Where to Service Your McLaren: Independent Specialist or Dealer? | GVE London – Blog

Owning a McLaren is quite exciting, but you might have heard the quote that with great excitement comes the great responsibility of maintaining a McLaren if you don’t want it to break down in the middle of a highway. The best way to keep it running is by getting it serviced as per the manufacturer’s schedule, plus factoring in your usage. When it comes to where to get it serviced, though, you have two main options: independent specialists or the dealership. Each option has its advantages, and choosing the right one for your car can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide where to take your McLaren for servicing.

Why Choose a Dealer for McLaren Servicing?

Dealership servicing is often the go-to option for most individuals, as it is recommended by the company from which you bought the car, after all. And undeniably, it is the safe bet. Primarily, here is why dealership servicing is opted for:

• Expertise with McLaren models: Dealerships are authorised by the manufacturer, so they naturally have access to the latest training, techniques, tools, as well as original parts supplied directly from, in this case, McLaren. They receive factory training, become specialists in McLaren models, and know the car’s inside and out.
• OEM Parts and Warranty: When you take your McLaren to a dealer, you’re guaranteed to receive genuine parts straight from the manufacturer.
• Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: Dealerships are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and equipment, which can be crucial for identifying and resolving complex issues. Since McLarens are known for their advanced engineering, dealer servicing can offer you peace of mind when it comes to maintenance.

Why Choose an Independent Specialist?

On the other hand, we have independent specialists. In recent years, the image of independent garages has changed massively. You see, there was a time when these were merely a cheaper alternative to authorised dealerships, but that couldn’t be further from the truth nowadays. The following are the primary reasons that have made them tough competition to dealership servicing:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Dealership servicing isn’t cheap, especially when you’ve got your hands on a car from McLaren. However, the pricing can get a little out of hand, especially if you timely service your car as you should. Independent specialists, on the other hand, tend to offer more competitive rates. For example, the cost of a luxury car service in London can be quite high at a dealership, but independent specialists, like GVE London, often provide similar quality work at a more affordable price due to lesser overhead charges.
• Personalised Attention: When you take your McLaren to an independent supercar service centre, like GVE London,  you’re often working with passionate car enthusiasts who treat your vehicle like their own. This level of attention to detail and personalised care is hard to find at dealerships.
• Flexibility in Parts: The great thing about these independent specialists is that they offer you the option to choose between OEM parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. Now, that isn’t only beneficial for cost savings but also to accommodate modifications and customisations.
• Experience: The employees working at these garages have years of experience working with luxury and supercars and often have worked with authorised dealerships themselves, so they are more than capable of handling any type of vehicle that comes their way.

Read Also: Specialist vs. Dealership: What Really Impacts Your Warranty?

What Should You Consider When Choosing?

If you find yourself confused between the two options, let us make some things clear:

• Independent specialists are always more cost-effective without any notable difference in the quality of service.
• It is a myth that cars under warranty cannot be fixed outside of official dealerships. However, certain regulations must be followed by the independent garage to ensure the warranty is not voided.
• The convenience factor is similar for both options, though independent specialists tend to be a little more flexible and accommodating to your needs. However, whereas you must do some research to find an independent garage, you can walk into just about any official dealership and expect the same level of service.
• If your car has been modified, you are almost certainly going to require a supercar service centre to work on it, as dealerships often don’t indulge themselves in working on modified cars.

Conclusion

The biggest challenge for independent specialists is dealing with urban myths, such as voiding warranties and using cheap parts. The second challenge is finding a garage that actually does a good job. Enter GVE London, the finest supercar service centre in West London, that deals with high-end cars. From supercars to luxury vehicles, from basic repairs and services to modifications and detailing, PPF, we take care of it all. Schedule an appointment with us for all your McLaren needs.