Dealer Vs Independent Auto Repair Shop: Who Should You Trust Your Car To?

Whether it’s your first time owning a car or have had one for a long time, this question can still be tricky to answer. Have you struggled figuring this out or you still don’t really know? Where do you think would be the best place to take your car, with or without a warranty? Why should you even consider an independent repair shop even when you still have warranty?

It sure can be difficult to decide but to help you along, here are the main concerns why people are hesitant about independent auto repair shops compared to a dealer.

Concerns About Independent Auto Repair Shops

1. The Mechanics Not Being Familiar With The Vehicle
The biggest concern we hear from customers is that they are worried that an independent repair shop has mechanics who won’t know their vehicle as well as the mechanics at the dealership. Because of the rapid changes in automotive technology, it IS crucial that the independent facility you choose is qualified to work on your car.

2. If They’re Accredited By The Automobile Association
An auto car repair won’t be accredited by such association if they’re not qualified for the services that they’re offering. So if you know one with this accreditation, it’s a good sign your car will be in good hands. But if you’re still looking for one, you should always talk to the person in charge where you can inquire about this.

3. The Shop May Not Have All The Proper Tools
How will a car servicing shop be able to work on any car if they don’t have the necessary and appropriate tools to fix a car? Screws and wrench are basic, but they should also be equipped with specific tools for jobs like fixing an irregular brake. 

4. Having Experience And Expertise With Wide Range Of Car Problems
Flat tires won’t be the only problem you’ll have with your car, especially if your vehicle has been with you for quite some time. So, they should be able to fix things from fluid pipes, the carburetor and the clutch oil, to the external repairs including the windshields, window locks and the car bonnet.

5. Warranty
Many dealerships will pressure owners to get the repairs done where the vehicle was purchased so that you don’t lose the warranty. This is not always the case and it varies by situation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has stated that it’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine car maintenance or repairs performed by someone else. Preventative maintenance often includes services like oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled maintenance is your owner’s manual, of course. Without a warranty, you are free to choose a shop that you trust without any worries at all.

Why An Independent Repair Shop May Be A Good Idea

You May Avoid Paying For Any Overhead Costs
A local independent repair shop can be your best bet when you’re paying for repairs. There tend to be more overhead costs at a dealership (larger facilities, higher salaries for technicians and office personnel, better amenities, etc.) which means higher costs for services.

You Can Be Flexible When It Comes To Car Parts
A dealership may only use OEM parts, where a local shop could offer rebuilt, refurbished or generic parts to keep costs down.

They’re Not Locked Into Following Specific Manufacturer Guidelines
With local shops, mechanics may have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to repairs. This then may allow them to solve issues in fewer steps, fewer labor hours or use them differently, or offer certain auto repair financing plans to you.

You might also want to think twice about DIY-ing repairs. For those who are having trouble deciding where to go, doing the repairs yourself may have come to mind. But DIY-ing will consume a lot of your time, whether or not you are skilled in automobile repairs. But if you haven’t done this before, there is a big chance this task will not only take you days to finish on your own considering you’ll have to invest on the tools as well as research on proper execution, but there’s also a fair chance you might screw it up and do it all over again. But if you let an expert do this job, you’re not only sure it will be done perfectly and quickly but you won’t have to put your daily routine and tasks on hold. 

Don’t fall for scare tactics or false information when you’re choosing who will do your auto repairs. Of course you want someone trained and honest to work on one of your biggest investments – your vehicle. But a lot of independent auto technicians are trained and certified to work on a variety of vehicles too. They can offer plenty of vehicle services to match your needs and have fair prices with their own warranty on the work we do as well. You just have to be keen on finding them and know the right questions to ask when you’re looking around for it.