When taking your car for repairs, it’s always tempting to go with the cheaper option, but before you do, there’s something you need to know: low-cost repairs often involve low-cost parts. These low-cost parts, also known as aftermarket parts, are made by third parties who are trying to follow the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications as closely as possible. However, the quality of the parts tends to be much lower than the OEM parts.
A Manufacturer-Certified Repair Center, on the other hand, is a body shop that works with the OEM parts. The manufacturer (Ford, GMC, Chevy, Jeep, etc.) has certified that the body shop provides a quality of service on par with theirs, and that they use the OEM parts. This means taking your car to a Manufacturer-Certified Repair Center is almost the same as taking it into the dealership where you bought your car. The only difference: the price is significantly lower.
Your average body shop technician will have the skills needed to make most repairs to the vehicle. They will most likely have the majority of the equipment needed. However, what they may lack is the specific equipment and training for YOUR vehicle. This is especially true if your vehicle is manufactured by a foreign or luxury brand.
With Manufacturer-Certified Repair Centers, however, you get technicians trained to deal specifically with that brand of vehicle. Jeep-Certified Repair Centers have the skills to repair Jeeps specifically, plus all the specialized equipment to handle Jeep’s unique design, materials, and parts. The same goes for a Repair Center certified by Toyota, Porsche, or Ferrarri!
Manufacturer-Certified Repair Centers have to be regularly certified by the vehicle manufacturers, with yearly on-site visits to inspect both the technicians’ skills and the equipment used. That means the manufacturers will hold the body shops to a higher standard of excellence. This translates into better customer service and quality of repairs. Add to that the better technicians and the higher quality parts, and you’ve got yourself top-shelf service!
Yes, Manufacturer-Certified Repair Centers will often charge higher rates for their services. If your goal is a cheap repair, you’re better off opting for the first body shop you find. However, if you prefer a repair that is done right, according to manufacturer specifications, and with the highest-quality parts, it’s better to pay the higher price. In the end, it will extend the lifespan of your vehicle significantly and protect its resale value.
Higher short-term cost, but higher long-term benefits!
