The answer to the age-old debate of whether to get your car serviced at a dealership or an autobody shop has been largely chalked up to preference. However, there are some facts about both that every car owner should consider before making a decision.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding Where to Get Your Car Serviced
What You Need to Know About Independent Mechanics
Independent mechanics can be appealing to car owners who need a quick repair, especially if the mechanic is referred by someone trustworthy. No one wants to put the safety of their car in the hands of someone who is a complete stranger, which is why many independent mechanics build their business on referrals, word-of-mouth and social media.
Independent mechanics can offer other benefits, too, including:
- Convenience, meaning car owners often are able to find several independent mechanics located between their home and the nearest dealership.
- Customization, which can be particularly attractive to owners of performance, or “muscle”, cars. In fact, many independent mechanics specialize in this type of work.
Dealerships Offer Distinct Benefits
Dealerships offer benefits that can outweigh the initial appeal of independent mechanics, including:
- Technicians who have undertaken extensive training by the manufacturer. They specialize on that brand. As such, they possess a greater breadth of knowledge about it, from the headlight to the tail light. If car owners pay more for labor at a dealership, it’s because they’re paying for expertise – and peace of mind.
- Vast experience with that specific vehicle brand, largely because many dealership technicians work on hundreds of cars every month – far more than an independent mechanic could accommodate. And with car owners generally keeping their cars longer than ever before, dealership technicians often know as much about current-year models as those from 10 to 15 years ago.
- Higher-grade equipment, which the dealership manufacturer insists upon. Quality equipment translates to higher-quality labor because dealership technicians do not (and cannot) use generic parts that they merely hope will work.
- Information about recalls and service bulletins, which no independent mechanic can compete with.
- Warranties, meaning that a dealership will perform repairs for free on cars that are still under warranty. Dealers can also offer extended warranties on both new and pre-owned cars.
- Service advisers who meet with customers and take the time to discuss the problems they are having with a car. At Valley Automall, service advisers strive to develop trusting, long-term relationships with their customers – never treating them as only a number.
Visit Valley Automall Today!
At Valley Automall, our state-of-the-art equipment and expert mechanics ensure your car receives thorough, efficient service. Contact us at 702-570-2257 to schedule your maintenance today.