Van Pools Blog

By Gene Lewis
VPSI’s Fleet Engineering Services Manager

So now your vehicle is past the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper coverage and you need mechanical service, such as front brake pads or finding the annoying rattle that is over powering your newest CD. The question now becomes where do you take your vehicle; the dealership or the independent shop? I personally tend to overlook the convenience factor and go right for the choice that is kindest to my wallet. That choice is independent repair shops.

Let me define my take on what an independent repair shop is. Basically any shop that is not supported by a vehicle manufacture brand, qualifies as an independent repair shop (for example Firestone, Goodyear, PepBoys and Belle Tire, just to name a few).

Based on a recently conducted study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average 34% more at a dealership when compared to the same service performed by an Independent shop. Click here to read more about the study released by AAIA.