Here’s some empirical evidence gathered by Kevin Ransom of AOL Auto that independently owned shops–like Tune Dynamics–are a better value when servicing your car or truck:

“Where Is The Best Place To Get Your Car Serviced?
Independent Shops Cheaper In Study, Claim Parity on Quality”

As the economy continues to slump, and as more consumers are foregoing the purchase of new cars and hanging on to their old ones, the cost of auto repairs is becoming a hotter topic than ever.

Even before the current economic crisis, the conventional wisdom (for whatever that’s worth) was that repairs were less costly at independent repair shops than at dealerships.

Countering that truism was the claim, from new-car dealerships, that their technicians had more sophisticated training and that the quality of work was higher. The verbal jousting on this topic has been going on for years.

But a recent, first-of-its-kind study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) would seem to back up the truism that costs are indeed lower at those “indie” shops. The AAIA is a trade association representing companies that manufacture and distribute aftermarket parts, accessories, chemicals and supplies, as well as independent repair shops.

According to the AAIA study, repairs cost an average of 34 percent more at new car dealerships compared to the independent dealers, for a total “extra” cost of $11.7 billion a year.

The study was conducted during November and December of 2008 and was based on 840 telephone interviews with both new-car dealerships and independent repair shops in six major cities — Boston, Newark, Atlanta, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Seattle. Foreign and domestic nameplates were considered separately.

Interviewers asked the dealers and repair shops what parts and labor prices they charged for 10 different types of repairs.

In the six cities where surveys were conducted, the cost of vehicle repairs ranged from 19.7 percent more to 46.8 percent more at new car dealerships, compared to independent repair shops.”

[Full article can be found at AOL Auto]

Tags: auto repair, brake inspection, car maintenance, el segundo, family owned, gardena, hawthorne, independent shop, inglewood, lamp inspection, lawndale, manhattan beach, redondo beach, south bay, torrance, tune up, value

[excerpts below taken from CarCare.org]

….

The classic “tune-up” was once the heart of the automotive business and contrary to some beliefs, today’s modern vehicles still need tune-ups to keep them performing at the most efficient levels.

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Because vehicles have changed so much over the years, the Car Care Council has introduced the 21st Century Tune-up. This program is designed to help re-define and educate motorists as to what a tune-up should consist of on today’s modern vehicles.

“There is a misconception that today’s modern vehicles don’t need tune-ups because they never break down, but that simply is not true,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “If you’re at work and your computer goes down, you can’t get any more work done. It’s the same with your vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t being properly maintained, you’re not going to get where you want to go.”

As part of the 21st Century Tune-up on today’s modern vehicles, the following systems should be inspected:

• battery, charging and starting
• engine mechanical
• powertrain control (including onboard diagnostic checks)
• fuel
• ignition
• emissions

Vehicle owners ask for tune-ups for a variety of reasons, including improving performance, maintaining reliability, planning a vacation, preparing for winter/summer or because they’re giving the car to a friend or family member.

To help ensure good performance, fuel economy and emissions, the Car Care Council also recommends that motorists take the time necessary to become familiar with their vehicle from every aspect. Study the owner’s manual to become thoroughly acquainted with the operation of all systems. Pay special attention to the indicator lights and instruments.

“The ‘Be Car Care Aware’ campaign is about helping motorists make informed decisions about their vehicles’ care and maintenance,” said White. “With the 21St Century Tune-up, we will continue to help vehicle owners make great strides in reducing vehicle neglect.”

A new brochure is available that familiarizes motorists with the opportunities for preventive maintenance in and around their vehicle. The brochure contains information about the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, a full-size schematic of vehicle parts, components and maintenance recommendations. For more information, visit http://www.carcare.org/Industry/BCCA_brochure.shtml.

Tags: auto repair, brake inspection, car maintenance, el segundo, gardena, hawthorne, inglewood, lamp inspenction, lawndale, manhattan beach, redondo beach, south bay, torrance, tune up