20 Car Services Better Handled Outside the Dealership
If you return to your car dealership for maintenance and repair services, you’re probably spending more than you need to.
Savvy car owners know that some tasks are better handled by independent mechanics or even tackled at home. With a bit of knowledge and the right connections, you can save a significant amount of money over the life of your vehicle.
Here’s a look at the services you should avoid getting done at a dealership.
Oil Changes
Oil changes at a dealership are often priced significantly higher than at independent service shops. While dealerships use quality oil, the same can be found at reputable independent mechanics for a fraction of the cost. The extra money spent at a dealership doesn’t necessarily translate to better service or products.
Tire Rotations
Tire rotations are a simple service that can be performed by any qualified mechanic, often as part of a package deal with other services. Dealerships tend to overcharge for this basic maintenance task, even though it’s straightforward and quick. Save money by opting for a local tire shop or independent mechanic who can do the job just as well.
Brake Pad Replacement
Replacing brake pads at a dealership can be unnecessarily expensive. Independent mechanics often offer the same high-quality brake pads and service for much less. Since brake pad replacement is a routine job, there’s no need to pay dealership premiums when you can get the same result for less elsewhere.
Battery Replacement
Battery replacements at a dealership come with a hefty markup, both on the battery itself and the labor involved. Most auto parts stores offer free battery installation when you purchase a battery from them, making the dealership’s price seem exorbitant. The process is straightforward and can be handled just as effectively at an independent shop.
Wiper Replacement
Windshield wipers are one of the easiest components to replace, yet dealerships often charge a premium for this simple service. You can easily purchase high-quality wipers from any auto parts store and install them yourself in minutes.
Air Filter Replacement
Replacing an air filter is another quick and easy task that dealerships often overcharge for. Most air filters can be swapped out in less than five minutes, with the part itself costing just a few dollars.
Tire Replacement
Dealerships are known for marking up tire prices, often charging significantly more than tire shops or online retailers. The installation fee at a dealership can also be higher, making tire replacement a costly affair. It’s usually more economical to purchase tires from a specialty tire shop that offers competitive pricing and installation deals.
Engine Diagnostics
While dealerships have sophisticated diagnostic tools, so do many independent mechanics who charge much less for the same service. The cost of engine diagnostics at a dealership can be inflated, even though the process is often automated and quick. Independent shops can often provide the same diagnostic results at a fraction of the price.
Transmission Fluid
Changing the transmission fluid is an essential maintenance task, but dealerships often charge a premium for this service. The procedure is routine and can be performed by any qualified mechanic, usually at a much lower cost.
Coolant Flush
A coolant flush is necessary to keep your engine running smoothly, but dealerships often inflate the cost of this basic service. Independent mechanics can perform a coolant flush with the same quality of coolant for much less. There’s no advantage to having this done at a dealership.
Spark Plugs
Replacing spark plugs is a straightforward job that dealerships often charge too much for. The parts themselves are inexpensive, and the labor involved is minimal. Independent mechanics can replace your spark plugs with the same quality parts and service, often for half the price of a dealership.
Bulb Replacement
Changing a headlight or taillight bulb is a simple task that doesn’t require the expertise of a dealership technician. Dealerships often charge exorbitant fees for this basic service, even though the bulbs themselves are inexpensive. You can easily replace these bulbs yourself.
Fuel Injector Cleaning
Fuel injector cleaning is often upsold at dealerships as a necessary service, but it’s not always needed as frequently as they suggest. Independent mechanics can perform this service for much less, and often, it’s not required unless you’re experiencing specific performance issues. Before agreeing to this service, get a second opinion from an independent shop.
Alignment Checks
While dealerships can perform alignment checks, their prices are often higher than those of specialized alignment shops. These shops have the same high-quality equipment and can offer the service at a lower price.
Detailing Services
Detailing your car at a dealership can cost significantly more than at an independent detailer. While the dealership may offer convenience, the quality of the detailing isn’t necessarily superior. Independent detailers often provide the same or better service at a lower cost.
Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your key fob is a simple task that dealerships often charge a premium for. Most key fob batteries are inexpensive and can be replaced in minutes, even by someone with little technical knowledge. Save money by purchasing a replacement battery online.
Paint Protection
Dealerships frequently offer paint protection packages that include waxing, sealing, or other treatments, often at a high price. These services are typically marked up significantly compared to what you’d pay at an independent auto detailer. The same level of protection can be achieved for less by going directly to a professional detailing service.
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensors are critical for your car’s performance, but dealerships often overcharge for their replacement. The part itself is relatively inexpensive, and the installation is straightforward, making it a service that can easily be done by an independent mechanic.
Battery Cleaning
Battery terminal cleaning is a simple maintenance task that some dealerships offer as part of a larger service package, often inflating the overall cost. This quick job can be done at home with basic tools or by a local mechanic for a fraction of the price.
Air Conditioning
Recharging your car’s air conditioning at a dealership can be expensive compared to independent shops. This service is often straightforward and doesn’t require dealership-level expertise. You can find the same quality of service at local mechanics who charge much less.
Josh Dudick
Josh is a financial expert with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street as a senior market strategist and trader. His career has spanned from working on the New York Stock Exchange floor to investment management and portfolio trading at Citibank, Chicago Trading Company, and Flow Traders.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business. He has held multiple professional licenses during his career, including FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 55, Nasdaq OMX, Xetra & Eurex (German), and SIX (Swiss) trading licenses. Josh served as a senior trader and strategist, business partner, and head of futures in his former roles on Wall Street.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh currently holds areas of expertise in investing, wealth management, capital markets, taxes, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
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