Where should you get your car serviced - at an auto shop or a dealership?

A vehicle is a major investment that requires constant care and attention. And when it comes to delivering that care, drivers can choose to go to the dealership where they got the car, a big name auto repair centre, or a local independent auto shop.  

With so many options, research is key to getting good service at a pricepoint that works for you. In general, dealerships have a reputation as being more expensive than an independent auto shop. But do dealerships charge more because they offer better service? In addition to being cost-conscious, you also want to be sure you’re getting qualified and reliable service.  

This article will examine the differences between dealerships and auto shops so you can decide which one’s right for you and your beloved car.  

When should you bring your car to the dealership  

It may be wise to bring your vehicle to the dealership to be serviced if your car is:  

• Under warranty  
  If your car is still under warranty, a dealership may be your best bet for repairs. While car warranties don’t typically cover routine maintenance (like oil changes or seasonal tire changes), they do cover things like vehicle recalls and repairs (such as problems with brakes or the engine) at no cost to you. It’s important to note that while you don’t have to bring your car back to the dealership to do scheduled maintenance, you will have to keep good records if you go to an independent auto shop. If you don’t, you risk having your warranty voided. Your car warranty only protects you if you can prove you’ve been properly maintaining the vehicle.   

• A high-end car model 
  Another example of when it might be best to take your car to a dealership is if you have a very high-end vehicle like a Lexus or Mercedes Benz. The only way to really ensure you get genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is by getting your car repaired at the dealership.  
  Related: The Fast and the Curious: Should you buy a sports car? 

• A specialty vehicle  
  Newer car types, like electric vehicles and hybrids, may require special training, advanced technology and specialized parts to make repairs. An independent auto shop may not have access to the technology and resources to properly repair newer, more advanced vehicles. 

When should you bring your car to an auto shop 

Your friendly neighbourhood auto shop is an excellent option in the following circumstances.  

• General maintenance  
  When you’re just doing uncomplicated general maintenance like oil changes, brake repairs, wheel alignments or oil changes, an auto shop is a good bet.  These basic types of repairs don’t require advanced technology or specialized, hard to find parts so your local auto mechanic can do a good job.  
• Car is off warranty  
  As noted previously, your warranty won’t be voided if you don’t go back to the dealer to get repairs. However, you do risk voiding the warranty if the repairs are not done properly or if you don’t keep receipts and good records of the repairs. When your vehicle is no longer under warranty, independent shops can be a more practical, cost-effective choice especially since you no longer have to worry about voiding the warranty.  

Is it more expensive to bring your car to the dealership or to an auto body shop?  

Overall, dealerships have a reputation of being more expensive for repairs than independent shops. According to the J.D. Power 2024 Canada Customer Service Index, the average cost of a dealership visit increased to $465 in 2024 from $432 the previous year. The average independent shop visit rose to $273 from $262.  

This suggests that dealership fees are as much as nearly double what you’d pay at independent repair shops, and increasing at a faster rate. 

Independent auto shops often source aftermarket parts, which can save you a significant amount of money. Dealerships will only use proprietary, genuine OEM parts, which are more expensive. Independent auto shops also tend to have lower labour and overhead operating costs and these savings are then passed on to the customer.  

When it comes to repairing such an expensive, indispensable asset as your car, the focus should not only be on cost, but even more so on a mechanic’s reliability, says Mark Whinton, creator of the Carquestions Youtube channel.  

“Finding a good mechanic that will actually fix your problem the first time is tough,” he says. “Once a mechanic explains to you what the problem is, you need to ask if the repair will fix your problem 100%.”  

If the answer is anything other than a ‘yes’, says Whinton, you should find another mechanic.  

“Remember, you’re paying someone good money to fix the problem, you’re not paying them to simply "try" to fix the problem,” he adds. 

Related: How to make sure that the car you're buying is not stolen? 

Will your insurance company accept all repair centres?  

Generally, as long as you’re getting your car serviced for a repair that falls under the terms of your insurance coverage, you can pick the shop, though your insurance provider may require you to get repair estimates.  

Your insurer may also have a list of “preferred repair shops” that they recommend. These mechanics have been pre-vetted by your insurance company to ensure they are reliable and do quality repairs. It’s possible that, since these shops want to keep their “recommended” status with your insurer, your car may get repaired more quickly than it would at a “non-recommended” shop.  

Read next: This is how the car you drive affects your insurance rate