Introduction
Every car owner faces the same question at some point: “Should I take my car to an authorized service centre or just go to a local garage"?
On the surface, the answer looks simple - authorized centres are believed to be more expensive, while local garages are seen as cheaper and quicker. But the reality is far more nuanced. The real decision comes down to factors like experience, technology, warranty, and long-term value, not just cost.
In this article, we’ll uncover the truths most car owners don’t talk about - so you can make an informed decision the next time your car needs servicing.
1. Perception vs Reality
Perception: Authorized service = costly. Local garage = cost saving.
Reality: Not always. Many authorized centres actually offer competitive prices, especially when compared with dealer-run workshops. Some centres even provide their own discounts, reducing costs by 20-30%.
Example: In Sagara, Mallika Auto: Maruti Suzuki Authorized Service Centrehas been serving for over 25 years with nearly the same team of mechanics since day one. Their charges are about 30% lower than Competitors, yet service quality is top-notch.
This shows that cost alone is not the defining factor.
2. Experience Matters More Than the Label
Authorized service centres are not always staffed by newcomers. In many long-running centres, 90% of the mechanics have grown with the company, learning every update and system change over the years.
That continuity builds expertise you can’t easily find in random local garages.
At the same time, there are local garages with skilled mechanics who may handle routine jobs well - but the consistency, training, and accountability are often stronger in authorized centres.
3. Technology Evolution: BS3 → BS6
Car technology has changed drastically. Compare a BS3 model from a decade ago with today’s BS6 cars:
- BS6 vehicles rely on advanced electronics, emission controls, sensors, and ECUs.
- A wrong diagnostic or incorrect part can cause expensive damage.
Authorized centres invest in regular training for their mechanics, ensuring they understand these systems. Local garages may not always have that updated knowledge, which increases the risk of errors.
4. Tools & Diagnostics
Modern cars need more than spanners and wrenches - they require advanced diagnostic tools to identify issues accurately.
- Authorized service centres are equipped with official company-provided systems.
- Local garages, on the other hand, sometimes lack these tools or use generic diognostic devices, making it harder to diagnose problems comfortably or clearly.
The result? Issues may be missed or wrongly fixed, costing more in the long run.
5. Service History & Resale Value
Here’s something most car owners overlook: service records.
When you sell your car, buyers often ask:
- “Has this car been regularly serviced at an authorized service center?”
- “What is the service record of this vehicle?”
- “Is it still in factory condition?”
An authorized service history boosts resale value and buyer trust. It also helps with warranty claims, as manufacturers honor work done only through official service channels.
Local garages rarely provide a detailed digital record, but it can't be linked to your car’s VIN. That missing piece can lower your car’s perceived value.
Final Conclusion: Authorized Service Is the Smarter Choice
In the end, every car owner wants the same thing - a vehicle that runs smoothly, stays reliable, and holds its value. While local garages may seem convenient or cheaper at times, the depth of training, advanced tools, proper service records, and customer trust that authorized service centres provide simply cannot be matched.
Cars today are more advanced than ever, and maintaining them is no longer just about oil changes - it’s about keeping them in factory condition with the right expertise. That’s why, for long-term performance, warranty protection, and peace of mind, authorized service remains the best choice.