One of the main concerns car owners have about dealer vs non-dealer servicing is that dealership car services are typically more costly than an independent auto shop. There are a number of reasons for the higher price, which we explain below.
If you’re wondering, ‘is it worth getting my brakes done at the dealership?’ or ‘should I get my oil changed at a small auto shop?’ you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created this article to help you come to a decision on whether it’s worth getting your car serviced at your dealership.
Dealership auto technicians are manufacturer-trained
Dealers require their service staff to take ongoing training to keep up with the latest repair techniques and vehicle specs. In addition, manufacturers only offer these training programs to their network of dealers. This means that you’re getting car service that is specific to your vehicle’s make and model.
A manufacturer-trained technician is a big asset for dealerships, so they are typically paid more, explaining the higher labour rates. However, because you’re receiving service from a technician experienced to work on your car, you can be confident that you’re paying for quality work.
You receive a service warranty and keep your vehicle warranty intact
For new cars still under warranty, dealerships complete repairs for free. Outside of the warranty period, you’ll receive a service warranty that is honoured nationwide. This is especially beneficial if you are planning to move to a different city. If you’ve purchased a used vehicle, dealerships can also offer a manufacturer-backed extended warranty on services. While independently-owned auto shops have a warranty policy, it may be limited to only include service and parts, but not both.
Dealers are required to meet corporate standards of customer satisfaction
Dealerships ultimately represent the manufacturer, which upholds a certain set of standards for service departments to meet. Customers are often surveyed for customer satisfaction for dealerships to address any issues and complaints.
Final thoughts
It’s no secret that having your car serviced at the dealership can cost more, but it does come with many advantages. You can be sure that you’re receiving service that’s backed by a warranty from a technician who is trained to work on your specific vehicle. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
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Service