As an adventure enthusiast, owning a car allows you year-round visits to various destinations on your bucket lists. Regular servicing and maintenance are also necessary to ensure your vehicle is in good condition for better performance and driving experience. You may get these services from your mechanic or car dealership service center. Regardless, we highly recommend a car dealership service center since they have factory-trained technicians for your car service needs. Besides, your car dealership offers genuine spare parts from your vehicle manufacturer.
Car dealership services include oil and filter changes, tire rotation and wheel alignment, new tire installation, and engine repair and service. Plus, these centers offer tire inspection, battery service, Toyota Express Maintenance, and auto detailing services. Below, we highlight why scheduling your car service and maintenance at a car dealership is essential.
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Adam Court
Factory-Trained Technicians
Car dealerships tend to employ technicians trained by automakers and who specialize in specific vehicle models. Most of these outlets also organize ongoing training programs for advisors, support staff, and service managers. Plus, they sponsor technicians’ training so these personnel are up to date on the latest vehicle modifications and repair methods.
Since factory-trained technicians know specific automaker models, car dealerships also offer incentives and higher wages to retain them. Local mechanics can also undergo training to be updated on the latest vehicle enhancements and receive Automotive Service Excellence certification. Similarly, factory technicians have ASE and automaker certifications, which are an added advantage.
That being said, local mechanics tend to have widespread knowledge of car service and maintenance, lowering the specialization level. This level may vary depending on the experience of the mechanic.
Service And Maintenance Guarantee
Your car dealership will carry out repairs and service for free if your car is still under warranty. Even so, the dealership must determine the specific issue before their technicians commence service. Your car dealership may also provide extended warranties from your automaker for your new or used car in Panama City.
Likewise, your local mechanic repair shop may give warranties on repairs and services. But rarely would they offer these for an extended timeframe like your car dealership would. What’s more, the mechanic’s repair shop warranty may cover either car parts or labor rather than both like your car dealership’s.
Another perk of contracting service to your car dealership is a professional service staff who can make recommendations depending on your car needs. Their factory-trained technicians also check the locations of the faulty components. And they’ll probably give future recommendations based on your automaker and service staff advisory.
Client Contentment
Your dealership’s technicians and support staff are, in a way, ambassadors of your automaker. So, they meet client needs and preferences and ensure top-notch standards. These are hallmarks of excellent customer service.
In contrast, your local mechanic shop is answerable to no authority besides you, the vehicle owner. But because they rely on referrals from their customers to keep thriving, you can expect decent service from them. Delivering satisfactory results is usually the only way they can maintain long-term relationships with their customers. Still, some local mechanic repair shops are incompetent.
Automaker Recalls And Technical Service Bulletins
Your car dealership gets notified first when your automaker recalls vehicles or distributes service bulletins — usually for a technical repair or problem. In fact, when you go for car service in Panama City, your car dealership technicians routinely assess any open recalls.
In the same vein, your local mechanic may access manufacturer technical service bulletins and recalls. Unfortunately, as these services are only available with a paid membership, not all mechanic repair shops subscribe. And you may still have to incur costs for servicing and repairs since your warranty may not be applicable there.
Genuine Automaker Car Parts
Servicing or repairing your car at a car dealership is perfect because they offer genuine car parts that meet your automaker’s standards. Additionally, you may get an annual mile warranty for service repairs and labor. Your automaker may also offer extended warranties and bear the labor costs at your car dealership.
Local mechanic repair shops may carry authentic car parts and offer aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts function similarly to genuine car parts but are cheaper. The downside of these aftermarket parts is that they may be substandard. This limitation is why we recommend getting the original equipment, as this saves money and preserves a car’s condition for long.
Performance Upgrades
Most car dealerships now provide performance upgrades for their customers, unlike in the past years where only mechanic repair shops offered customization upgrades. This new trend is due to increased demand for aftermarket parts in recent years. Nowadays, automakers have introduced performance upgrade services through their various car dealerships. And since the dealerships have factory-trained technicians, you’re assured that the modifications won’t affect your car warranty.
Excellent Facilities
Your car dealership boasts spacious facilities with more service bays than your local mechanic’s. They may also get start-up finances from the automaker, including equipment. Additionally, car dealerships are organized and maintained better. Plus, you may get further services, such as having your car washed before you have it back.
Convenience
If your car is still under warranty or a maintenance plan cover, you may go for services and repair at your car dealership. Some car service departments may offer a shuttle back to your location if it exceeds 5 miles. Sometimes they’ll provide you with a loaner car during the period it’ll take their technicians to complete service or repair. Most times, these vehicles are from the dealership.
Schedule Your Service And Maintenance With Panama City Toyota Service Center
Located in Panama City, Florida, our service center has state-of-the-art equipment and factory-trained Toyota technicians. They possess Toyota and ASE certifications and are also equipped with current technical service bulletins.
From a comfy waiting room to a multipoint service inspection, the Panama City service center is the ultimate go-to option for all your car needs. You may also go for new Toyota test drives if you plan to get a new model. Contact us today or schedule an appointment for your Toyota servicing and maintenance.
