Back to: Reducing Your Auto Maintenance Costs
- A car dealership is usually not the cheapest rate to get your long-term vehicle maintenance taken care of.
- Car dealerships use Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, parts. OEM parts are recommended but not always necessary. There are also “aftermarket” parts that are not made directly by your auto manufacturer. Aftermarket parts cost significantly less than OEM parts.
- If you have taken your car to a dealer or other repair shop, you can compare rates for both labor and parts before you choose where to have your maintenance completed. Independent repair shops that are not directly affiliated with a specific auto manufacturer may offer lower labor rates and cheaper replacement parts.