Whether you drive a brand-new vehicle, or a used one, choosing your mechanic can be a difficult yet important decision.  Like other things in our lives such as our dentist or hair stylist, once you find a good service provider you want to stick with them.

Vehicle owners today have many options when it comes to the ongoing maintenance and repair of their vehicle – from independent auto shops to retail shops or auto manufacturing dealerships.

In this blog, we examine advantages of choosing an independent auto shop over the retail shops and large dealers.  Our goal is to dispel any misconceptions or myths that may make vehicle owners hesitant to choose smaller, independent auto repair shops as their “mechanic of choice”.

Myth # 1:  If I don’t use a dealer, I will void my warranty.

Many vehicle owners who purchase from a dealership believe that if they do not use the dealership for service, their warranty is voided.  This is not true and in fact, there are laws that were passed to ensure vehicle owners are protected from having warranty claims denied based on using non-dealership repair shops.  Always ask your dealership about any restrictions to the warranty.

Myth # 2:  Dealer mechanics are more qualified because they specialize in my vehicle make or model.

There are various levels of mechanics in dealerships who handle a range of simple to complex repairs.  Much of the repairs they do are based upon pattern failures, which becomes somewhat of a “cookie cutter” approach to how they service a vehicle.  Mechanics at independent auto repair shops work on a much greater range of different vehicle makes and models, which gives them a broader set of skills and experience.  Many times, independent shops are staffed with former dealer mechanics who have decided to branch out on their own.  While dealership mechanics may be factory trained in specific vehicle models, independent shop mechanics also seek ongoing training and other credentials such as the ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) certification.

Myth # 3:  My vehicle service and repair history is better maintained by a dealership.

While dealerships use record-keeping systems to track your vehicle’s service history, independent shops also maintain information on your vehicle.  Not only do independent shops maintain your vehicle history, but many times may be serviced by the same professional who is familiar with your vehicle.  Another advantage of independent shop mechanics is that you usually can meet and talk with them about your vehicle.  At the dealership, you have to rely on the service coordinator at the service desk to relay any information from the actual mechanic.  In other words, you have less opportunity to discuss your vehicle needs in detail with the person responsible for working on it. 

Myth # 4:  Dealerships use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are superior to aftermarket parts used by independent shops.

Dealership service departments offer OEM parts, which are replacement parts authorized and guaranteed by the manufacturer to be used in vehicle repairs.  Not all OEM parts are necessarily superior to aftermarket parts.  Most independent shops use aftermarket parts, which means that they are not specific to any vehicle manufacturer but are more generic replacements.  Dealerships are only allowed to use OEM parts, which may impact the vehicle owner in cost and even sometimes quality.  Independent shops can choose OEM or aftermarket parts, based on the need and the preference of the vehicle owner.  In many cases, aftermarket parts are equal or greater in quality to OEM parts, as well as more readily available.

Myth # 5:  Dealerships are more efficient with servicing my vehicle.

While dealerships may have the ability to move your vehicle through repairs quicker than an independent shop, efficiency does not necessarily mean quality work.  Dealership mechanics are paid a flat rate based on the estimated time it takes for each type of service.  For example, if a specific brake repair job is estimated to take two hours to complete, the mechanic is paid based on the two hours, regardless of how long the job takes.  You too, are charged for two hours’ worth of repairs even if it only takes 45 minutes.  Many dealership mechanics will try to move through their repairs quickly in order to maximize the number of vehicles they are working on in a day.  The incentive to complete repairs faster makes it more likely something may be missed during servicing, or the work is not completed effectively.  Independent shop mechanics are paid an hourly rate and only compensated for the time spent on the vehicle.

In the end, you need to be comfortable with the decision you make for an auto mechanic.  Always weigh the pros and cons for your options and do your homework first.

If you are in the stage of choosing a mechanic for your vehicle, make sure to consider the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive.  Contact us today and we will be happy to talk with you about how we can work with you on any ongoing maintenance or vehicle repairs.