If your car is under warranty and needs warranty-related repairs, you may have to go to a dealership repair center or authorized repair shop. However, most of us have the freedom to choose any type of shop to repair and service our vehicles. Before deciding which type of repair shop is best for you and your car, consider the following tips:
Specialty shops service specific vehicle makes. Dealership repair centers often provide services solely for the vehicles they sell, so you can be assured the technicians in those shops are trained to repair your type of vehicle. However, there are some independent specialty shops that also only work on certain makes and models. These companies are good choices for people who have rare vehicles or want auto technicians who have more experience working on their makes and models. “A shop that specializes in a certain type of car can save its customers money by diagnosing and fixing problems much quicker,” confirms Kenzo Kojima, owner of Japan Auto Repair, Inc. in San Rafael. “Since the mechanics are experts in specific types of cars and systems, they can provide valuable maintenance information and answer any questions you may have.”
The freedom to choose parts. Dealership repair shops are required to install Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, but independent auto repair centers can use any parts they feel are best for your vehicle or any parts you request. That means they can install aftermarket parts, which may be less expensive than OEM parts but still function the same way. In fact, some aftermarket parts have been engineered to improve upon original parts by including changes to design and wear flaws. Specialist shops often have a better understanding of which parts have the most common problems and why. This can enable them to give better advice and help you select the best parts for your vehicle and driving needs.
Pricing differences. Many dealership repair centers charge a flat rate for repairs. Some people like this because it lets them know their fees upfront, but it can also encourage technicians to cut corners to fit in more jobs or avoid working on vehicles with which they have little experience. Flat rate car repairs can cost more if the job takes less time than expected, because the customer is paying a rate that’s estimated at the start of the job. Conversely, customers can save money if the job takes longer than expected, because they still only pay the flat rate promised at the start of the job.
