Should You Be Able To Avoid The Dealer When Repairing Your Car?

Many owners choose to use their own mechanic, rather than the dealership, to maintain and repair their vehicles.  While dealerships maintain they should be notified, for statistical reporting’s sake, when certain repairs are made, the consumer is forced to spend the extra money and time for the automaker’s convenience.

In some late-model cars, for instance, the immobilizer activates if the battery dies. Since independent shops can’t access security-system information, the car must be taken to a dealer for reprogramming. Similarly, some ignition systems use keys that contain computer chips — if there’s a problem with the key, or the ignition, only the dealer is authorized to fix it. Given how common dead batteries and damaged keys are, this can leave drivers in a serious and costly lurch — forget calling a mobile locksmith or having AAA tow you to a nearby service station. And heaven forbid you break down on a remote road, or on a Friday night when the dealer doesn’t open until Monday.

Lawmakers and citizens’ groups are attempting to remedy the situation, but unfortunatly both sides have real merit.  Convenience and safety are both important, so it will be important to closely monitor the coming decisions.  AutoWarranties.com will keep you abreast of any news on this issue.

See Also

• The Dealers’ Choice
  Carmakers thwart neighborhood mechanics and foil drivers, critics say, by withholding information needed for repairs.