Before you bring your car to a repair shop, you should first take into account whether your vehicle is still under warranty. Not only can many warranty-related repairs be done for free at dealership repair centers, but some warranties can also be voided if an independent repair shop performs any work on your vehicle. If you can’t find this information in your car sale agreement, ask the dealer to explain it to you.
If your vehicle isn’t under warranty, you’re free to choose any shop you prefer. According to Curtis Cronin, owner of Marin Sports & Imports, Inc. in San Rafael, many vehicle owners go to dealerships while their vehicles are under warranty and then seek out independent shops in their area after the warranties are expired. “One of the main advantages you get from an independent shop is a more personal relationship with the people who work there,” he says. “You can ask the technicians questions and even see what’s going on with your repairs. People really appreciate that type of personalized service.”
In some cases, independent shops can be less expensive than dealership shops—they don’t have the same overhead and can install parts based on what the customer wants, not the manufacturer. This can be an asset if you want specialized aftermarket parts that are designed to improve performance.
Regardless of the type of repair shop you choose, Mr. Cronin recommends doing your research so you can make an informed decision, especially when it comes to the longevity of the business. “It’s important to find a reliable shop that’s going to be there for you in the future,” he says. “You should have confidence that if you have another problem with your vehicle in six months, you’ll be able to go back to that same shop.”
