Independent garages a worthy alternative
Re Dealer’s Voice — Independent garages not always the best option for car repairs and maintenance, June 11 This is in response to the article by Bob Redinger. My name is Mark Lemay and I have worked in new car dealerships (15 years) and independent repair shops (15 years). I have worked as both a technician and in different management roles including service manager at a GM dealer.
I am troubled by several of Redinger’s statements. He writes:
“Dealerships invest thousands of dollars each year in skills upgrading, so that technicians can accurately diagnose and repair specific nameplates. They have instant access to the latest diagnostic software and engineering expertise, direct from the manufacturer.”
This may be true, but it does not mean that the aftermarket doesn’t do likewise. Aftermarket shops have access to top-quality training from both Canadian and U.S.-based training organizations. Many aftermarket shops invest heavily in training.
“Dealerships have a complete set of special tools and repair equipment that is always being added to, which independent garages cannot match.”
Aftermarket shops have equally sophisticated tools and equipment.
“Dealerships don’t send customers away to have their vehicles fixed elsewhere. When independent garages can’t fix a problem, they send the customer to us.”
This is not accurate. As an aftermarket specialist, we are sometimes called to look at vehicles that a dealership is unable to repair. By the time we are called, the car has generally been back to the dealer several times and the customer wants the car fixed. Taking the car to the dealer is no guarantee that it will be repaired properly. That being said, the aftermarket is willing to admit when perhaps a dealer is a better choice. This would typically be a case where the failure is covered under warranty and the customer’s pocketbook would be best served by having the dealer repair the vehicle.
“Dealerships are interested in forming long-term relationships with customers. A customer who is satisfied with a dealership’s level of service will be more inclined to buy a new car from that store, or refer others for sales and service. In this respect, service work serves as a major retention tool for dealership.”
This is true, and service is a huge revenue stream for the new car dealer. They do not want to lose that revenue to the aftermarket. The aftermarket is equally invested in maintaining customer vehicles. In fact, the aftermarket may be more interested in maintaining your vehicle as it has no interest in selling a new car. When it comes to relationships with customers at aftermarket repair shops, the technicians and shop staff get to know their customers and usually the same technician works on their vehicle. Not so at a dealership.
I agree with Redinger when he states vehicles are very sophisticated. However, I disagree that the only place to get new vehicles properly diagnosed is the dealer. The aftermarket is more than capable of getting the job done.
Redinger also has some basis for his comment about the aftermarket not investing in skills updating (training). Some aftermarket shops, not all, choose not to update their technicians. These shops should be avoided at all costs. If you are not sure where your independent shop falls when it comes to training, simply ask to see their training certificates. If they have been attending training and are up to date, they will have the certificates.
There is something else that customers should consider. If the aftermarket ceases to exist, there will be no alternative to getting your car fixed. This will take pressure off of the dealer to keep repair costs reasonable. Repairs are expensive and will only increase if the competitive pressure is removed. Competition benefits the consumer.
The best advice is to find a repair facility you trust and give them your business, whether an aftermarket repair shop or a new car dealership. Mark Lemay, Auto Aide Technical Services, Barrie Re Kenzie crowned king again at fifth
EcoRun, June 18 I was stunned to read that Jim Kenzie only got 35 km on the Chevrolet Volt before the engine cut in.
I have a 2017 model and I get up to 119 km, showing that I can drive on the battery each morning and I’ve actually checked the accuracy and it’s pretty close. My 2013 gave me about 70 km. And I drove it 65,000 km. Must have been a bummer or he has an unusually heavy foot. This is without a doubt the best plug-in hybrid car on the market. I love it! Wm. M. Pomeroy Norval, Ont. Re Top 10 dog-friendly vehicles, June 18 I read with interest the article by Sami Haj-Assaad on the top 10 dogfriendly vehicles. Although he talks a lot about the styles of the vehicles to accommodate a variety of different dogs, nowhere does he talk about the safety of these animals, with the exception of a one-line reference to a study done by Subaru with regard to animal crates. As an adult volunteer with Toronto Police Service, I run a program called BARC (Buckle Up Animal Restraint Control). This article greatly disturbed me.
My first concern is with regard to the accompanying photograph of a dog happily sticking his head out of the car window. Although dogs love feeling the wind in their faces, this is very dangerous. Not only can dust and particles fly into the dog’s eyes, causing injury, but the wind dries out the moisture in the dog’s eyes, making them susceptible to infection.
The second concern is that he makes no mention of animal restraints, which protects all the occupants of the vehicle. Although it is lovely that the vehicles he describes can accommodate the comfort of the animals, he makes no mention of their safety. You would never let a child into the car without securing them in a car seat or seat belt. An animal that is free to roam around in a vehicle is not only a distraction but has the potential to become a projectile in a sudden stop and or rollover accident. Not only will they be injured, but they can also cause injury to the other occupants of the vehicle.
There are a number of animal restraints on the market, from crates to harnesses, that will secure our pets and keep them from being a distraction and/or a projectile. It is remarkable to me, when I do my information/education programs at events around the city, how many people are unaware that these items are available. I have not yet met anyone who didn’t think they were a great idea.