Is it Worth Going to the Dealership for Car Repairs?
When it comes to car repairs, the answer to whether it’s worth going to the dealership or not depends on a few factors. In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, automobiles are becoming more and more complex. This complexity often requires specialized equipment and knowledge that only dealerships possess.
Repair Ability
Dealerships are often the only place where you can go to diagnose and replace most of the computer components or modules in your car. When it comes to replacing modules and sensors, there is often software that needs to be downloaded to code the new component to the car. This level of expertise and access to specialized equipment is something that independent repair shops often will not have.
Additionally, many automobile manufacturers make it difficult for independent repair shops to obtain the technical information required to diagnose and repair today’s cars. With these challenges, many independent shops are finding it increasingly difficult to fix modern vehicles. Even some simple repairs, such as brakes, may not be able to be completed outside of a dealership.
For example, many of today’s cars need to have the rear electric parking brake put into service position with a scan tool to replace the rear brakes. This is a task that independent shops without the necessary equipment may not be able to perform.
Independent Shops Fighting Back
However, independent shops are not giving up without a fight. They are working as an organization to figure out how to obtain repair technology and information. Nevertheless, acquiring this technology and information for a range of vehicles that an independent shop works on can be very expensive.
Individual independent shops need to make decisions on what cars they want to work on and invest in the appropriate tools. Many independent shops are moving towards becoming more specialized. If an independent shop has not invested in scan tool technology, they may not be able to do repairs other than very basic services such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations.
Cost
Dealerships will generally be more expensive due to their investment in facilities, technology, training, and parts price. However, they excel in their ability to repair newer vehicles and can more accurately diagnose and fix issues with their expertise. This expertise may save you time by having the repair done more quickly.
On the other hand, independent shops will often be the most cost-effective option for simpler repairs that they can handle. They may not have the same level of expertise and equipment as dealerships, but they can still provide quality service for basic maintenance needs.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, whether it’s worth going to the dealership for car repairs depends on your specific situation. If you can find a dealership service facility that you trust, it may be your best option for repairs, especially for newer vehicles. However, independent shops can still be a good option to consider, especially for simpler repairs and maintenance tasks.
Consider the complexity of the repair, the expertise required, and the cost when making your decision. Remember that finding a trustworthy service facility is key to ensuring that your car is repaired properly and efficiently.