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Local garages vs authorised service centres –How to choose?

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Published on September 20, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Cars and bikes are a complex mix of electrical and mechanical components prone to wear and tear, and the effects of natural elements, requiring regular servicing to ensure optimal performance. Moreover, if they meet with an accident, they might require repairs or replacements of parts. Either way, you might face a dilemma when it comes to choosing between a local garage or an authorised service centre for the job.

While most might argue that authorised service centresare a safer bet, let's make the case for the local garage first.

Local garage – Pros

• Labour costs

Local garages are more affordable than authorised service centres. They will keep your expenses in check. Regular or routine maintenance services such as oil changes, filter cleaning, replacing of common parts can be done at the local garage, provided they use the original, manufacturer-recommended materials. Cost of oil and parts would be the same at an authorised service centre, but labour costs will be significantly less at the local garage.

• Freebies

If you head to a local garage for regular maintenance work, you can build a rapport with the staff there, who would appreciate your regular business, and throw in a few freebies now and then. While you're already paying a lower amount, you're also getting other incentives to continue getting your vehicle serviced locally.

• Specialisation is not an issue

There are independent workshops that specialise in premium cars, or single brand cars, so specialisation is not restricted to authorised service centres. Of course, you need to do your research and make sure that the people there know what they're doing. While some brands have specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), there is standardisation across a lot of other servicing elements.

• Cons

Local garages often employ those who are Jacks of all trades, and masters of none. Which is why, specific issues pertaining to your car, model, or brand, may not be serviceable at your local garage. They will probably apply the trial-and-error method to fix a problem, which is not the recommended course of action. You might get counterfeit parts fitted to your car in the name of the original, only to have more problems further down the line

For instance, a cashless garage facility can provide peace of mind in such situations. If you're unfamiliar with this service, check out this article on Cashless Garage Facility: How is it Important.

Local garages are usually under-equipped, or behind authorised service centres in terms of technological pedigree. Manufactures often introduce updates that your local garage may not be equipped to handle. There is no standardisation of service across local garages. Incorrect servicing may also void your car's warranty.

And that is why authorised service centres are almost always the recommended choice.

Authorised service centres - Pros

1. Experts

The professionals employed at authorised service centres have in-depth knowledge about different cars, makes and models, and their intricacies. They know what exactly needs to be done. There is no trial and error, as a result of which, the servicing or repair work is precise and assured.

2. Quality

There is always a difference in the quality of work between someone who “thinks” they're on the right track, and someone who “knows”they are. Take something as fundamental as the paintingof your car, for instance. Repainting a portion of the car with the same paint can have varying results at a local garage, versus the consistent seamless reproduction at an authorised service centre.

3. State-of-the-art

Companies keep upgrading their technology, leading to incredibly complex systems in cars, such as the ECU, ignition, and in-car infotainment systems. Service centres are equipped to deal with challenges involving newer technologies, which local garages might not be able to.

4. Resale attractiveness

If you intend to sell your car later, having a history of authorised service centres is more attractive than having multiple local garages in your service history. Local garage servicing is often untraceable, and therefore, an unknown territory that prospective buyers would treat with caution.

5. Warranty

New cars must certainly go to the authorised service centre, to preserve their warranty.

Authorised service centres – Cons

You might not be allowed near your car once they take it in for servicing or repair. You will simply need to trust them, but it's worth it. Also, the workload might be high at a good authorised service centre, which can lead to slight delays in servicing.But then again, a lot of demand means you can trust them. And the cost of labour is usually higher than at local garages, but you can rest assured of better work quality.

Final verdict

After taking all the pros and cons into account, it is easy to see that authorised service centres are a better choice than local garages, whether your vehicle needs regular servicing or major repairs. Service centres are especially the only choice for new vehicles that are still under warranty. Premium cars, too, must go to authorised workshops only.

Now that you know where to go, make sure your car insurance policyis adequate and valid as well. That is because it will cover you financially in case your car gets damaged in an accident, natural calamity or fire. To choose the best car insurance policy in India, go for an insurer that has a wide network of garages, a high settlement claim ratio, and offers roadside assistance. Make sure they have a smooth settlement process too.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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