Are mechanics cheaper than dealerships?
The best thing an automotive cheapskate with an old car can do is find an honest independent mechanic. Plus, indie mechanics are almost always cheaper than the dealership (although if they don’t know what they’re doing, obviously they can be more expensive because you’ll have to re-fix whatever they screwed up).
What is a dealership mechanic?
As a dealership mechanic, your responsibilities center around the repair and maintenance of automobiles. The job is equal parts preventative maintenance and repairing worn-out parts on vehicles. Depending on the dealership, you might also speak with customers about the issues you find and how you plan to fix them.
What makes a car dealer a good mechanic?
Dealership mechanics are specialists who have been trained by the manufacturer. They’re the first to receive updates on recalls and technical service bulletins, and they typically work on only one make of vehicle. Whatever problem you have, a dealership mechanic has probably already seen it—and fixed it—many times.
What makes a master mechanic in the real world?
The real world part is where a Master Tech is made. Years and years of getting my butt kicked by cars. Having to “just know” so many things that are not in any book, or manual. For the folks that think that being a mechanic is an easy job.
Can a car be fixed at an independent shop?
Yes, it will be fixed, but you won’t know which mechanic worked on your car or if they’ll work on it again. At an independent shop, you can speak directly with the mechanic.
Who is the service advisor at a car dealership?
At a dealership, you’ll usually speak with a service advisor. They may know a lot about cars, but they are more of an administrator or salesperson than they are a technician.
When to go to the dealer or the mechanic?
You’re paying them to learn about your car.” If you can’t find a specialist in area, off to the dealer. Problem When you sell your car, you worry that buyers will balk at non-dealer service records. Verdict: Lean toward the dealer. “If your car is new and under warranty,” Prosser says, “go to the dealer.”
How many mechanics are there in the United States?
According to a 2016 report by the National Automobile Dealers Association, 266,000 technicians are employed to perform mechanical and body repairs. Last year, customers at dealerships in the United States spent $18.9 billion on labor charges in the service department.
Can a mechanic have you in the shop for one problem?
If your mechanic already has you in the auto repair shop for one problem, it’s easy to play with your emotions to indicate that something larger is amiss. Below you’ll find some frequent ploys, according to Ibbotson.
How does the service department work at a car dealership?
Dealerships don’t profit on extensive operations like replacing engine blocks, transmissions or other large components. These require expensive parts, and the mechanics take longer to finish them. So while you pay a lot for these operations, the service department doesn’t make much off them.