Is it Worth it to Go to the Dealership for a Car Oil Change?

July 26, 2022

When your car is next due for an oil change, it can be tempting to head to the closest auto shop to get it serviced. If you’re in the Albion, MI, area, consider contacting Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram instead. We offer comprehensive vehicle services at affordable prices for a wide selection of cars and trucks on the road.

Why You Should Get Oil Changes at the Dealership

Getting your oil changed at the dealership is better than going to an independent shop. While it might not seem like a big deal for an oil change, at a dealership like Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your car is getting the best service and highest-quality oil possible.

Quality Service

At a dealership, you can be confident that the person changing your oil has the skills to do the job. They’re familiar with your car’s oil filter, what brand of synthetic oil it needs, and your overall engine configuration. The technician may not know every page of the owner’s manual like the back of their hand, but they’re guaranteed to know your vehicle.

On the other hand, independent oil change shops work on a wide range of vehicles. The tech may know how to perform a basic oil change, but they don’t necessarily know how your vehicle is built or what it needs. In the worst-case scenario, independent technicians can make a mistake that can void your warranty, like using the wrong oil in your car.

Trustworthy Technicians

It can be tough to tell trustworthy independent auto shops from disreputable ones. Dishonest mechanics may trick inexperienced car owners into paying for services they don’t need. The only incentive unethical techs have against scamming is the threat of a consumer protection report.

Technicians at a dealership are far less likely to try and scam you. Car owners don’t just go to the dealership for service; they also go to the dealership when looking for their next car. That alone is a reason for dealership technicians to be honest with you. If our Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram technicians tell you they discovered a problem, you can trust that they’re telling the truth.

Price

You might be considering an independent oil change shop for the price. However, their rates aren’t guaranteed to be better than a dealership’s. Dealerships tend to charge similar rates to independent shops. If you’re paying similar prices at both locations, it makes more sense to go to the dealership in the first place.

Additionally, dealerships can provide discounts and specials that aren’t available at independent shops. At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you can sign up to receive coupons over text; a benefit independent shops might not provide.

Why People Pick Independent Shops

The benefits of heading to your dealer for an oil change are quite clear, but some car owners still opt for independent servicing rather than going to their dealership. Often, they don’t realize the benefits of going to dealerships like Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Location

The average vehicle owner doesn’t live a few blocks from their dealership, so driving to an independent shop is often more convenient. The caveat is that a shorter drive doesn’t guarantee better service. It’s worth going to our Albion, MI, location to ensure you get the best service available.

Time

Getting your oil changed at a dealership often requires an appointment and potentially long wait times. Independent shops typically provide same-day service if you’re on a tight schedule.

However, independent shops can also be slow, depending on how busy the shop is and how experienced the technicians are. Our Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram technicians won’t keep you waiting for your appointment.

Price

Most people opt for independent shops assuming they’re cheaper, but this isn’t necessarily the case: independent auto shops typically have comparable prices to dealerships. Going outside your dealership to perform an oil change doesn’t ensure a better deal.

Even if the independent shop seems cheaper, the service you get can cost you more in the long run. For example, a cheap shop that uses low-quality oil will have you paying more money in fuel costs or even pricey engine repairs. You won’t have this issue at our Albion auto shop, where our technicians always use high-quality oil.

Schedule Your Oil Change with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

When you’re due for a routine oil change, look no further than Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Set an appointment online today, or call us at (517) 436-0433 to schedule. We provide quick, affordable, high-quality services to car owners in the Albion area.

Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
  • Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • SundayClosed

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