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Comparing Types of Maintenance Shops that Fit Your Needs

Optimizing a maintenance shop strategy is important to keep a fleet running effectively, to best minimize downtime and control costs. Based on your business priorities (downtime vs cost), and the technical abilities of the shops, Enterprise Fleet Management's National Service Department (NSD) recommends keeping a few factors top of mind. 

Use the below comparison of maintenance shop types to help select the best fit for your vehicle's needs. These are general shop characteristics, and some exceptions may exist. 

Quick Lube Shops

Pros

  • Quick turnaround for preventative maintenance services, like fluid and filter changes
  • A growing number of locations offer light repair services 
  • There are often many locations and a high likelihood of one nearby
  • Service hours are often extended with evening and weekend availability 
  • Corporate goodwill support is available at national account locations, if needed

Cons

  • Costs can be higher due to the convenience of a quick turnaround 
  • Limited services may be offered
  • Transmission services for some vehicles are recommended, or even required, to be done at the dealer due to special needed equipment or fluid (and to ensure that powertrain warranty coverage is not compromised) 

Full-Service Shops

Pros

  • Preventative Maintenance services generally cost less than quick lube shops and vehicle dealerships 
  • Full-service shops are able to handle a broader range of service requests that may include diagnosis, light repairs, brakes and tire replacement/rotations
  • Faster turnaround time on repairs than dealerships may be available
  • Corporate goodwill support is available at national account locations, if needed

Cons

  • A slower turnaround time for maintenance than Quick Lube Shops may occur
  • Appointments made in advance are recommended for bigger or complex service needs
  • Corporate support can be limited, unless a shop is a company-owned national account 

Dealerships

Pros

  • A growing number of dealers offer quick lube lanes, which feature the pros and cons of quick lube shops
  • Most dealerships can perform warranty repairs and recalls, often in conjunction with maintenance visits to minimize downtime 
  • Dealerships provide a high level of expertise for your specific vehicle
  • Some repairs performed at dealerships are eligible for Enterprise Fleet Management negotiated post-warranty assistance, under certain conditions
  • Enterprise Fleet Management can help clients on a maintenance program leverage manufacturer partnerships to request technical assistance in extreme situations and may be able to help expedite back-ordered factory replacement parts
  • Dealerships are often the best choice for transmission fluid maintenance to ensure proper fluid and equipment are used for the service.  This can also support powertrain warranty coverage

Cons

  • Dealerships can generally have slow turnaround times due to the high volume of repairs
  • Appointments made in advance for diagnosis and repairs are recommended 
  • Dealerships may charge a higher cost for parts and labor
  • Many dealer service departments are closed on weekends and evenings

Mobile Repair Services

Pros

  • Mobile Repair Service is a growing area that some dealerships and national accounts are exploring 
  • Service comes to you while vehicles are down, either during breakdowns or when vehicles are unused, minimizing downtime
  • Better fit when multiple vehicles are garaged in one location, and when uptime is much greater priority than cost

Cons

  • Generally, Mobile Repair Services can be the most expensive option
  • If participating in the Enterprise Full Maintenance program, convenience and travel fees are not covered by the plan and would be covered by the client
  • May have limited availability in certain areas 
  • May need additional consideration if your fleet is dispersed or cost-conscious 
  • Limited services may be available for a visit
  • Obtaining prior approval for repairs may be challenging when work is performed overnight or outside of client operating hours

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