Here is a question: Your ‘newish’ car (let’s pretend you bought it brand new a few years ago) needs servicing. A franchise dealership is located on the other side of Bracknell town, while an independent garage is located right down the street. Where will you book your car for a service?
At NVS car servicing in Bracknell, we frequently get asked what makes an independent garage different from a dealership. And in this article, we are looking to break down the differences for you.
Costs
Dealerships may be compared as upscale department shops for automobiles. The technicians there seem to have grown up speaking just that one brand of automobile language, and they exclusively sell and service that one kind. If your automobile is still covered by warranty or you definitely need the original parts, this might be a terrific option. Dealerships sometimes have greater expenditures to cover, so all that brand loyalty comes at a cost.
A dealership is a franchise because of an agreement it has with a car manufacturer. Compared to independent garages, they often have a larger workforce and are larger. Franchised dealerships typically pay more rent since they are located in or close to town or city centres.
Conversely, independent garages resemble your neighbourhood mechanic more. They can work on a variety of vehicle brands, which might be useful. They frequently have more options when it comes to price and parts because they aren’t restricted to just one brand. You may even be able to negotiate a favourable price! The drawback is that, while they might not have all the newest features dealerships provide, they typically make up for it with attentive care.
Warranties
We frequently receive a lot of questions concerning whether a dealership warranty is voidable after servicing at an independent garage. We believed it was time to correct the misconception as a neighbourhood independent garage.
You are not required to service your automobile with a certain dealer by the dealership. However, if your preferred garage violates the conditions of the warranty—for example, by not using original replacement parts—they have the authority to nullify it. However, there won’t be an issue if your independent garage complies with manufacturer criteria and is allowed to do servicing.
Are the Mechanics at Independent Garages Any Good?
Indeed, they are. They will have undergone a comparable training programme. It might be argued that their experience with a wider variety of automobiles has given them a more comprehensive knowledge base. Because a customer care representative stands between you and the technicians at a dealership, you will not often interact with them directly.
The Decision is Yours
Which one then should you choose? Dealerships may be your best option if your automobile is still under warranty and using authentic components is very vital. However, an independent garage can be a perfect choice if you’re on a tight budget or just want a mechanic who knows your name!
If you would like to discuss your specific requirements for car service in Bracknell, please get in touch with NVS.
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