Why an Independent Automotive Repair Shop Is a Better Choice than the Dealership

When it comes to a tune-up, most people take their car to the dealership. After all, they have the stamp of approval, and they're supposed to be experts when it comes to cars, right? Well, not necessarily.

While dealerships are undoubtedly knowledgeable about cars, they also have a vested interest in repairing them - which often means charging more than necessary. Independent automotive repair shops, on the other hand, don't have those same ulterior motives. They're in business to help you keep your car on the road as cheaply and efficiently as possible.

Here are just a few reasons why an independent automotive repair shop is a better choice than a dealership:

Note: If your car is under warranty, it is still the best option to take it to the dealership. Because your warranty may include free repairs or maintenance, it's worth checking with them first.

The Dealership Will Try to Sell You Services That You May Not Need

Most common yet essential services (like oil changes and tire rotations) are typically cheap at the dealership. But if you need more serious repairs, they'll often try to sell you services you may not need. This is because they have a vested interest in making as much money off of you as possible.

On the other hand, an independent automotive repair shop will only recommend services you actually need. They're not interested in selling you services that you don't need because they know it'll only hurt their reputation in the long run.

The Dealership Will Charge More for Services

In addition to selling you services that you may not need, the dealership will charge more for the services they provide. This is because they know that you're likely to be willing to pay more if it means keeping your car in good condition.

While an independent automotive repair shop may not have the same overhead costs as a dealership, they still need to make a profit. However, they're more likely to charge a fair price for their services because they don't have the same markup as a dealership.

An Independent Automotive Repair Shop Is Likely to Have More Experience

When you take your car to the dealership for repairs, you are likely working with a newer technician. While all automotive technicians must be licensed, those who work at an independent shop typically have more experience.

On average, an independent technician has been working in the industry for 10 years, while a dealership technician has only been working for three years.

This difference in experience is significant because it means that the independent technician is more likely to have seen the problem your car is experiencing before. They will also have a better understanding of how to fix it.

Better Warranties on Their Repairs than Dealers

Unlike dealerships, which are beholden to the manufacturer's warranty, independent automotive repair shops can offer their own repair warranties. This is because they are not limited to using only manufacturer-approved parts.

This means that if you have a problem with a repair done at an independent shop, you can take it back to them, and they will fix it free of charge. You would not be able to do this if you had taken your car to the dealership.

Trust Factor: Independent Shops Are Loyal to the Customer

Whether you're a first-time car buyer or have been through the process many times, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding where to take your vehicle for maintenance and repairs.

The options seem endless: the dealership, a big box store, or an independent automotive repair shop. And while all three have pros and cons, we think there's a clear winner: the independent shop. Here's why:

Independents shops are loyal to the customer, not the car brand. That means they're focused on providing you with the best possible service rather than upselling you on unnecessary repairs or trying to sell you a new car.

Let Your Mechanic Get to Know Your Car

The mechanic at an independent automotive repair shop gets to know you and your car. That relationship is key to providing the best possible service. When you take your car to the same mechanic each time, they'll be familiar with its history and will be able to catch small problems before they become big ones.

Tires are like the foundation of a house; if it is not level and in good condition, the house will eventually crack. The same goes for your car; if your tires are unbalanced, worn or cracked your car will eventually suffer.

Unlike houses, cars and tires are not as forgiving; unbalanced tires can cause tire wear and potentially dangerous handling problems.

According to the National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness, on average, 200 people die each year in America as a result of 11,000 car crashes caused by tire failure between 2000 and 2015.

Therefore, it is crucial to perform tire maintenance in order to avoid tire failure and the accidents that can result from it.

Here are some of the most important reasons why tire maintenance is important:

1. Out of Balance Tires Can Cause Vibration

An unbalanced tire can cause a vibration that will be felt in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. This is because the tire is not rolling smoothly down the road. The tire is essentially hopping as it rolls, which causes the vibration.

The vibration can be very annoying and can even cause pain in some cases. It can also be dangerous because it can cause driver fatigue and distraction.

In addition, the vibration can cause other problems in your cars, such as premature wear of the suspension and tire tread.

Therefore, it is important to have your tires balanced every time you get a new tire or have your suspension serviced.

2. Reduced Tire Life

Who wants to spend money on new tires more often than necessary? Nobody.

Unfortunately, unbalanced or tires that havent been rotated properly can cause tire tread to wear unevenly, which will reduce the tire life. In fact, an unbalanced tire can wear out faster than a balanced tire.

So, not only will you have to deal with the annoyance of the tire vibration, but you'll also have to spend money on new tires more often.

3. Worn Out Tire Could Cause Fuel Inefficiency

It is a major concern, yet not many people are aware that a worn-out tire can also cause a vehicle to lose fuel efficiency.

How?

An unbalanced tire creates more resistance as it rolls down the road. This resistance causes the engine to work harder, which uses more fuel.

4. Damaged Tires are a Safety Hazard

Worn-out tires can be a safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road.

Tires not properly inflated or have too much tread wear can cause a blowout, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and may hit another vehicle.

5. Mounting and Balancing Your Tires Yourself Can Save You Money

If you know how to mount and balance your own tires, you can save yourself a lot of money.

Tire mounting is the process of putting the tire on the wheel, and tire balancing is making sure the tire is balanced so it will spin evenly.

It's recommended to have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure optimal tire performance and longevity.

6. How to Tell When a Tire Needs to Be Replaced?

There are a few ways to tell when a tire needs to be replaced.

One way is to do the penny test. This is where you take a penny and insert it into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it's time for a new tire.

Another way to tell if a tire needs to be replaced is by checking the tire tread wear bars. These are raised bars located in the tire tread that indicate when the tire tread has worn down to a certain point.

If you can see the tire tread wear bars, then it's time to replace the tire.

7. Tire Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Costly Roadside Emergencies

Tire maintenance is important because it can help you avoid costly roadside emergencies.

If you have a flat tire, you can either change it yourself or call an expert mechanic.

You won't have to pay extra if you regularly visit your auto expert for tire maintenance. They would have already checked it during tire rotation.

Tire maintenance is essential because it can help you avoid accidents, save money, and keep you and other drivers safe on the road.

RM Auto Care is the One-Stop Solution for All Your Tire Needs

At RM Auto Care , we offer a wide range of tire services to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.

From tire sales, tire balancing and replacement to tire mounting and rotation, we have you covered.

We also offer a wide range of other auto services, such as oil changes, brake, and engine repairs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

For more information like this article, visit our blog.

How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Saves You Money in the Long Run

Letting your vehicle fall into disrepair is a surefire way to incur extensive and expensive repairs down the line. Not only that, but it can also be dangerous to drive a vehicle that isn’t properly maintained. 12-13% of accidents occur yearly due to vehicle malfunctions that could have been easily avoided with regular vehicle maintenance.

Upkeeping your vehicle is essential not just for safety reasons but for financial ones as well. You can avoid many costly repairs down the road by making sure your vehicle is regularly serviced and properly maintained.

Here are a few reasons why regular vehicle maintenance can save you money:

1. Maintain/Increase Your Vehicle’s Resale Value

A properly maintained vehicle will always have a higher resale value than one that isn’t. Part of regular vehicle maintenance is keeping detailed records of all the service and repairs done on your vehicle over the years.
For instance, if you ever take your vehicle in for an oil change, the mechanic will give you a stamp in your service booklet. These records will help show potential buyers that your vehicle has been well cared for, and they will be willing to pay more for it.

2. Increase Your Gas Mileage

Since electric car batteries aren’t as reliable as we once believed them to be and gas prices are rising, it’s more important than ever to ensure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible. Luckily, one of the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance is the increased gas mileage.
Maintaining your vehicle regularly will help keep the induction system clean, improving your (Miles Per Gallon)MPG and saving you gas money.

3. Preventing Unnecessary Repairs

How terrible would it be to spend hundreds of dollars on a repair, only to find out later that it wasn’t even necessary? Many vehicle owners have found themselves in this situation before, but you can avoid it by getting regular vehicle maintenance.
A good mechanic can spot any potential problems with your vehicle and fix them before they become more serious (and more expensive). This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. Extend the Life of Your Vehicle’s Engine

In order for your vehicle to last as long as possible, you must take care of the engine. The engine is the most important part of the vehicle and is also the most expensive to replace.
When you keep up with regular vehicle maintenance like oil, filter, and fluid changes, you’re essentially giving your engine a tune-up. This will help extend its life and prevent any serious (and costly) problems.

5. Improve the Performance of Your Vehicle

Lastly, regular vehicle maintenance will also help improve your vehicle’s performance. When your vehicle is maintained correctly, all the parts work together efficiently, resulting in a smoother ride.
In addition, regular vehicle maintenance can also help to improve your vehicle’s acceleration and braking. So, not only will you be saving money by avoiding repairs, but you’ll also be getting a better driving experience.

On The Move? Get Regular Vehicle Maintenance From RM Auto Care

As you can see, there are many benefits to getting regular vehicle maintenance. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will also keep you and your family safe on the road.
If you’re looking for a reputable mechanic in the area, check out our vehicle maintenance services. At RM Auto Care, we would be more than happy to help you keep your vehicle in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.