The Pros And Cons Of Having Your Car Serviced By The Manufacturer’s Dealership

Whether you have a high-quality used or certified pre-owned vehicle, or you just drove off of the lot with a brand-new, shiny car, you may be wondering about future vehicle servicing – and how you should approach the maintenance of your new vehicle. Should you choose to have it serviced by the manufacturing dealership, or by an independent, third-party mechanic?

It’s a good question – and it pays to think ahead! There are a few different pros and cons of having your car serviced by the manufacturer, rather than a third-party service centre like Ride Time! Let’s take a look at these now.

The Pros Of Servicing Your Car At The Manufacturer’s Dealership

Wondering if you should head to a Ford, Toyota, or Honda dealership to have your car serviced or repaired? Here are a few of the advantages of doing so.

• Large stock of replacement parts – Most minor repair work and servicing can be done within just an hour or two, as the dealer likely has plenty of replacement parts for their most commonly-serviced vehicles. In contrast, a smaller independent mechanic may have to wait a day or two while they order parts.

• Mechanics only work on that brand of car – If you bring your Honda to a Honda dealership, guess what? 95% of the mechanics at the Honda dealership only work on Hondas. This means you may end up getting better overall repair and service quality, as the mechanics are highly experienced and trained.

• Top quality equipment and tools – A large dealership can afford more modern, expensive tools and equipment.

• The best option for warranty repairs – If your car is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, it’s usually best to go to a dealer if you suspect a major repair or issue, as they will cover it under the warranty.

In general, a dealership is a good choice if you are willing to spend a bit of extra money for fast service, and to ensure that your vehicle is properly taken care of. Many people with hybrids, for example, choose the dealership due to the increased complexity of servicing these cars.

The Cons Of Servicing Your Car At The Manufacturer’s Dealership

Those benefits all sound great, right? Well, there are a few drawbacks of going to a manufacturer’s dealership to have your car serviced.

• Prices are typically higher – An oil change at your local mechanic may cost only about $25, plus the cost of oil. At a dealership, though, the cost of simple maintenance such as an oil change is often inflated.
  
  This is because the service department is often responsible for making a profit to keep the dealership in business.

• More likely to recommend unnecessary work – Many dealership managers admit to recommending unnecessary fluid flushes, tire rotations, and other maintenance services  to customers, in an effort to increase profitability. This is far more likely to happen at a large dealership than it is at a local, independent mechanic.

• You’re unlikely to build a personal relationship with a mechanic – You’re likely just one of hundreds of people passing through the service department each month. Unless you have quite a few car troubles (we hope not!) you’re probably not going to get personalized service at a dealership.
  
  In contrast, it’s quite easy to build a good relationship with an independent mechanic. This can lead to better prices and service, and a more custom-tailored approach to car repair and maintenance.

While you’ll get good service at a dealership, you also risk overpaying for unnecessary services – and you probably won’t be able to develop any kind of relationship with the company. So consider these drawbacks – and think about whether an independent shop may be a better choice for you.

Come To The Ride Time Service Centre Today For The Best Service In Winnipeg!

Looking for an alternative to your manufacturer’s dealership in Winnipeg? Ride Time is a fantastic choice! With 8 service bays, the latest equipment, and experienced, highly-qualified technicians, we provide fantastic service – with a personal touch.

So don’t wait. Schedule an appointment online today, and get the service you need in Winnipeg.