Where to get your vehicle repaired can be a tough question – should you use the dealership or an independent shop? With unique benefits and drawbacks to each, you should choose carefully depending on what type of work you need done.
Dealer maintenance – when it is worth the time and effort
When you purchase a new car, the dealer will often recommend the “authorized” dealership mechanic. For a few pieces of maintenance, such as recall and warranty, your best option is the dealership. If you have encountered a problem that an independent mechanic can’t diagnose, the dealership may be helpful. Anything that is already incorporated as general support of your automobile should be done at the dealer. However, if you’ve car repair concerns that don’t fall under this purview, the dealership may not be your best option.
Times when non-dealership mechanics are a good option
You will be spending many money if you get your car maintained at a dealership. Because of higher overhead, dealer maintenance is usually a lot more expensive. For most of the basic work on your car, you need to seek out an independent mechanic. Usually, the work can be much less costly. You can nevertheless have O.E.M. parts used in your car, even if you aren’t at a dealership. The majority of the time, independent shop work will not void your warranty. Make certain to keep careful records of all the work that is done on your automobile.
Finding a good mechanic
Just because an independent maintenance shop is less costly doesn’t mean you need to always go with the lowest bidder. The best judge of quality is if your car repair mechanic is ASE certified. ASE certification – from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence – is a non-profit certification.
