At some point, your vehicle will need service. Unless you’re a DIY mechanic, your choices are generally an independent auto repair shop, a chain repair shop, or a dealership repair shop. Which one should you choose? There are different pros and cons to each choice, but let’s explore the benefits of taking your vehicle to a dealer auto repair shop.
Warranty Work
If you buy a new car with under 50,000 miles on it, any repairs are probably covered under a factory warranty. It’s also possible that you added a warranty from the dealership if you bought a certified pre-owned car. If you’re in this situation, it definitely makes sense to get your repairs done at a dealership.
OEM Parts
Dealership auto repair shops are known for using OEM parts when conducting repairs. Regular repair shops sometimes use OEM parts, but they’re less likely to do so than a dealership. This doesn’t necessarily mean the parts are inferior, but if you want to maintain your car with OEM parts, it might be harder to do that if you go to a regular auto repair shop. The biggest issue here might come from your insurance company. Some absolutely prefer OEM parts, while others want aftermarket parts that cost less.
Expert Training
Another reason you may want to go to a dealership repair shop is that the mechanics there generally receive specialized training on how to service a particular brand’s vehicle. This is in addition to working on them on a regular basis. This ongoing training gives them inside knowledge of the specifics of your vehicle, including any new features, upgrades, known problems, or recalls.
Advanced Diagnostics
Modern vehicles these days are becoming more and more like mobile computers, which is why a regular auto repair shop may have issues correctly diagnosing problems. Many mechanics are woefully outdated when it comes to advanced diagnostic equipment. This may be fine if you have a fairly old vehicle, but if your vehicle is less than ten years old, you’re generally better off taking it to a dealership where they have the latest diagnostic equipment provided by the manufacturer.
Dealer Incentives and Perks
A dealership auto repair shop will often offer various incentives and perks that you might not get at a regular mechanic. They may offer specific perks to customers who bought a car from them to use their service shop. For example, they might have loaners, free maintenance extras, and specials on things like tires and oil changes.
Location and Convenience
Unless you go to a chain auto repair shop, it might be inconvenient to visit a mechanic if it’s not close to where you live. If you live close to a dealership, it’s often a lot more convenient to visit the dealership. Time constraints tend to be an area where dealerships outplay regular auto shops. Demand is often lower at dealerships, so you’re more likely to get in without waiting.
In general, if you have a newer vehicle that you bought from a dealership, the benefits of going to a dealer auto repair shop should outweigh any cons. If you have an older car and live in a more rural area, a regular mechanic shop might work better.
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