buying a car that is affordable to own

Most new car owners use their dealership for service work while under warranty. This approach makes sense since warranty coverage doesn't usually apply to third-party repair shops. In many cases, dealerships may also provide free routine maintenance as long as you use them for service, making this an even better deal.

But what should you do when your warranty runs out? It's tempting to consider potentially cheaper third-party mechanics, but there are plenty of reasons to continue to use your dealership's service department. This article will discuss three of the most compelling arguments for continuing to service your car at your dealership, even when your warranty runs out.

1. Expertise and Certification

Manufacturers maintain some form of a certified training program for their mechanics. These certifications go above and beyond typical ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications with the goal of training technicians to diagnose and repair specific makes and models. In addition to training, manufacturer-specific programs also require a certain number of hours of experience.

While mechanics with these certifications may work elsewhere, you can be sure to find many of them at your dealership's service department. As a result, you can be confident that the technicians working on your car will provide an accurate diagnosis the first time around. Faster, more accurate diagnostics can be especially helpful when you're paying for your repairs out-of-pocket.

2. Diagnostic Equipment

All modern cars use OBD-II to track and report vehicle faults. You can reliably read OBD-II data with cheap, readily available scanners. This standardized system provides a significant amount of diagnostic information, but many manufacturers have gone above and beyond. These cars use proprietary diagnostic systems, which can store and record drastically more data.

Unfortunately, proprietary diagnostic systems also often require high-end, expensive equipment. Many third-party shops may not have access to this equipment, limiting their ability to quickly and reliably diagnose problems. Dealerships will always have access to this diagnostic equipment, guaranteeing they have the most data available to solve your problem.

3. Genuine Parts and Service

Do you want to do everything you can to maintain your car's long-term resale value? One excellent option is to ensure that you have complete service records. Many buyers may prefer a vehicle that's received genuine parts and service from an authorized dealership. This seemingly small advantage can mean that a buyer may decide to purchase your car instead of a lower-priced alternative.

While it's always nice to save a few dollars, spending the extra money to utilize your dealership's service department can mean faster, more reliable service and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that experts are working on your car. These advantages can be invaluable even after your warranty period ends.

For more information on auto repair and maintenance, contact a dealership near you.