Metric Wrench’s BMW, Mercedes and Audi Blog featuring all of the latest information from around the automotive industry, the latest industry news, view expert opinions, or just join discussions about your BMW, Mercedes or Audi with other enthusiasts from around the world.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Dealership vs. Independent for Service and Repair

So you’ve asked yourself the question a million times, “Do I take my care to the dealership or to an independent service and repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings?”

And that is a very good question, so let’s take a look at the two and see what the difference actually is. When you purchased your BMW, Mercedes or any new vehicle, you received an owner’s manual along with it. The purpose of this manual is to assist you in maintaining your car in the best performing condition possible. In maintaining your vehicle, the type of repairs and services that your vehicle requires will determine where you need to take your car.

For example, scheduled maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups, fluid checks, brake checks, etc. you can take your vehicle to an independent auto-repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings. You will discover that it doesn’t cost quite as much taking it to Metric Wrench then it does to the dealership. You should also know that Federal law states that you have the right to service your car anywhere that you choose and it won’t affect your coverage.

At a dealership, the technicians are trained specifically as well as certified for all facets of your model’s service requirements. The dealership will also have the necessary diagnostic equipment that is required to maintain your vehicle. However, the technicians at Metric Wrench are also trained and certified in all aspects of your car’s service requirements and are very capable of maintaining the necessary maintenance and repairs of your vehicles, they also have BMW and Mercedes diagnostic equipment.

You need to be sure that wherever you decide to take your vehicle that the service repair shop stays on top of the latest technical service bulletins (TSBs), these are the detailed requirements on how to repair common issues that pertain to a specific vehicle. If your vehicle falls under a TSB service issue and is still under warranty, then the repairs may be done for free, but then you will be required to take your vehicle to a dealership to have the work completed. If your car is no longer under warranty, then you may be required to pay for all services.

Repairs to your vehicle can be basic repairs like changing a belt or something more complicated like diagnosing problems with your electrical system. If the problem is covered under warranty, then by all means go to the dealership so that the manufacturer can pay to have your car repaired. It is also better to go to a dealership if your vehicle has been recalled or the automaker wants to fix or replace a defect. If you have an extended warranty, read the fine print, see who is required to perform the repairs that are being covered.

If your car is no longer under warranty, then it’s just a matter of what repairs need to be done that will determine if you should take your vehicle to Metric Wrench or another reputable independent dealer. Metric Wrench has certified technicians and they are trained to work on your vehicle and have the appropriate equipment for your vehicle and they also stay on top of the latest information available on your vehicle.

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