Dealership vs. Autobody Shop

When your vehicle needs repairs after an accident or mechanical issue, you may be tempted to take it to the nearest autobody shop for convenience. However, there are several compelling reasons why you should strongly consider having your vehicle repaired by the dealership that originally sold you the car, truck, or SUV.

That’s where we come in. Here at Ford of Homewood, we offer quality collision repairs for Chicagoland drivers at affordable prices. Please continue reading to learn more about why it’s recommended to have your vehicle repaired by a trusted dealership rather than an autobody shop.

Factory-Trained Technicians

At a franchised dealership's service center, much like ours, you'll find technicians who have been factory-trained and certified by the manufacturer to work specifically on that make of vehicle. These technicians receive ongoing training directly from the manufacturer to ensure they have an expert-level understanding of that brand's complex vehicle systems and components. In contrast, technicians at independent autobody shops generally receive more general training that doesn't go into the same level of depth for any particular automaker's models.

Manufacturer-Approved Tools, Equipment, & Genuine Parts

In addition to having direct training from manufacturers, dealership service centers are equipped with the specialized tools and equipment approved and often provided by the manufacturer for repairing their vehicles properly. From diagnostic equipment to specialized machinery, dealerships invest heavily in equipping their staff with the resources needed for factory-approved repairs. Off-brand tools used by independent shops may be less precise or lack functionality for all repairs.

When repairing your vehicle after damage or a mechanical breakdown, it's critical that genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are used. Dealerships, like Ford of Homewood, have direct access to a brand's OEM parts pipeline, ensuring repairs are made with components designed by the manufacturer for the specific make, model, and year of your vehicle. Third-party aftermarket parts often used by independent shops may be more affordable but do not meet the same standards in fit, functionality, and safety as certified OEM parts.

Vehicle History & Documentation

All work performed at a dealership, from repairs to routine maintenance, is comprehensively documented in your vehicle's history report. This complete record can be referenced if any issues resurface and help maintain higher resale value when you sell or trade in your car in the future. Independent repair shops may not maintain the same level of detailed documentation.

Ford of Homewood Collision Center

While the convenience factor of an autobody shop close to home or work is appealing, there are significant advantages to going through the manufacturer's official dealership service center when your vehicle needs repairs.

Ford of Homewood's Collision Center is a trusted destination for top-quality auto body repair services in the Chicagoland area. Our center is staffed with highly skilled and factory-trained technicians with years of experience working on various vehicle makes and models.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and genuine OEM parts to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition without compromising safety, performance, or appearance. Our services include collision repairs, paintless dent repair, and much more. Whether you need major structural repairs or minor cosmetic touch-ups, our Collision Center team has the expertise to get the job done right the first time.

So, if you’re in the Chicagoland area and need dependable service you can count on; please give our Collision Center at Ford of Homewood a call today!