Dealer vs. Mechanic: Who Should Work On Your Car?
It takes time and effort to properly maintain your car. When it’s time to schedule a tune-up or a repair, who can you trust: an independent corner garage or a dealer service department? Depending on your vehicle’s age, needs, and budget, choosing the best place to get your car fixed makes a big difference in cost and customer satisfaction.
Getting the Fix
It’s important to recognize just how vital automotive repair is to families on the move. The auto repair industry is expected to hit a record $836 billion globally in 2022, an 11% increase over 2021. Americans, in particular, have enjoyed more miles on the road after more than two years of COVID-19 challenges, new car inventory shortages, and other issues.
What Is The Average Cost of Car Repairs in the US?
The average American spends $1,986 per year on car repairs, which adds up to $192 billion for the whole country. Where you spend your money matters, and we encourage every driver to make the right choice for themselves and their family.
Independent Repair Shop vs. Dealership Service: The Showdown
We’ll be the first to advise customers that there are, in fact, occasions where you should take your car to a dealership for service. Check out the various scenarios below to see when you should keep it local or take it to a garage.
Price
The structure of dealership, as well as their manufacturer-dictated repair processes, tend to make getting your vehicle fixed at a dealership more expensive than at a repair shop. For instance, some repairs at a dealership would require the complete removal an exhaust system; at a corner garage, a little creativity and the same job can take about 30 minutes. (This exact scenario is common with Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback fuel line repairs.)
Warranty
This one will always go to a dealership. If your new vehicle is still under warranty, take advantage of any and all warranty or preventative repairs that are offered. Many repairs under warranty are completely free; take advantage of free repairs, because the costs associated with them were baked into the sticker price. One way or another, you paid for them.
While under warranty, certain parts may even have a lifetime warranty. Talk with your dealership about the specific terms of any and all repairs.
Foreign Manufacturers
If your car is no longer under warranty, don’t go to a dealer just because you drive an important. Garages like Garfield Auto Service Center are experts in all kinds of makes and models; many of our mechanics have worked on BMW, Audis, Volkswagen, Porsche, and other imports for decades and are more experienced than the specialists at dealerships. If you’re looking for excellent service on foreign and domestic cars, contact your local garage to learn more about their repair expertise.
Repair Turnaround Time
Independent repair shops have small, committed staffs with more flexibility than dealerships. While seasonality and other factors play a role, small garages are typically just as fast to diagnose and repair your vehicle as a dealership. No matter which repair option you choose, expect to schedule an appointment, drop off your vehicle, get an in-person or over-the-phone consultation of the diagnose, and okay any work before it is performed. Ask questions, get answers, and take the time to understand the necessity and benefits of completing any automotive repair work.
Relationship
Local automotive garages have mechanics on staff for years; in many cases, the owner of the shop is the same person that is wrenching on your car or truck. This facilitates close relationships that help keep drivers informed of their vehicle’s immediate and long-term needs. Dealerships rely on a digital record of repairs, like smaller shops, but high rates of employee turnover and size make it unlikely you’ll work with the same technician or representative twice.
Support Your Local Auto Garage
Supporting local is good for the local economy and good for you and your vehicle. See how decades of experience, the latest technology and training, plus a personal approach makes maintaining your car or truck less stressful. Contact Garfield Auto Service Center today to schedule your appointment.