which is better for servicing your car: a dealership or a neighborhood mechanic? We lay down the factors for each to help you decide which is ideal for your car’s requirements.
Whether your vehicle is new or old, repairs will eventually be necessary. Getting regular auto maintenance done by a reputable service provider can significantly reduce the cost of your automobile’s upkeep, even if it’s just an oil change, new tires, brake pads, or other basic repairs.
You have two options if you’re not handy with mechanics: you can take your car to a dealership or hire a private mechanic. But which one ought you to pick?
Why Choosing the Dealer Could Be a Safer Option
We’ll go over a few of the reasons you might choose the dealer’s service department. In summary, modern cars are incredibly sophisticated, with more parts, sensors, and electronics than ever before. Therefore, you want to be sure that the person repairing it is an absolute master at this modern technology in case something goes wrong.
Every day, factory-trained experts work on cars just like yours in dealership service departments. They are also trained in the particulars of your car. Additionally, you may be sure that you’ll receive original OEM components, which are frequently of greater quality than alternatives from the aftermarket.
Though we acknowledge that the dealer may charge more, here are some things to think about if you have the extra money.
Dealerships vs. Independent Mechanics: Pros and Cons
For the majority of brands, a factory-trained technician who is familiar with your vehicle’s make and model will provide servicing when you visit the dealership. Furthermore, as the name implies, factory-trained technicians are knowledgeable on how to keep your car operating as intended by the manufacturer. Depending on the service plan you’re offered, you may occasionally receive discounts for dealership services or even free oil changes if you take your car to the same dealership where you bought it.
On the other hand, independent mechanics usually have lower overhead and can provide more reasonable prices for both labor and parts. This may be particularly true as cars age and require expensive repairs. In fact, the technician and business owner can be the same person, giving you additional opportunities to engage with them face-to-face. Your auto technicians will get more acquainted with your particular vehicle each time they work on it, assuming you become a regular customer.
Which Services Are Provided by Dealerships?
Car dealerships are more than just locations for vehicle purchases. Their extensive variety of services makes them one of the best places to take your car for maintenance. The dealership service department may assist with basic oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs, and engine and transmission disassembly.
Smaller, independent mechanics frequently have restrictions on what they can accomplish, whether it be because of resources, education, or other factors.
Another fantastic service provided by the service departments of dealerships? vehicles for rent and lending. When your automobile is being serviced, you should be able to get a free loan from luxury automakers like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. They’ll give you alternate transportation if it turns out that your car needs a few days, weeks, or months. Most prominent brands at least offer an in-house rental option to keep you on the road while your car is being repaired, even if it’s not free of charge.
Placement, Placement, Placement
If you live close to a service dealership, you will have easy access to high-quality auto repair. However, you can also take your car to another place that will respect the same warranty if your car or any of its specific parts are still covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. If your original equipment manufacturer’s battery dies while you’re traveling to work or visiting relatives, this might be a really helpful benefit. You may have access to hundreds or even thousands of service providers across the nation.
That being said, you are not required to take your vehicle to the dealership where you originally purchased it. Hence, your warranty will still be valid even if you move across the city, state, or nation.
In most cities, you may find independent mechanics working in body shops, tire shops, and auto shops. If you live far away from a dealership, your only realistic alternative for car maintenance can be an independent mechanic. But don’t worry; all you have to do is locate someone who is worth their weight in sheet metal.
Why Hiring an Independent Mechanic Could Be a Good Idea
Independent technicians can be less expensive than a dealership service center for those trying to cut costs. Numerous independent stores focus on particular products and even automobiles. Pro tip: Some auto repair shops specialize in vehicles from particular global locations. This could serve as a hint to assist you in locating the ideal independent service provider.
What Qualities Make an Independent Mechanic Stand Out?
If you’re considering hiring a freelance mechanic, we advise finding a shop that specializes in the make and model of your car—ideally one with a stellar reputation and a steady clientele. When you bring your car in, you should also make sure they can locate OEM components and have them on hand.
Your experience will differ depending on where you visit, so it’s a good idea to speak with a few stores before choosing one. Get to know the folks you are entrusting with the maintenance of your vehicle before settling on a quote. A positive rapport with your car mechanic can go a long way, much like with a physician or dentist.
Warranty-Related Issues
To find out if you are protected if your automobile is still under warranty, start by contacting the dealership’s service department. The dealership could be able to pay for some or all of the servicing expenses, whether it’s only an oil change or a significant mechanical problem. The specific conditions of warranties for new and certified pre-owned vehicles may differ based on the automaker, but they often cover parts that are defective or parts that break down under regular use after a predetermined number of miles or time.
Your car can still be serviced at the dealer even if it is no longer covered by warranty. Generally speaking, labor and parts will be more expensive, but you often get what you pay for. This comprises a factory-trained technician, a dedicated service advisor for client service, and frequently a free multi-point check.
Why OEM Parts Are Important
One of the greatest methods to be sure your car gets genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is to have it serviced at the dealership. The best parts are usually the ones your automobile came with right out of the production line, whether they be brake pads, oil filters, or spark plugs. Additionally, the factory-trained experts are skilled in doing repairs in accordance with manufacturer guidelines if your car is still covered by an active Technical Service Bulletin.
Aftermarket components are more likely to be available at auto shops, which can result in immediate cost savings. But generally speaking, they aren’t as high-quality as their OEM equivalents. The good news is that OEM components, which your mechanic might end up acquiring from a nearby dealership, are normally something you can work with. Therefore, even if the cost of OEM parts is comparable, labor costs could be far lower.
Make Safe Repairs for Your Car with SimpSocial ‘s Advice
Performing routine car maintenance can be intimidating, particularly for novice or brand-new drivers. Fortunately, SimpSocial offers a wealth of information on blog posts and social media posts that are designed to simplify the process of owning a car. For more useful information about automobile ownership, check out the automobile ownership section of our site now, and make sure to follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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