Your Ford needs regular maintenance and servicing to provide a smooth ride season after season. Many car owners wait until something starts to malfunction or their oil life is nearing zero percent to start scheduling an appointment, making them feel rushed into scheduling an appointment with the first mechanic they see. But it’s important to weigh the benefits of a dealership vs. mechanic with an independent shop so you can make sure you and your car are getting the service you need.
Pros and Cons: Dealerships vs. Local Mechanics
There are many different criteria that go into picking your preferred choice between a dealership mechanic and an independent mechanic. Consider these core elements:
Parts and Inventory
Different makes and models have different parts. An independent mechanic who is servicing a wide range of vehicles, especially if they have an independent shop without a network of additional locations, is unlikely to have exactly the right parts you need every time. This means scheduling an emergency service with them may be hit or miss.
But dealership mechanics tend to have a large inventory of the parts for the cars they service. Partner dealerships with multiple locations also have a network so, even if they don’t have the right part right at their fingertips, they can easily source it from a nearby dealership and get you back on the road.
Pricing
The average cost for the same repairs or maintenance service will vary between dealerships vs. mechanics running their own business, with independent mechanics offering cheaper services. However, dealerships tend to pay more for experienced labor and for brand-specific parts straight from the original equipment manufacturer instead of a third-party. For cost-sensitive drivers interested in basic maintenance, an independent mechanic can do the work. But for warranty work, complex repairs, or rare servicing requirements, the extra peace of mind a dealership offers may be worth the price.
Training and Experience
Dealerships tend to hire staff with more experience, especially dedicated experience in the makes and models the business specializes in. High-quality dealerships also provide extensive training to guarantee that everyone receives five-star service.
Warranty Protection
Car warranties cover many mechanical and electrical components for 12-month or multi-year periods. But if you do work by yourself or go to an independent mechanic, they could void the warranty entirely. Dealership mechanics are certified in warranty and recall work, so they can make repairs or even provide upgrades while keeping your warranty intact.
Customer Service and Convenience
Dealerships like Visalia Ford go the extra mile to make sure you enjoy convenient, comfortable service. If you don’t like having your day interrupted by servicing or repairs, consider whether dealerships vs. mechanics are more likely to have beverages and comfortable lobbies, Lyfts so you can get to your next destination, and short, well-communicated wait times.
Available Services
Dealerships offer a comprehensive range of repairs, annual or semi-annual servicing appointments, and more. At Visalia Ford, we provide the following services:
- Fluid checks and corrections
- Transmission services
- Light and electrical checks
- Internal repairs and servicing
- Brake services
- A/C and heating services
- General repairs
- And more
How to Choose
It’s important to make the right choice for your schedule, budget, and vehicle. Considering all the above factors will tell you if a mechanic is the right fit for your repairs. If you’re not sure how to choose between a dealership vs. a mechanic, try scheduling your next appointment with a dealership so you can decide if you enjoy the experience and the services.
Visalia Ford: The Groppetti Auto Family Difference
Visalia Ford is a trusted dealership right in the middle of Visalia near 198. We provide convenient, reliable services and offer a comfortable waiting area for all of our customers. Local residents trust Visalia Ford to keep their vehicles running right.
Schedule a Service Today
Ready to take a mechanic for a test run? Schedule a servicing appointment at Visalia Ford today to experience the gold standard in care.
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