When your vehicle needs service, you have a familiar decision to make: take it to the dealership or the local auto repair shop? For St. Peters, MO residents, this is a decision that can be made on a regular basis, and the answer is not always obvious. While dealerships have the factory advantage, local St. Peters auto repair shops have a more personal approach as well as lower costs. While we at HI-TECH Automotive would like to encourage you to visit us for your auto care needs, we also want to provide you with an honest look at the key differences between dealerships and local auto repair shops to help you make the right choice for each car service you require.
What Dealerships Do Well
Dealerships do have their advantages at times. The service department technicians are factory trained and work on a single brand, so if you own an Fords, the Ford dealership is an option to consider. Dealerships have access to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts that are made at the factory for the appropriate model. If your car is under a manufacturer’s warranty, you may need factory-approved repairs. In addition, if your car has a recall, you will likely need to have this work done at a car dealership.
At the same time, dealerships can also be busy places to visit. There is also a sense that you are visiting a more impersonal business environment. Finally, there are also higher costs you will incur as a result of visiting a car dealership.
What Local Auto Repair Shops Do Better
St. Peters, MO drivers should also understand that there are clear advantages to turning to a quality local auto repair shop like HI-TECH Automotive. When you bring your vehicle to us, you will develop a relationship with our team of technicians. We will be aware of the specific details that apply to your car, including your driving habits and any previous auto repair work completed. This type of insight is something that you cannot find at a dealership.
Another advantage of a local independent auto repair shop is quicker service. At a bigger dealership operation, it can be harder to schedule an appointment and move through the service process. You may also see cost savings at a local independent auto repair shop. With a smaller overhead, an independent auto repair shop can offer competitive pricing on auto parts and labor without sacrificing the quality of service.
The Myth About Warranties
One of the biggest misconceptions independent auto repair shops face in St. Peters is the belief that a warranty is void if a car owner takes their vehicle elsewhere. The truth is, this is not the case under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This law states that neither a manufacturer nor a car dealership can void the warranty on a car due to the fact that it was serviced at an independent auto repair shop. This is a factor we take very seriously at HI-TECH Automotive, which is why we follow documentation procedures so that there is an accurate paper trail that shows what work has been completed on a vehicle.
Quality of Technicians: It’s Not Just About the Badge
You may assume that dealership technicians have a superior level of skill, but this is not true. The truth is, independent auto repair shops employ technicians who have achieved the same certifications and experience as those at dealerships. Our technicians at HI-TECH Automotive are factory trained and keep up to date with the latest in auto repair technology and procedures. We also have more diverse experience since we work on all makes and models. While a dealership mechanic may be more familiar with their own brand, a local auto repair shop near St. Peters will have the skills and experience required to complete your repair or maintenance service.
Cost Comparison
If you are shopping around based on costs, it’s important to understand why car dealerships charge more. An average independent auto repair shop in Missouri will charge about $120 to $180 per hour in labor charges. This is competitive with what you would find at a car dealership, but it’s usually lower than what you will see in most areas of Missouri. For example, a reputable local auto repair st peters mo will likely only charge about $80 to $120 for labor. If you have a repair that requires three hours of labor, you will see a significant difference in costs. Parts costs can also be lower at a local auto repair shop, since we can choose the most cost-effective alternatives whenever possible.
When Should You Go to the Dealership?
We want to be completely honest when we say that there is a place for dealerships. If your car is under a manufacturer’s warranty and the repair is covered, then you should take your vehicle to the dealership and use that warranty coverage. The same applies to a recall situation on a car, where the dealership will perform these repairs for free. You may also benefit from a dealership mechanic for a major electronics-related repair on a relatively new vehicle. However, for oil changes, tire rotations, brakes and most other types of auto repair and maintenance services, a local auto repair shop is a much better option in terms of costs and expertise.
Most St. Peters, MO car owners will benefit from choosing a local auto repair shop for their maintenance and repair needs. We at HI-TECH Automotive have built our success on building relationships with the members of the St. Peters community. We also want to encourage you to consider our local auto repair shop for your next car service job. If you have been taking your car to the dealership out of habit, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us to see why so many St. Peters residents choose a local auto repair shop for their maintenance and repair needs.
