When it is under warranty, you take it to the dealer. When the warranty expires, you take it to a reputable mechanic (not necessarily big shop or fancy building) unless you are qualified to do the work yourself.
I do all my own work unless it's something that takes expensive specialty tools that I don't have and can't rent.
Other than that, it's more about knowing someone who is competent to do the work regardless of where they work. If you don't know anything about them, a dealer has the best chance of getting someone competent. They are also the most expensive.
For basic maintenance like you are asking about, the kid down the street might be a good choice. They'd probably be cheap and could do basic maintenance stuff. They might even be fine doing more advanced work. It's about knowing them and trusting that they are responsible.
Going to someone who doesn't work at a shop also saves money on parts since shops mark up the price for parts by a fair amount.
Being a professional doesn't mean much. Neither does being certified. Certifications indicate that they have some minimal knowledge. But that doesn't make them a good mechanic.
If you find a mechanic that you like and trust, stick with them.
I handle the majority of my auto maintenance myself. I used to work as a mechanic, and I'm trained to do that sort of work, provided I have the tools & equipment necessary to do so.
If it's a major repair that I genuinely can't do on my own, which is rare, then I would take me vehicle to an independent shop, but only a reputable one. Having worked for a dealership in the past, I can tell you that they overcharge for the same quality of work.
I take my vehicles to a former student of my mom's. He's expensive but I've never had to take a vehicle back because he didn't do the work right and he always gives my vehicles top priority. It's nice not having to wait a few days for the work to get done.
@SabinaV I don't. My Tesla does not need routine maintenance. If something needs replalcing/repaired, I have a Tesla Certified body shop, that does everything for my car, and their work is impeccable.
We take our vehicles to a locally owned independent tire and repair shop in downtown Sarasota. Been friends of ours for years and do great work and no ripoff pricing to any customer.
My vehicle is only just over a year old. Being it is as cheap to take it into the dealer to have it seviced as it is the corner shop. I take it back to the dealer for the time being.
We have a family-owned and run- three generations- in our neighborhood that does all our work. If it's a warrantee fix, yes, I have to go to the dealer.
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When it is under warranty, you take it to the dealer. When the warranty expires, you take it to a reputable mechanic (not necessarily big shop or fancy building) unless you are qualified to do the work yourself.
I do all my own work unless it's something that takes expensive specialty tools that I don't have and can't rent.
Other than that, it's more about knowing someone who is competent to do the work regardless of where they work. If you don't know anything about them, a dealer has the best chance of getting someone competent. They are also the most expensive.
For basic maintenance like you are asking about, the kid down the street might be a good choice. They'd probably be cheap and could do basic maintenance stuff. They might even be fine doing more advanced work. It's about knowing them and trusting that they are responsible.
Going to someone who doesn't work at a shop also saves money on parts since shops mark up the price for parts by a fair amount.
Being a professional doesn't mean much. Neither does being certified. Certifications indicate that they have some minimal knowledge. But that doesn't make them a good mechanic.
If you find a mechanic that you like and trust, stick with them.
I handle the majority of my auto maintenance myself. I used to work as a mechanic, and I'm trained to do that sort of work, provided I have the tools & equipment necessary to do so.
If it's a major repair that I genuinely can't do on my own, which is rare, then I would take me vehicle to an independent shop, but only a reputable one. Having worked for a dealership in the past, I can tell you that they overcharge for the same quality of work.
I take my vehicles to a former student of my mom's. He's expensive but I've never had to take a vehicle back because he didn't do the work right and he always gives my vehicles top priority. It's nice not having to wait a few days for the work to get done.
@SabinaV I don't. My Tesla does not need routine maintenance. If something needs replalcing/repaired, I have a Tesla Certified body shop, that does everything for my car, and their work is impeccable.
We take our vehicles to a locally owned independent tire and repair shop in downtown Sarasota. Been friends of ours for years and do great work and no ripoff pricing to any customer.
Some things I do myself, for some I go to local car services. I see no point in paying stealership prices for a used car out of manufacturer warranty.
All services, repairs, fuel, and other expenses associated with my work vehicle are covered, so I never have to worry about that.
I have a good relationship with the dealer I bought the car from. That's where I always take it.
Five auto mechanic in my family. I take my car to one of them.
My vehicle is only just over a year old. Being it is as cheap to take it into the dealer to have it seviced as it is the corner shop. I take it back to the dealer for the time being.
We have a family-owned and run- three generations- in our neighborhood that does all our work. If it's a warrantee fix, yes, I have to go to the dealer.
we have our own trusted mechanics... been with them for years now
I take my truck to either the dealership where I bought it or there is a local place that has certified mechanics and good service.
I usually end up taking it to a chain mechanic shop like Midas, but not Firestone.
" Prevent" what, I wonder. I refuse to own a car. And on the motorbike I do the service myself.
a service shop i trust. cause "average shops" are scammers and dealeships are drastically overpriced.
I take it to Jill the dyke. Her fathers fathers father worked on cars and so did she. She also changes your brakes for free if you eat her out.
To a trusted mechanic that owns his own shop.
I take it to a reputable service shop. The dealership is way too expensive.
I change my own oil and filter. It’s easy enough and cheaper than taking it to the shop.
I take it to my dad. 🤣
Into my garage
Same dealership I bought it from.
I don't drive and I have no vehicle.
My driveway.
The dealership