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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Online Repair Manuals Out of Focus: Dealerships vs. Independent Shops 2

We�ve discussed the debate about which would be better to get your car serviced or repaired if your DIY skills simply can�t get the job done. There wasn�t really any conclusion, especially since we�re mostly concerned about online auto repair manuals in this blog.

We�ve mentioned that it is way cheaper to go to independent repair shops for periodic maintenance, servicing and repair. Why? That�s because the mechanics at independent shops charge much less when it comes to labor costs. The rates, according to an AutoMD.com study, are around 20 percent lower at independents on average.

What you get with the higher cost of labor at dealerships is expertise. The mechanics and staff at dealerships know their $#!+. Aside from intensive brand-specific training, they also have access to the complete range of OEM info for the manufacturer�s vehicles. Plus, dealerships are currently privy to some exclusive error codes that will be essential in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of certain problems.

Of course, many people prefer the personal contact they get when dealing with their mechanic of choice. It�s true that you only get to talk to receptionists at dealerships in most cases, so you might want to get the personal reassurance from your mechanic when something goes wrong in your vehicle.

The thing here is that both independent repair shops and high-priced dealerships have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It�s really up to you to choose where you want to get your car serviced or repaired when you can�t do the task yourself. We still prefer DIY, of course, but sometimes you really have to go get some professional help. When that happens, we hope you consider all your options carefully so you can decide on the best route to take.

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