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As a car owner, you’ve probably wondered about the differences of a car service from a dealer vs an independent mechanic. You’ve asked yourself, “should I go to a dealership for service, or do I visit an independent repair service?”
Recently, there appears to be an ongoing debate as to which is better. Both sides have different points to defend their positions. However, the best thing for you to do would be to pick the side that provides you with better advantages.
Car service dealerships are quite popular. However, popularity does not always equal better. In fact, it is more advisable to go for utility rather than popularity.
Especially when it comes to delivering premium car service, independent car workshops are definitely ahead of dealerships due to their distinct services.
Independent repair services are well equipped in various areas. This enables them to perfectly resolve any car issues with precision.
They can bring your faulty car back to its brand new state. You would be making an excellent choice for your car’s overall health by visiting an independent repair workshop such as Automotive Hospital.
Here are some common questions people ask to decide if they should choose an independent garage or dealership.
Can an Independent Garage Fix My Car?
Independent garage owners are usually licensed mechanics. They have plenty of experience and may have even worked with dealerships in the past. Besides, being an independent garage owner gives them the opportunity to amass experience in dealing with a variety of brands. As such, they can repair a wide range of car models.
So even if your car is an old model, an independent garage owner will do a great job fixing it, as they don’t just specialise in the latest models.
This gives them the capacity to adequately resolve any car issues you might have.
Is it Cheaper to Go to a Dealership or a Mechanic?
There is a huge disparity between an independently owned garage and a car dealership when it comes to price. So if you’re wondering, “do dealership repairs cost more than independent repair services?” Here’s your answer.
Independent garages generally offer lower prices for similar or even better services than dealerships. On the other hand, going to a car dealership could cost you an arm and a leg.
With an independent garage, you get budget-friendly alternatives. For instance, you can get aftermarket parts at an independent garage instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Aftermarket parts perform the same functions as OEM at a much lower price.
Can an Independent Garage Void My Warranty?
There is a common misconception that taking your car to an independent garage will void your warranty. People believe that they must go back to their vehicle manufacturer’s service centre for log book services and that any other place would void the vehicle’s warranty.
However, this is far from the truth. You can take your car to independent garages authorised to provide log book services such as Automotive Hospital. Doing so won’t make your car service warranty void.
But this raises the question: what exactly results in a car service warranty void?
Not using the right fluid
When you don’t use the appropriate engine fluid prescribed by the carmaker, the engine can develop faults.
When this happens, you can’t lay claim to a warranty. That’s because you’ve voided the warranty by using an unrecommended fluid.
Failure to safe keep all receipts
There’s no harm in visiting an independent garage to fix your car. However, a problem may arise when you fail to have a complete record of all the repairs done.
But when you have a complete record of all the repairs done on your vehicle, your car warranty remains intact.
Modifying your car
Whatever changes you are making to your car, be it the wheel, tyre size, and the suspension, you must ensure that it doesn’t contradict the manufacturer’s instructions. Doing so would void your warranty.
As such, if you do go against the manufacturer’s instructions and your car develops a fault, the manufacturer will not take responsibility for it.
Using your car as a towing vehicle when it is not
Vehicles that serve as towing trucks have dynamic features that make them able to tow other vehicles. Without these features, you shouldn’t try to use your vehicle to tow another vehicle.
So if you use a non-towing vehicle for towing and it develops any problem, you won’t be able to lay claim to a warranty.
You just have to make sure that the service provider makes use of original equipment and the recommended fluid. When you follow these protocols, your warranty will remain intact.
Additional Advantages of Using Independent Garage
A personalised customer service
A strong customer relationship is one key feature that makes independent garages stand out. They can meet your needs as a customer on a more personal level. You get to build trust and establish a great relationship with the mechanic.
Whereas in the case of car dealerships, you have no means of meeting the person handling your vehicle. It’s a faceless experience.
Cases of emergency
In cases of emergency, independent garages are easily accessible. They’re just around the corner like our one in Haberfield, Sydney. We also provide an Autocare Membership free with every service which gives you 24/7 Roadside Assistance and breakdown towing amongst many other benefits!
This isn’t the case with car dealerships. With car dealerships, if your car were to break down, you’d have to find your own way to tow it down to their garage, whatever the distance and whatever the cost.
Control
An independent repair service offers the car owner a lot of control. Control in the sense that you can determine where you want your car fixed and when you want to complete the fixing.
On the other hand, car dealerships dictate to you where you can fix the car, and the time it will take to fix it. When you arrive at a car dealership, you’ll have to join the line of customers who are also there for repairs.
Reliability
As your car grows older, you should have a mechanic that knows the ins and outs of your vehicle. You can rely on them to fix your car perfectly without having to give them much explanation.
Because of experience, your mechanic will be able to pinpoint the likely problems with your car. That way, the waiting period for trying to determine the problem is shortened, and your car gets fixed in a much shorter time.
Also, it helps you to have someone at your beck and call who can fix your car anytime and can help you wherever you are in Sydney.
Contact Automotive Hospital Today for a Premium Car Service
At Automotive Hospital, we have professional mechanics with years of experience in handling European prestige vehicles such as BMW, Audi, Ferrari, Peugeot, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Mini, Volvo, Skoda, Lamborghini, Lexus and more.
We make it our priority to provide unparalleled quality car repair services, including clutch replacements, brake repairs, power steering repairs, air conditioning repairs, exhaust replacements or repairs, wheel bearing repairs, wheel alignments, and more.
With our independent repair services, you can enjoy premium car service with a personal touch. To us, you aren’t just a number so we take your concerns personally and are committed to helping you every step of the way.
By using our log book services, you’re making sure that your car’s warranty is upheld. And even better, we’ll wash and vacuum your car at the end of the day.
So go on and contact us today.
