5 Reasons to Choose a Dealership Over an Independent Service Center

There’s a myth in the automotive industry that going to an independent service center is much less expensive than going to a dealership. However, that just isn’t always the case. The Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson Service Team is dedicated to providing high-quality service at costs that are competitive with independent service centers. We can also offer things that they might not be able to, like factory-specified fluids and technicians trained by the same engineers that created your vehicle.    

Factory-Specified Fluids

Many people think that all fluids are created equal and that engine oil is the same, whether it’s from your local parts store or the dealership. However, for many fluids like coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and oil, manufacturers create versions that work optimally in their vehicles. That usually doesn’t mean you need those fluids but choosing to use factory-specified lubricants and hydraulic fluids can provided added reliability and longevity to sensitive components. 

Factory-Trained Technicians

It’s not just factory fluids that make a difference. Specialized training provided by the manufacturer is learning experience you can only get when you work for a dealership. That’s not to say that technicians at independent shops aren’t well-trained. However, they may not have access to the training tools and literature provided by the engineers that created the vehicles. Best practices for diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle so factory training is key in making sure the technicians at the Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson Service Center can keep your vehicle running great.

OEM Parts

Not all parts are created equal. Parts created by the OEM were built to the highest standard of quality, specifically for your vehicle. In order to preserve the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability, the parts are designed to last and work in perfect concert with the other vehicle systems. Parts used at independent shops aren’t always OEM—sometimes they’re simply OE replacement. That means the parts might serve the same purpose but could have issues with fitment and longevity. These parts are often less expensive, but often at the cost of quality. It’s best to protect your vehicle’s reliability and value by only using OEM parts. 

Specialty Tools

Each car manufacturer has best practices for creating vehicles. Sometimes this engineering requires special tools to perform services and repairs. The Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson service team prides itself on providing efficient and thorough service to its clients. One of the ways we can get clients in and out faster than independent service centers is the availability of the right tools for the job. Many independent service centers don’t have access to all of these tools. This may cause technicians to reach for tools that aren’t as efficient or that can damage parts or hardware. 

Easy Scheduling

Independent service centers have various ways to schedule an appointment, but the Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson team makes it easy. You can schedule your next appointment online, give us a call at 855-215-2723 or visit our service center at 1 Olympic Place Suite 1120, Towson, MD 21204.