Advantages And Drawbacks Of Taking Your Vehicle To The Dealership Instead Of An Independent Auto Body Shop
by Brent Porter
If you need to take your vehicle in for repairs, and are debating if you should take it to your local dealership or an independent auto body shop, this list of pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about where to take your vehicle based on your needs.
Warranty Repairs
If your vehicle is still under warranty, and you do not want to pay for the repairs yourself, you need to take it to your local dealership. New vehicle warranties are generally only honored at participating dealerships. If you take it to an independent repair shop while it is still under warranty, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Components
If you want to use original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) components in your vehicle, you should take your car to your local dealership. Dealerships tend to work exclusively with OEM parts. OEM parts usually are higher quality than the aftermarket or salvaged parts most independent auto body shops will use to repair your vehicle.
Quality Of Service
Dealerships tend to employ mechanics who only work with the same make of vehicle all day. This allows their mechanics to become experts on the make of vehicle that you own. The mechanics at your local dealership will be very familiar with any issue that your vehicle is experiencing. Most dealerships require their mechanics to stay up to date with all of the latest technology and repair innovations as it relates to the make of vehicles that they work on.
On the other hand, an independent auto body shop may not have the same depth of experience or knowledge about your particular make of vehicle. However, they may have more in depth knowledge about particular components or certain issues. Just because they are not experts on your vehicle make does not mean they are not qualified; they may just prefer working for themselves or for a small company.
Cost
Hands down, you will generally pay more for the services and repairs you need at your local dealership if your vehicle is not longer under warranty. OEM parts tend to cost more than generic parts. You are also paying for a more experienced technician to work on your vehicle.
Independent auto body shops tend to cost less for a vehicle that isn't covered by a warranty. They are a good option if you want to save a little money and do not mind using aftermarket or salvaged parts on your vehicle.
Whether you take your vehicle to your local dealership or to an independent body shop really depends on the type of parts you want on your vehicle and the type of experience you want the mechanics working on your vehicle to have. For more information about the cost of an independent shop, contact one such as Professional Automotive.
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About Me
Like many people, I can't afford to buy a new car every few years. This means that I must keep my older vehicle in top condition. Thanks to the fact that I take my car to a great shop, I do get all the benefits that come with knowing I have reliable transportation. Car maintenance covers a lot of ground. Some things I can do at home, like checking fluid levels. Other repairs and maintenance, like radiator repair or front end alignments, require professional attention. Over time, I've developed a maintenance routine that has saved a lot of money and ensures my car will easily last for several more years. If you need to keep your older car running, let me help. I'll show you how to set up a workable maintenance schedule. In the long run, you'll save a lot of time, money, and frustration.
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