Regular maintenance and occasional repairs are the hallmarks of vehicle ownership. Many people make the mistake of thinking only dealerships are viable sources of maintenance and repair instead of local auto repair shops. According to Gitnux, more than 50% of the nation's auto repair shops are privately owned and operated. Here are four reasons to consider supporting your local auto repair shops instead of dealerships.
 

1. Save Money on Quality Services

Dealerships generally charge the highest hourly rates for labor to do routine maintenance and repairs. They also tend to charge more for materials and only use factory parts. The quality of work is often excellent, but the cost is significantly higher than what you would pay at equally excellent local auto repair shops. The local repair shops can also give you options on aftermarket parts that cost less while also charging you less for labor.

2. Receive Larger Variety of Services

A dealership mostly services only vehicles that it sells. A local auto repair shop generally can service a much wider variety of vehicles and might have the ability to maintain and repair virtually any make and model that you own. Some independent shops also specialize in particular models or vehicles from specific regions or nations. If you have vehicles from several brands, you can get them all serviced at the same shop.

3. Work With Certified and Experienced Mechanics

Be sure to visit only ASE-certified local auto repair shops. They will have experienced technicians who are the most trustworthy. They also will have the necessary diagnostic equipment to determine why your vehicle is not running as well as it should. The technicians can accurately diagnose mechanical problems and fix them to make just about any vehicle run well again.

4. Support Your Community

When you support a local independent shop, you are supporting a member of your local community. The money you spend there mostly stays within your local community. You are more likely to deal with a neighbor or someone else who has a vested interest in providing excellent service with a smile. You are also more likely to be treated like a friend and neighbor instead of a number at a local automotive services shop.

Have questions? Please call or visit Simmons Garage to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.