Mobile mechanics seem to be all the rage. I should know, I’m in the mobile mechanic business.
But that doesn’t mean I solely support opting for mobile. You see, when it comes to getting your car fixed there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
What is right for you ultimately comes down to a choice you’re comfortable with, what will suit your lifestyle and budget, and finding a mechanic with a good level of expertise who you can trust.
As a car owner you have a number of different options when it comes to servicing and repairing your car. Despite what dealerships tell you, you don’t have to use them and your warranty is not affected — the law says so. The reality is you can choose between the big, expensive dealerships that may have an extra level of expertise in your car, a cheaper local workshop, or a more convenient, personal mobile service. The choice really comes down to finding a service that suits you.
However, since mobile mechanics are the “it” thing though, let’s talk about them specifically. Below I’ve laid out the Pros, Cons and Myths so you can see if they are indeed the right option for you.
The pros
- Mobile mechanics are without a doubt usually the more convenient service. They come directly to you and work on your car at your home or office. This saves you the travel to and from a fixed premise.
- Your car will be finished sooner as they are only working on your car.
- You can have multiple vehicles serviced at one time, such as motorbikes, marine, trailers and caravans (depending on the skill of the mechanic).
- You will deal directly with the mechanic on site and can watch them work on your car, or ask to see the parts replaced. Because they are not hidden in a workshop, it’s easier to see what they get up to and harder for them to hide anything.
The cons
- Beware mobile mechanics who are employees of a larger chain. Chains who employ mechanics still work under the same upsell commission incentives as the large workshops and dealerships. This means that you’re still susceptible to upsells that you don’t require. Owner-operators, however, don’t work under commission incentives, and are instead incentivised to keep customers returning.
- Mobile can’t do registration checks, however this is almost better placed in the “myth” section as while registration checks do have to be done at a bricks-and-mortar licensed premises, mobile mechanics will partner with a nearby workshop where they can carry out the check – so in the end you still get your registration check done without any extra effort on your behalf.
The myths
- Mobile can only do small jobs and breakdowns. Mobile mechanics are fully licensed workshops. While they usually won’t work on very large jobs such as changing an engine, this is only a fraction of the day-to-day work required on any given car. In these cases, a mobile mechanic will partner with a workshop to perform the work. You still get the convenient service and one contact point. It’s also worth noting that many of these mechanics have come out of large dealerships with years of training behind them. Like a workshop, it’s worth asking what experience they have with your type of car.
- Mobile is more expensive. In most cases you’re not paying more for the added convenience, as mobile mechanics have fewer overheads.
So there you have it, the pros, cons and myths of going mobile. Regardless of whether you decide dealership, workshop or mobile as right for you, as a rule, you will build a better and more direct relationship with owner-operators. Dealing with big organisation where there are multiple touch points increases your chance of getting lost in the system. However, the level of expertise that owner-operator has with your vehicle will come down to the individual’s background and training – so do your research.
For more tips, tricks and car advice, check out the Blue Toro Blog.
