Today’s vehicle owners have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to where they take their vehicle for ongoing maintenance or repairs. Choices may range from small, independent auto repair shops, to specialty chains, and of course, auto dealerships. In this month’s blog, we highlight five advantages of choosing an independent auto repair shop as your mechanic of choice.
There are several factors to be taken into consideration when choosing a mechanic – amongst them are cost, efficiency, reliability, and customer service.
Reasons to Choose an Independent Auto Repair Shop
- Independent shops do not void manufacturer warranties.
If you purchased your vehicle through a dealership, you are not bound by any obligation to use the dealership for ongoing maintenance or repairs. This is a common misconception but there are laws that protect consumers from having any warranty claims denied if they do not use a dealership. It is always advisable to check with your dealership, but also check with an independent shop on what type of warranties they provide for their work and the parts.
- Independent shop mechanics have a broad range of repair expertise.
While mechanics in a dealership are factory trained in specific makes and models, independent mechanics work on a variety of vehicle makes, models, and years which gives them a more comprehensive repair expertise. Many independent shops are former dealership mechanics, who are not only factory trained but may have additional certifications like the Automobile Service Excellence (ASE). Check with your independent owner about any special training or certifications.
- Independent shops get to know you and your vehicle on a personal level.
Unlike a dealership service center which may be handling a high volume of repairs daily, an independent shop takes the time to get to know you and your vehicle. They will also maintain accurate records of your vehicle’s history, and in many cases, you will end up speaking directly with the person who works on your vehicle.
- Independent shops have access to aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Dealerships are bound by OEM parts through the contractual relationships with the dealership and the manufacturer. Independent shops can use aftermarket parts, which may be more readily available and just as good as OEM parts. If a vehicle owner chooses to use OEM parts, independent shops are obligated to use them in place of aftermarket. Aftermarket parts are more cost effective and depending on what they are, they may even function better than OEM parts.
- Independent shop mechanics are compensated in a manner that ensures your vehicle gets the necessary attention.
When you have your vehicle repaired at an independent shop, they are charging you based on the amount of time worked on your vehicle, using a specific hourly rate. At a dealership, they have formulas for repair work and use them for charging customers. For example, if a brake job is estimated to take two hours to complete, but the mechanic finishes it in one hour, you are still charged for the two hours. Many dealership mechanics work on vehicles quickly in order to get the most vehicles through in a given day and maximize their compensation.
If you are considering a mechanic for your vehicle, contact us at Shade Tree Garage to discuss how we can work with you and your vehicle maintenance and repair needs. We are happy to share our expertise with you and also discuss how we can build a maintenance plan that works with your needs and your budget.