Top Benefits Of Going To Local Auto Repair Shops

There’s a common misconception that excellent car service can only be achieved at big car dealerships. While that statement is marginally true, big-name car dealerships will provide customers with reputable repair services, but at greatly inflated costs. On the other hand, there are many local auto repair shops that can do just as good of a job as car dealerships–if not better–at a price that’s affordable to customers. With years of experience and dedication to their work, local auto mechanics are truly the superior option over big box stores.

Relying on Your Local Auto Shop in Slidell

While there are a few advantages to using a dealership, it’s truly hard to come by the level of dedication and expertise that comes from a reputable mechanic shop. Here’s why you should always rely on your local auto mechanic:

Repair Parts: For vehicles that need to be repaired, local mechanics are likely to have the various part options that you need. On the other hand, dealerships can only offer customers the original equipment parts for repairs. Even though you may have to order special parts for your car, you can rest assured that your local mechanic shop will shop for the best price and most efficient parts to cover the repair.

Aftermarket Work: Car aficionados with performance-oriented vehicles who are looking to do aftermarket enhancement work, should always rely on their local mechanic to get the job done. Unlike dealerships (who rarely offer this option), a mechanic will modify your vehicle to your exact specifications. They’ll even install the parts that you purchase on your own.

Lower Labor Costs: Although mechanics are highly trained in their respective field, they do not typically charge as much for their services as a big name dealership would. On average, reputable mechanic shops will cost customers $15-$20 per hour less than a big box store for the same amount of work done successfully and efficiently.

Location: Local auto repair shops tend to have more convenient locations than dealerships. While dealerships are typically located in populous areas, there are countless reputable mechanic shops located throughout town.

Although dealerships have their advantages, it’s very beneficial to rely on your local mechanic for your vehicle repair. Their quick and efficient skills allow for the best repair results at a reduced cost. With a local mechanic shop, you can rest assured that your car will receive the best professional services.

Here are four more important reasons why choosing a local auto repair shop over a larger national chain is in your best interest.

1. Versatile Auto Mechanics

Let’s face it, with both parents and kids owning their own vehicles these days, the average household’s driveway can look like a used car lot. Unless you’re a diehard Ford fan or a shameless Chevy fanatic, you probably have a variety of makes and models that need service. Your yard might even look like you’re the local auto repair shop.

While car dealerships often only service the types of vehicles they sell, your local auto repair shop has mechanics that are trained to repair and maintain a variety of vehicles. That means you can use one shop for all of your auto repair and maintenance needs instead of many shops.

2. Friendly and Honest Auto Repairs

One of the biggest benefits of a local auto repair shop is the customer service you’ll receive. Instead of being treated like a customer, it’s more than likely that you’ll be treated like family. That means the mechanics, service advisors, and other staff might know you by name, remember your vehicle, and treat your vehicle as if it were their own.

Local auto repair shops also know how much your trust in them means to their business. When you trust your mechanic or service advisor to steer you in the right direction, and you’ve never been led astray by their advice, you’re more likely to recommend that repair shop to others. And, word-of-mouth advertising often means more to potential customers than fancy media ads.

3. Affordable auto repairs

No one likes an expensive auto repair or maintenance bill, but you’re very likely to have one at some point during your vehicle ownership days. While working with a local auto repair shop doesn’t necessarily mean cheap auto repairs, you are more likely to get affordable auto repairs. That’s because local shops are typically independently owned and operated. That gives them the flexibility to set their own prices, make changes to them as they see fit, and offer auto repair coupons or discounts.

In contrast, dealerships or national auto repair shop chains are often driven more by revenue goals. Service advisors and mechanics may receive special perks or monetary incentives simply for reaching those goals. What does that mean for you? More expensive auto repairs or possibly being pressured into doing repairs that truly aren’t necessary.

4. Convenience and Location

More often than not, you can bring your vehicle to the shop and wait for the needed repairs or maintenance items to be completed. Sometimes, however, your vehicle needs to be in the shop for several hours or days. A local auto repair shop is more likely to have pick up/ drop off options to get you to and from work or home, and may even be able to give you a loaner or rental vehicle.

There are also times when unexpected problems arise with your vehicle and you need service NOW. When you work with a local auto repair shop, it may be easier to get an appointment scheduled quickly instead of having to deal with a national chain where appointments are completely booked up weeks or months in advance.