If my dealer goes out of business, where should I service my car?

More than 900 dealerships closed in 2008, and more will probably do so. You don't need to take your car to a dealership for servicing; a good independent shop that specializes in your brand should be able to handle routine maintenance and repairs. But you need a dealer for warranty and recall work. If there's no other dealer in your area, call the automaker's customer-assistance number in the owner's manual to find out where to take your car. Often, warranty repairs can be performed at other brand dealerships linked to the same automaker. Sometimes an automaker will arrange for dealers of another manufacturer to handle the work.

See our recent blog on what to do if your dealer closes.  For more information on servicing your car, see our report on how to save money on maintenance.