When it comes to new vehicle repairs, it is crucial to choose a certified collision center. This is especially important if you are planning to turn in a leased vehicle. Using a certified collision center not only ensures that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards, but it also helps you avoid unexpected fees and penalties. In this article, we will explore the reasons why using a certified collision center is essential and how it can benefit you in the long run.
The Risks of Choosing an Unauthorized Repair Shop
Many vehicle owners make the mistake of choosing unauthorized repair shops to save money or because they are not aware of the potential risks. However, opting for an unauthorized repair shop can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to leased vehicles.
1. Voiding the Warranty: Most new vehicles come with a warranty that covers repairs and maintenance for a certain period. However, if you choose an unauthorized repair shop, you risk voiding the warranty. This means that any repairs or damages will have to be paid out of pocket, which can be a significant financial burden.
2. Poor Quality Repairs: Unauthorized repair shops may not have the necessary expertise, equipment, or genuine parts to perform high-quality repairs. This can result in subpar workmanship and potential safety hazards. In the case of leased vehicles, poor repairs can lead to penalties when returning the vehicle at the end of the lease term.
3. Unexpected Fees: When you turn in a leased vehicle, the leasing company will conduct a thorough inspection to assess any damages or excessive wear and tear. If unauthorized repairs were performed on the vehicle, the leasing company may charge you additional fees for the substandard repairs. These fees can quickly add up and leave you with a hefty bill.
The Benefits of Using a Certified Collision Center
Now that we understand the risks of choosing an unauthorized repair shop, let’s explore the benefits of using a certified collision center:
1. Expertise and Training: Certified collision centers have technicians who are trained and certified by the vehicle manufacturer. They have in-depth knowledge of the specific make and model, ensuring that repairs are done correctly and to the manufacturer’s standards.
2. Genuine Parts: Certified collision centers use genuine parts provided by the vehicle manufacturer. These parts are designed to fit perfectly and maintain the vehicle’s integrity. Using genuine parts also helps preserve the warranty and ensures that the vehicle performs as intended.
3. Warranty Protection: By choosing a certified collision center, you can rest assured that your vehicle’s warranty will remain intact. This means that any repairs covered under the warranty will be performed without any additional cost to you.
4. Lease Return Compliance: If you are leasing a vehicle, using a certified collision center is crucial to avoid penalties during the lease return process. Certified repairs ensure that the vehicle is returned in the best possible condition, minimizing the risk of additional fees.
Case Study: The Cost of Choosing an Unauthorized Repair Shop
Let’s consider a real-life example to illustrate the potential costs of choosing an unauthorized repair shop:
John leased a brand-new luxury sedan and unfortunately got into a minor accident. Instead of taking his vehicle to a certified collision center, he opted for a local repair shop that offered lower prices. The repair shop used aftermarket parts and did not have the necessary expertise to perform the repairs correctly.
When John returned his leased vehicle at the end of the term, the leasing company conducted a thorough inspection. They discovered the poor quality repairs and charged John additional fees for the substandard workmanship. In the end, John had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket, which could have been avoided by using a certified collision center.
Conclusion
When it comes to new vehicle repairs, especially for leased vehicles, using a certified collision center is of utmost importance. It protects your warranty, ensures high-quality repairs, and helps you avoid unexpected fees and penalties. By choosing a certified collision center, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in the hands of experts who will restore it to its original condition. Don’t compromise on the safety and value of your vehicle – choose a certified collision center for all your repair needs.
For over 50 years, the team at Dabler Auto Body has been providing high quality collision repair in the Salem, Oregon area. All of our repairs are covered by our Unlimited Lifetime Warranty, ensuring that our repairs will be error-free, giving you that peace of mind you deserve. Give us a call today at 503.585.8066 or click here to start your FREE estimate.