1. Sharing is Caring!

Car maintenance is an unavoidable part of owning a vehicle. No matter how much maintenance you do, something in your car will eventually break down. When this happens, you'll want to take your car to a shop you can trust to do the job right, as well as one that offers good value for your money.

To get your car repaired, you typically have 3 options for where you can bring it. You can either bring it to a car dealer, a chain repair shop, or an independent repair service. Each one of these has its pros and cons, and it’s important you learn what these are before deciding on where to go. So, before you spend more of your hard-earned paycheck than you need to, or waste some of your stimulus money, here’s what you need to know:

2. Dealer Services

A car dealership is where you’ll want to bring your car if you want the best possible technicians. The repair technicians at dealerships are all specialists, meaning they have advanced training in repairing your specific model of car. This is the place you’ll likely want to go if you have a relatively newer or more expensive car, as the value of your car is still high. 

Of course, there are some disadvantages to having your car repaired at a dealership. To begin with, dealership repair services are typically more expensive. If you have an older vehicle or only require minor repairs, you may be better off taking it somewhere less expensive. Furthermore, car dealerships typically serve a much larger number of customers than a smaller chain or independent repair shop, which means you may not receive the same level of service.

3. Chain Repair Shop

The next step is to take your vehicle to a chain auto repair shop. Major corporations own chain repair shops, which operate in various locations across the country. Rather than focusing on a single car brand to repair, these shops have technicians who can work on any vehicle. As a result, you won't get the same level of specialised knowledge as you would at a dealership, but you won't have to worry about taking your car to a single location.

The cost of repairs at chain shops varies depending on location, but they are usually less expensive than dealerships. They are frequently owned by people from your neighbourhood, which can provide a higher level of customer service.

4. Independent Car Repair Service

An independent car repair service is your final option. This is a company that is owned by a single person and is not affiliated with any larger corporations. They are usually owned by members of your community and work to serve local customers. The main advantage of visiting an independent car repair shop is that the employees will take the time to get to know you and your vehicle. You should seek out an independent shop if you value getting to know the person working on your vehicle.

Mechanics in independent shops, on the other hand, may not always have the most advanced training or education. The standards at each independent repair shop are different, so you’ll want to conduct some research or read past reviews from customers before deciding where to take your car.

5. Where Should You Take Your Car?

The location of your repair shop will ultimately be determined by a few factors. For example, if you want the best technicians for your vehicle brand, you should go to a dealership. You should also check with your insurance company or any warranties you may have, as they may have restrictions on where you can take your car. If you have a Honda car extended warranty, the provider of the warranty may require that you get the car repaired by a dealership.

You should consider a chain location or an independent dealership if you want a more personal touch with your car repairs. Examine the options available in your area, then learn about the technicians who work there, their rates, and how previous customers felt about their experience.

Getting the best deal on your car repair is entirely dependent on your needs. Avoid going to a dealership if you want to save money. Take your expensive car to a dealership if you intend to keep it for a long time. There is no single correct answer; it all depends on your needs.