Can you trust an independent garage to service a new car with OEM parts and fluids?
I have a newish Honda but how can I be sure they will use Honda parts and fluids?
I'm little wary because I paid for an oil change once and found out they didn't even do the service cause the oil filter was same as before I took it to them!
Since they can't be trusted should I just stick to dealers even though they're more expensive?
No. Use any mechanic you have confidence in… If you can find someone.
An independent shop isn't going to use Honda brand fluids. If you want OEM and only OEM, then you go to a dealer and it may cost you more. There's no requirement to use Honda brand fluids in your car.
Did you ask them to change the filter?
If you did and you can prove they didn't then find another garage.
Ask to see the boxes the new parts came in and the old parts which have been removed, mark the oil filters and plugs before it goes in for it's service.
If it makes you feel better, i would.
Independent shops get a discount from local auto parts, if you want OEM PARTS THEIR GOING TO CHARGE YOU FOR HAVING TO GO GET THEM. TELL THEM TO KEEP THE BOXES, THAT YOU WANT THEM WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR CAR.
Honda isn't going to void your warranty as long as you're using fluid that meets their specifications.
I would trust an independent garage more than I would trust a dealer.
When you want the best… Go to the dealers. Believe it or not, there are a great many 'mechanics' that are only parts replacers and have no real mechanical skills. We took our Buick to a local guy who said " we have to charge you a bit over $3000 to replace your engine". I did my own diagnoses and discovered it was hydrolocked and fixed it for less that $200.00. Caveat Emptor.
OR(and this is just a suggestion) FIND a BETTER independent garage? Like, one that will do the job? There are "those" garages.
European answer.
Any reputable garage will do a full service using genuine parts under the block exemption.
It is the Labour you get cheaper.
If you want factory parts you have to specify so prior to them doing the work and pay the additional cost involved. As long as they use OEM quality parts and oil, your car will be fine.
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