Which is Better: Dealerships or Auto Body Repair Shops?
Auto Body Shop in Surrey, BC
A vehicle accident can be a very stressful experience, especially when you have to decide what to do if your car has been damaged. When you’re searching for the right place to take your car for repairs, you have two main options to choose from: dealerships or auto body repair shops. While both can offer professional service, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision.
Do Dealerships Do Collision Repair?
While many car dealerships have a staff of technicians on hand who are qualified to perform collision repair, they may not always offer this service. Dealerships tend to specialize in new and used car sales, so their focus is often more on offering services that appeal to customers looking to buy a car. Many dealerships offer auto repair services, but collision damage is a specialized area that many will outsource to an auto body repair shop.
Do Dealerships Do Body Work?
Many car dealerships can perform body work, but only for makes and models of cars that they sell. If your car is not a model that the dealership carries, they may not be able to do any needed body work. Additionally, dealerships often focus more on repairs that are aesthetic or cosmetic rather than structural. This means that if your car needs extensive repair work, a dealership may not be the best choice for you. Plus, a dealership may charge you more than an auto body shop if they think the repair will take a lengthy amount of time.
Are Dealership Mechanics Better?
Just because a mechanic works at a dealership does not mean that they are necessarily better than a mechanic at an auto body shop. A lot of car dealerships have multiple mechanics and technicians on hand, but some may not be as experienced or knowledgeable as those from a specialized auto repair shop. This means that there’s no guarantee that you’re getting the best service available when taking your car to a dealership for repairs.
Dealership vs. Auto Body Repair Shop: Determining Factors
There are three main factors to consider when choosing between a dealership and an auto body repair shop: price, experience, and parts.
- Price: Typically, a repair from an auto body shop will be less expensive than a repair from a dealership. This is due to several reasons, such as the dealership having an overhead or certain parts being more expensive.
- Experience: While many dealership mechanics only work with a set number of makes and models, auto body repair shops typically employ technicians with a wide range of experience from different car manufacturers. This gives you the assurance that any repairs they make will be done correctly by someone who is familiar with your vehicle type.
- Parts: Auto body shops generally have access to most parts, but dealerships may be able to get their hands on specialty pieces more easily. This can come in handy if you need a specific part that is hard to find.
Contact Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. Today
At Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd., we strive to provide the best service when it comes to collision repair. We are dedicated to making sure our customers get the most out of their visit and are completely satisfied with their auto body repair. Contact us today for more information about our services.