You might be concerned about voiding your dealership warranty if you just bought a new car or have a used one still under warranty. Is having your vehicle worked on by another service provider one of them? There are some undeniable conditions that can void your warranty, but is having it worked on by another shop one of them?
Read on to find out more if you must service your car at the dealership to maintain your warranty.
Dealership vs. Local Mechanic
Every warranty differs, but in general most dealer warranties don't cover regular maintenance (includes oil changes) and "wear" items (brakes, tires, etc). You will pay out of pocket for these services if you go to the dealership or to a independent repair facility.
When you take your car to a dealership, it is not uncommon to have a younger mechanic working on your oil changes or servicing your vehicle. At North Fulton Auto Center, we do things differently! We only hire certified and specially trained techs with ten years or more of hands-on experience. We are a family-owned and operated car repair shop which specializes in many makes and models and an assortment of other services.
n independent repair shops, parts and labor are usually less expensive due to lower overhead. Also, the owner of the business or the technician working on your vehicle will be more accessible. Often, they are the same person – just like at our shop. You will become more familiar with your mechanic each time you have your car serviced. Interesting fact – many independent shop technicians/owners once worked at a dealer! That is the case here at North Fulton Auto Center. The owner, Bryan, is a 15-year Mercedes veteran; we also have Bentley, Lamborghini, and McLaren to name a few.
Will It Void My Dealership Warranty If I Take My Car to an Independent Shop?
One of the most common misconceptions in the automobile industry is that if you don't take your car to the dealership, they will void your warranty. This premise isn't true. They will not compromise your warranty in any way if a licensed repair shop services your vehicle according to your car's service schedule.
Independent shops can offer the same services as a dealership but at a far lower cost. For convenience, you can bring your car to any repair shop, but the quality of their work varies. You can trust the master certified technicians at North Fulton Auto Center to service and maintain your vehicle, whether you are in or outside of factory warranty. We use only manufacturer approved fluids and OEM or OE parts.
Wherever you take your car it is important to save your receipts and keep track of the services you've received. That way, the dealer or service provider will know you've been keeping up with the car's maintenance and have access to its history.
Dealership Warranty: Advantages and Disadvantages
Having exposed that myth, "Do I have to service my car at the dealership?" We've broken down the advantages and disadvantages of dealership warranty service and repairs so you can make an informed decision.
Pros
- Since they only deal with one manufacturer, dealerships are usually familiar with the make and model of your car, however keep in mind you won’t know who is actually performing the work on your car.
- They have access to electronic scan technologies that are particular to your vehicle's make and model; the same factory diagnostic computers are also available to independent shops.
- A loaner vehicle is usually available while your car is undergoing repair. Depending on how busy your dealership is, you may have to wait up to two months.
Cons
- Typically, this is the most expensive option.
- Even a basic service will take a full day. Typically, you need to drop off your car at 8 a.m. and pick it up at 5 p.m. That's an entire day without driving your car. Depending on the scope of the work, this can take anywhere from two to four days.
- More so than your local independent shops, dealerships are renowned for upsells (they aren’t nicknamed "stealerships" for nothing). Additive companies pay service consultants commissions for selling you items you don't need. They'll hand you a job card with all of these extras pre-printed on it, making you believe your car needs them.
- Most dealerships will provide transportation, although it will be limited in terms of times and locations.
- You're unlikely to ever speak with the mechanic who works on your car. Because you'll be dealing with a receptionist and a service advisor for the entirety of your interactions, all information provided will be secondhand.
Independent Shops: Are They Worth My Time?
For those looking to save money, independent shops are frequently less expensive than dealership service centers. Servicing is prohibitively costly for European cars such as Mercedes Benz, BMWs and Porsche. North Fulton Auto Center is one of the local independent repair shops who specialize in all European makes and models.
If your car isn't still under warranty and needs substantial engine or transmission work, you may be able to save thousands of dollars by working with us When you take your car for service outside of a dealership, you often have more options and a better price.
What to Look For In A Local Mechanic
When choosing a mechanic, seek out one with experience working on your car's model and make; a shop with good reviews and repeat customers is the best. It's also a good idea to make sure they can obtain OEM parts before you bring your vehicle in.
Depending on where you go, you'll have a different experience, so speak to a few shops before you decide. Do more than just get a quote. Meet the people you'll be entrusting with your vehicle. Maintaining a positive relationship with your mechanic can make a big difference.
North Fulton Auto Center: Factory Trained Experts
We are passionate about cars at NFAC; that is why we have made it our life’s work! We will not void your warranty if you take your car for service to us at North Fulton Auto Center. You will feel safe knowing that our factory-trained experts are servicing your vehicle.
With us, we can beat any written quote from local competitors or dealers. Contact or visit us now to get the best deal you can get for your car's maintenance.
