| It is well known that service departments at | | | | covered by the master warranty any repeat |
| auto dealers almost always charge more than | | | | repairs will be covered. But most auto dealer |
| small garages for most repairs. That's | | | | service departments warrant their work on |
| because in order to run a service department | | | | cars that are out of warranty. The warranties |
| at a dealership, the dealer must pay a fee to | | | | are usually specific to the repair and may |
| the auto maker. Naturally, they pass that | | | | cover parts, labor and rental car expenses. |
| cost along to consumers. For basic | | | | Small garages may also offer warranties, but |
| maintenance and small repairs, going to a | | | | the advantage of a service department |
| local garage will probably save you money. | | | | warranty is that it is usually good at any |
| However, for more complex repairs, a dealer's | | | | dealer of that make of car. |
| service department may be your best option. | | | | |
| Here's why. | | | | If the problem you're experiencing is the |
| | | | subject of a manufacturer's recall, a service |
| The mechanics who work in dealership service | | | | department mechanic will be more likely to |
| departments are highly trained in working | | | | know about it. Service departments at car |
| with specific makes of cars and some may even | | | | dealers typically run a check each time you |
| specialize by specific model. They are | | | | bring your vehicle in for service to |
| typically extensively trained by the | | | | determine whether a recall has been issued |
| manufacturer and frequently attend refresher | | | | for that make and model. Also, many car |
| training courses. If your car is experiencing | | | | manufacturers require that recall repairs be |
| a problem that's common to your make of car | | | | done by a service department. |
| but not common in others, a service | | | | |
| department mechanic trained in working with | | | | Finally, if your car needs to be in the shop |
| your specific make and model will have an | | | | for an extended period of time a service |
| easier time catching it than a local garage, | | | | department that's located on the same site as |
| whose limited training resources must be | | | | an auto dealer can offer you more convenient |
| spent on keeping up to date with many | | | | access to a rental car. Many service |
| different makes and models. | | | | departments have their own fleet of rentals. |
| | | | Or, if your car only needs to be in the shop |
| Also, almost without exception, service | | | | for a day or less, many service departments |
| departments offer some form of warranty on | | | | have a courtesy shuttle. |
| their work. Obviously, if the car is still | | | | |