Should I use main dealer or independent servicing

No matter what car you drive, you’ll need to get it serviced regularly. That’s because it’ll help to solve any problems before they get serious, potentially saving you a packet.

 However, at a time when the cost of maintaining a car has increased by an eye-watering 33% in a decade, many drivers are debating whether it’s best to take their car to a main dealership or visit an independent garage for routine maintenance.

Most modern cars require a full service every year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), which typically involves changing the oil and filters, plus checks on various components required to keep the engine running correctly. Some manufacturers also recommend that cars receive an interim service at 6,000 miles or six months.

Despite the importance of keeping cars properly maintained, there’s still plenty of confusion over where to take your car for a service while protecting its warranty, and about the experience you’re likely to receive. 

Main dealers, high street chains or independent garages: which is cheapest?

It’s widely believed that the independent garages are able to charge less for work compared to a main dealer as the smaller company will have less overheads, such as more expensive rent and a higher staff number, and the ability to use cheaper components that aren’t produced by the car’s manufacturer. 

Fast-fit chains of garages, such as Halfords and Kwik Fit, can be a good bet for drivers looking to get the best deal on car maintenance. While these chains feature similarly skilled technicians to an independent garage, like a main dealer, they typically offer flat rates for servicing that are based on the type of car the customer has.

Independent garages usually offer flexible prices based on the amount of work that’s needed. Garage price comparison websites, such as Book My Garage and RAC Car Care can offer quotes for different types of services at garages within a certain distance from your postcode. They even offer reviews left by previous customers, helping you to find a reputable workshop.

An owner of a four-year-old Ford Fiesta 1.0T in Surrey would be charged £551 for a major service; however, the same work could be completed at an independent garage for between £208 and £290. There’s a similar disparity for older models, with a full-service on a 2015 Nissan Qashqai diesel in Leeds priced at £280 at a main dealer, rather than between £126 and £205.

That said, don’t dismiss the idea of getting your car serviced at a main dealer. Many companies offer discounts and promotions to encourage more customers, which could end up with a main dealer being the cheapest option. 

Some of these deals will be available to all owners, whereas others may require you to download the company’s free smartphone app. If you’re buying a new car, be sure to check whether the dealer is offering a complimentary servicing plan, which could cover the cost of maintenance for up to five years, depending on the manufacturer.

Main dealer vs independent servicing costs comparison

Main dealer or independent garage: which is better?

The experience you can expect when taking your car for a service at a main dealer will largely be determined by the company in question. According to our latest servicing satisfaction study, Lexus, Honda and Tesla offer the best maintenance experience: all score well for the quality of work conducted and the attitude of the staff.

However, no matter the company, by getting your car serviced at a main dealership, you can be sure that any new parts being fitted are manufacturer-approved, official parts  rather than cheaper aftermarket components that an independent garage or fast-fit chain may choose. 

Technicians who work at main dealers will also receive regular training directly from the manufacturer, meaning they’re more likely to have a stronger knowledge of the latest models the company builds. 

Finally, dealerships will likely have more modern equipment and information to aid vehicle maintenance, including diagnostic equipment that is regularly updated by the manufacturer. This can help main dealers quickly identify a wider range of faults your car may have.

However, the service that you’ll receive at most independent garages will still be very high. Technicians at these garages are often highly trained to solve a wide range of issues – particularly if they’re a specialist for a certain brand. Moreover, independent garages are often able to provide a far more personalised service than a main dealer or fast-fit chain, with mechanics more easily able to remember the specific needs of long-standing customers.

Are there any other perks to independent/main dealer garages?

Main dealers typically have a larger team of technicians and often have longer opening hours, meaning that you might find it easier to schedule the perfect timeslot compared to most independent garages. 

In some cases, main dealerships can also offer other amenities for customers, including making small tweaks, such as software updates or addressing any outstanding recalls the vehicle may have, and may even wash the car out of courtesy. 

That said, independent garages may be more flexible in allowing you to decide when to drop off and collect your car, and allow you to speak directly with the mechanics working on it. This can be particularly handy for drivers who have any specific requirements when getting their car serviced and a useful way to get advice to avoid breakdowns in the long run.

Will an independent service void my warranty?

It’s a popular belief that getting your car serviced at an independent garage will immediately void your warranty. Fortunately, this rumour is unfounded – but there are some measures drivers must check to maintain the manufacturer’s guarantee.

Under the EU’s Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER), which was kept by the UK following Brexit, car companies are unable to automatically void warranties on vehicles because they were not serviced by a main dealership. Nevertheless, the servicing must still be in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

That means it’s down to you to ensure  any independent garage you  choose uses the correct recommended replacement parts and fluids. You must also book your service within the recommended interval period and keep documentation of all maintenance work conducted to keep your warranty.

Whilst you’re unlikely to void your warranty by taking your vehicle to an independent garage for a service, a growing number of car manufacturers are launching extended warranty cover. Such schemes require you to get your car serviced annually at a main dealer in order to receive an extra year of warranty cover.

Peugeot currently offers the Allure Care scheme, featuring an eight-year or 100,000-mile (whichever comes first) extended warranty, on their range of electric models. However, in order to maintain the cover, drivers must get their car’s service completed within the brand’s network of approved garages every two years or 16,000 miles. Toyota offers a similar scheme.

Am I less likely to be overcharged if I use a main dealer?

Some drivers fear that using an independent garage for a service will likely result in them being significantly overcharged for unnecessary work to their car. Fortunately, most mechanics at independent garages are just as trustworthy as those used in main dealers, but there are a few things you can do to avoid paying more than you need to.

The easiest way to reduce the risk of being scammed by any kind of garage is by doing some research before you drop your car off. Many comparison services, along with broader review websites like Trustpilot, will feature ratings for each garage from previous clients – many of which leave descriptions of their experiences with the business.

You should also check to make sure that any independent garages you plan to use have any relevant certifications. The most common of these are Trust My Garage (TMG), which is run by RMI Standards and Certifications for the Independent Garage Association, and AA Certified Garages. Both certifications show that the garage in question has been audited to make sure that their working practices, training and customer services are up to scratch.

Do I have to get my electric car serviced at a main dealer?

No. Electric cars can be serviced at independent garages just like any other type of vehicle. That said, there are some differences in how they are maintained.

Since they lack fewer moving parts, electric cars typically require less frequent service intervals compared to petrol, diesel, and hybrid counterparts. Many manufacturers recommend intervals of 18,000 miles on their EVs, though owners should always check what the guidelines are for their car. 

Electric cars are generally easier to maintain, but, like any other type of car, will need checks to vital components, such as the brakes, tyres and wiper blades. Fluids, including the transmission oil, battery coolant and brake fluid, will also need to be checked and topped up if necessary. 

The biggest difference between servicing a combustion engine car and an EV is that the battery will need to be checked to ensure it can hold enough charge and that its cooling system is operating effectively.

Since less work typically has to be done to an electric car, servicing costs can be cheaper. However, not all mechanics at independent garages have the same level of training to work on EVs as a technician at the dealer the vehicle originally came from. Moreover, not all independent garages are currently able to maintain EVs, lacking some of the necessary equipment.

As a result, it’s always worth using a servicing comparison website to see which garages in your area are able to work on electric cars. Similarly, not all branches of fast-fit chains are currently capable of maintaining electric cars, so it’s best to call your local branch and check this first. 

In comparison, main dealers are often more capable of maintaining EVs, with many offering competitive prices. Using garage prices around Warwickshire, a full service on a 2020 Kia E-Niro costs less at a main dealer than a range of independent garages – priced at £107, rather than £108 to £195.

Can a main dealer service history improve my car’s value?

It’s common knowledge that a used car with a full service history is likely to fetch more money than the equivalent model with none. However, some drivers believe that a service book full of stamps from an independent garage could be a cause for concern. 

In many cases, it doesn’t make a huge amount of difference where a driver got their car serviced so long as the work was conducted properly and within the recommended intervals. If the car in question is well past its original warranty, many buyers would expect it to have been taken to an independent garage for maintenance for cost-saving reasons.

That said, some used car buyers might be somewhat weary of a luxury or high-performance model that was serviced at an independent garage, which could mean that it is fitted with lesser quality parts that were not made by the manufacturer. A lack of sophisticated diagnostics equipment for specialist models at some independent garages could also mean that some smaller faults could have gone under the radar, increasing the risk of larger repair bills later down the line. 

Advantages of main dealers and independent garages:

Advantages of main dealer servicing:

- Technicians receive regular training from the manufacturer, giving them a better understanding of potential issues with your model of car
- Only official replacement parts, or those made by the manufacturer will be used
- The workshop will feature the latest manufacturer-specific diagnostic equipment
- If the company sells electric cars, the dealers will be capable of servicing them – often at competitive prices
- Many offer deals and promotions or complimentary servicing plans that can reduce the cost of servicing
- Technicians can carry out other tasks, such as software updates
- Will help performance and luxury cars hold their value better

Advantages of independent garage servicing:

- Generally cheaper than a main dealer
- Prices are based on the work completed to the car – not a flat rate
- Most offer a more personalised service, allowing you to talk directly to the mechanic
- Will not void the manufacturer’s warranty (so long as the correct parts and fluids are fitted)
- Drivers can easily find each garage’s quotes and reputation via servicing price comparison websites

What Car? verdict

What Car? content editor, Jack Mortimer says, “There are no blanket rules to determine whether a main dealer or an independent garage will be the better location to get your car serviced. That said, one key deciding factor will be the age of the vehicle in question. 

“To make sure that the servicing is done to a good enough standard to protect the warranty without stressing over where parts were sourced, many owners of vehicles made less than five years ago like to take it to the dealership for maintenance. Meanwhile, drivers who have an older car will generally take it to an independent garage or fast-fit chain due to their generally lower prices.

“In order to find the best garage for you, you’ll need to put some time and effort into looking for quotes and the general reputation each garage has according to previous customers. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for any deals, too, which could ultimately be the deciding factor in who you choose.”

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