When you purchase a European vehicle, you may think that all your service and maintenance needs to be completed at the dealership. This might be because you see it as more reliable, doesn’t void your warranty, and maybe even better for your resale value – but that isn’t always the case. When it comes to certain services and maintenance, taking your vehicle to the dealership can mean no difference in benefits and even a few drawbacks in comparison to work done at an independent shop.
European Vehicle Brake Repair
Naturally, after miles and miles on the road, it will come time for your brakes to get repaired or replaced. This can be the result of normal wear and tear or a specific issue that affects the brakes.
Spotting Brake Issues
Brake issues start to surface before you even begin to notice it, and especially before you notice a reduction in your vehicle’s ability to brake. When on the road, it’s important to pay attention to how the brakes are working. While your routine maintenance by a certified auto mechanic will be able to predict when you’ll need brake repairs and replacements, you can also take it into your own hands and look out for signs of wear and damage. Here’s what you should watch for:
- Brake Indicator Light is On. Of course, this is the most obvious sign that your brakes are in need of some attention. Once you see this indicator, prioritize taking your vehicle into the auto shop as soon as possible.
- Squealing, Squeaking or Grinding Noises. Your brakes are made of metal. When the brake pads are worn, metal begins to come into contact with the other metal parts, causing significant wear that will lead to the need for a complete replacement.
- Burning Smell While Driving. Your brakes are likely overheating in this case and your brake fluid may come to a boiling point if your brakes aren’t given the chance to cool. If this problem continues to persist, you should take it into your trusted auto mechanic.
- Car Pulling to One Side When Braking. This means that your brakes may be experiencing uneven wear.
Whether you drive an Audi, Porsche, BMW or Mercedes, your brake’s longevity largely depends on your driving habits. The best way to ensure that your brakes will continue to keep you safe on the road is to visit an auto mechanic for routine maintenance, so preventative maintenance can occur.
Benefits of Independent Brake Repair
Rather than heading to a dealership for standard maintenance and repairs that are not covered by warranty, visiting an independent auto mechanic shop can save you a significant amount of money in car expenses.
Even though you want to prioritize taking care of your European vehicle, saving money is also something that no car owner would say no to. According to an article by CBS News, you can save an average of $300 a year on car maintenance and repairs by choosing to get an independent auto mechanic shop to service your vehicle instead of a dealership. More specifically, the same article depicts that the average costs of repairs and maintenance at a dealership is $1,209 a year, in comparison to getting the same services for $903 at an independent auto mechanic shop.
These kinds of cost savings can be had for both routine maintenance services and for auto repairs, from small to more extensive jobs. For a comparison, we recommend taking a look at the price difference in an oil change from a dealership to an independent auto mechanic, as this routine service is commonly priced quite high at dealerships for maximum consistent profits.
Warranty Considerations
If, however, something is covered by warranty, you may want to choose your dealership rather than an independent for the service in order to protect your car as much as possible. That said, it’s common that a warranty can’t even be broken even if it is taken to an independent auto mechanic. This is why it’s important to know the ins and outs of your vehicle’s specific warranty so you can make the most of it when possible and save money on the rest. A certified auto mechanic that you trust will be able to help you determine the best course of action based on your vehicle and warranty!
Brake Repair Without Extra Cost
Consider your brakes fixed, without any additional fees attached. Bring your European car to the certified team at AutoScope. Across all locations, we serve European car owners in the Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Irving areas. Cars that we most commonly service include Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes. Schedule your appointment at AutoScope today. Contact us online here.