Is it cheaper to service a car at an independent garage? NO!.

If you're considering shunning your main dealers for 'fast-fit' outlets or small local garages when your vehicle is due a car service, keep on reading.

When your car is due a service, don't automatically assume that your friend's mechanic or local independent is the cheapest option. 

Before you say "yes" and close this tab, you might be surprised to find out that it's usually not any cheaper to service a car at an independent garage.

There are several hidden costs to circumventing a franchised dealer. We'll explain why dealer servicing is preferable in this 5-minute read.

Why does your car need a service?

First, you must understand that your car needs regular servicing. Many people are under the mistaken impression that an MOT is enough. But during your annual MOT, they're checking for roadworthiness only.

You'd be surprised what building problems those checks will overlook. From AC to electrical faults, regular servicing can catch issues before they become major costs. 

Benefits of servicing your vehicle at a dealership

Certified Technicians -

According to Nimblefins, the average new car costs ranges from £12,000 to £28,000, meaning that when it comes to a car service, you should be seeking out top professionals to deliver quality results.

While the mechanics at your local garage can handle an array of problems, they might not have experience working with your specific make and model.

The technicians at the dealership are trained directly by the manufacturer and typically work only on your make of vehicle.

These technicians are aware of any recalls and will know how to take care of the problem the first time.

Professional Equipment-

We're not suggesting that local garages don't have good equipment, but the dealership usually has top-of-the-line equipment that's specifically intended for your car's make and model.

Some diagnostic equipment for today's modern vehicles can cost more than £100,000, and most dealerships are required by manufacturer franchise contract agreements to purchase this equipment.

Warranties -

Vehicle warranties are an essential part of owning a new car. They provide peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong, the repairs will be covered. 

While these services and repairs can be made at independent garages, car dealerships have specific requirements that must be met in order to keep the warranty valid. 

Plus, for even more value and added protection, extended service contracts can be purchased from your dealer, allowing you to save time and money on future repairs.

Complete History of Vehicle -

When you need a check-up, you go to see a doctor. You wouldn't go to just any medical centre; you would go to the doctor's surgery you're registered with.  Why? Because they have the complete history of your medical record. Your car should be treated the same way.

When you return to your dealer for service, it allows them to have a comprehensive record of your vehicle history, ensuring that the right work gets done every time.

Your dealer will also be aware of any recalls and will be trained by the manufacturer on how to address them accordingly.

Software upgrades - 

As Autoexpress  explains. Main dealers can also provide some behind-the-scenes services that you wouldn't get elsewhere.

You might find your car is given some software upgrades or even some non-essential recall work at no extra charge. 

You'll also have a relationship with a certified dealership mechanic. They can make sure you're educated about the best way to care for your car to keep it running well for years to come.

Service Pans -

Many dealerships (like JT Hughes) have attractive service plans and a price match guarantee. This can help you avoid costly problems and give you peace of mind if you ever do receive a cheaper quote elsewhere. 

Conclusion

Whether to service your car at a dealer or local garage is a heavily debated topic. While both offer benefits and drawbacks, car dealer services have a higher rate of delivering satisfaction each time and boil down to a host of core benefits, including: 

• Access to factory parts
• Expertise with your make and model
• Brand standard diagnostic equipment
• Extended warranties and inclusive service plans
• Service networks and connections for your car model
• Rush delivery of parts

Cons of local garage servicing

It's in this area that local garages just can't compete. While many independent garages have amazing mechanics, they're not experts in your car.  

They're qualified to work generally on all cars. And that means there are just some problems they can't solve effectively or at all.  

Where you might think you're getting savings on an hourly rate or aftermarket parts; in many cases, these choices can create or exacerbate problems, increasing the cost of the repair in the long run.

Lastly, since they're not required to meet any specific brand standard, the quality of service you get from one independent garage to another can vary wildly.