Auto consumption: which garage for a technical problem with your car?

When a motorist has a problem with his radio or sensors on his recent car, his reflex is to go to his dealership. However, it is also possible to carry out the same repairs in other garages which are increasingly better equipped to respond to this type of request.

It’s an open secret. Manufacturers are installing more and more electronic gadgets in their vehicles. Entertainment systems and numerous sensors have changed the situation in garages in recent years.

Contrary to popular belief, more and more mechanical brands and independent garages can solve technological problems.

“It’s little known to the general public. We have many garages which are now well equipped at this level,” indicates the president of the Association of Tire and Mechanics Specialists of Quebec, Guillaume Martin.

To meet the needs of their customers, many of its 300 members must increase training and purchase specialized equipment.

“The procedure for doing a reset on a vehicle is simple,” adds Mr. Martin. Many problems can be fixed in garages. You just need to have the training.”

A hefty bill

When a sensor is defective or the entertainment system is capricious, the bill can be steep if the consumer decides to turn to his dealer.

“He can easily end up with a bill of $4,000 or $5,000 for an electronic problem that is not guaranteed,” says George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association. However, there are garages, specialized in a single brand, which are capable of doing the same work for a more reasonable price.

He cites a case where a diode was faulty in the car’s screen.

“For the same problem, the independent can submit an invoice for $800 or $900,” specifies Mr. Iny. The customer can save thousands of dollars if he is aware of this avenue. He must also be patient if the part requires a delivery time.”

Why this price difference between the two places? Mainly due to mechanics’ hourly rate, parts cost and fixed costs, which are higher at dealerships.

Minimal impact

For the moment, vehicle technology issues are not poised to dethrone tire, oil or brake changes in garage revenue.

We are still talking about a minimal impact, but the mechanical banners are well aware that the number of customers could increase in the coming years.

“For some brands, you have to connect the vehicle to a computer to change the calipers,” says Cynthia Fradette, owner of Point S – Garage Fradette. This is a type of situation that we see more and more frequently.”

She specifies that each brand of vehicle has its shortcomings. When it comes to tech issues, it’s often European brands that give consumers a hard time.

“We are well equipped to do the work, but the biggest obstacle is access to information with manufacturers. At that time, we have no choice but to send the car to the dealership.”