Car Maintenance

car maintenance
Dealer or independent garage For Car maintenance?

I need new bakes and a blower motor, should I just take my car to the dealer or would an independent garage be just as sufficient?

Do you think the dealers price would be about the same as an independent garage?

Typically dealers charge more per hour than an independent garage. With this being said there are pros and cons to selecting either one. Shops use labor guides to estimate how long a particular job takes. Almost all mechanics (with skill) can get jobs done much faster than the guides show. Most dealerships charge you the full amount of time for the repair even if the mechanic finishes it in half the allotted time. Independent shops use more discretion in this area. If a mechanic at an independent shop knows he can get the job done in 2 hours instead if 4 like the guide states he may only charge you three hours. Another area where shops make revenue mark up on the parts. With this being said finding a good mechanic is in some ways like finding a good dentist or Dr. although not as important. I would suggest you look for an independent mechanic that specializes in your types if cars (Japanese, German). Unfortunately this is going to take some work in your part. For the most part all mechanics are honest and fair although if there are unscrupulous ones out there it happens more often with the independent shops. Large dealers have too much to lose to cheat their clients. Remember unethical mechanics are really few and far between the overwhelming majority of mechanics are hard working and honest people trying to make a living.