Car Maintenance plans are also referred to as car prepaid maintenance plans or vehicle prepaid maintenance plans.
This article compares car maintenance plans to Openbay+
Car maintenance plans and Openbay+ are two different types of services that offer different benefits for vehicle owners.
Car maintenance plans are typically offered by automakers or dealerships, and provide vehicle owners with a set of scheduled maintenance services that are prepaid upfront. The benefits of prepaid maintenance plans include cost savings on regular maintenance services, convenience, improved reliability, and increased resale value.
Openbay+ is a digital platform that provides vehicle owners with an easy and convenient way to compare and book automotive services online. With Openbay+, vehicle owners can access a network of trusted service providers nearby, compare prices and services, and book appointments online. All services, to include the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule, are provided À la carte and self selectable. A subscription to Openbay+ also provides discounts on repair and maintenance services, thereby reducing a vehicle owner’s operational expense.
Comparing car maintenance plans and Openbay+, the latter provides more flexibility and control, as vehicle owners can choose the services they need or are required and service providers that best suit their needs. Additionally, Openbay+ may offer a wider range of services, including both routine maintenance and repairs.
Ultimately, the choice between a prepaid maintenance plan and Openbay+ will depend on individual circumstances, including the type of vehicle, driving habits, and personal preferences. It’s important to consider all the available options and to carefully review the terms and conditions of each service before making a decision.
| Car Maintenance Plans (CMP) | Openbay+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Services | Limited number of services covered: Car maintenance plans typically follow manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (oil replacement, tire rotations, filter changes, fluid replacement, inspections) | Unlimited services |
| Parts | Does not cover mechanical and electrical malfunctioning parts, worn out or broken parts, and the labor associated with parts replacement. | All parts and labor |
| Cost | Cost of a car maintenance plan depends on vehicle’s year, make, and model. In some cases, it also depends on vehicle condition, mileage. There are some car maintenance plan where the geographic location add to the cost of the plan due to applicable state taxes. | Subscription pricing is a flat fee and not dependent on vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, condition, or location. |
| Term | Limited term options: Fixed mileage intervals, or one-to-five-year term | Flexible subscription terms: Monthly or annual |
| Service Alignment | Manufacturer’s maintenance schedule may be misaligned with car maintenance plan service intervals and driver behavior. Some car maintenance plans allow only one oil change after every 10,000 miles. Example: if a vehicle requires an oil change every 6,000 miles, vehicle is overdue for service by 4,000 miles. | Aligned with manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and driver behavior. Some drivers may live in areas of extreme weather conditions (cold, hot) and drive in heavy traffic areas where stops are frequent. |
| Proximity | Some car maintenance plans are limited on where a consumer can take their vehicle for service. Example: Customer may be required to service their vehicle at the dealership that sold the car maintenance plan. This becomes a challenge if a customer moves – the car maintenance plan has no value at this point. | Multiple choices on where and who can service a customer’s vehicle |
| Expectations | Customer may be locked into a dealership that is not meeting customer’s quality-of-service expectations. Some car maintenance plan require the customer to get service at the same location where the car maintenance plan was purchased – the customer is now locked into a service location that does not meet or exceed service quality expectations. | Multiple types of locations and service brands to select from. All customer ratings and reviews are presented to customer prior to booking an appointment. |
| Pricing & Discounts | In some cases, car maintenance plans may cost more than the actual cost of itemized services even when discounts are applied. Customers may be locked into paying high dealership hourly labor rates and paying for expensive OE parts (Original Equipment). | Openbay+ delivers multiple competitive price estimates with savings as much as 25% on itemized parts and labor. Customer gets to select from dealerships and independent auto service centers from national and local brands. |
| Exclusions | Some car maintenance plans are based on vehicle year-make-model and mileage. If certain criteria is not met, vehicle is excluded from coverage | All vehicles are supported. No exclusions based on vehicle age or vehicle mileage. |
| Transfer | Car maintenance plan is tied to a vehicle and may not be transferred at the time of a vehicle sale | Subscriptions can be transferred from one vehicle to another |
| Financing | Car maintenance plan can be added to the amount the buyer is financing. | Openbay+ subscription can be added to the amount the buyer is financing and rolled into a monthly payment. |
| Pay for what you need | Car maintenance plan for modern vehicles (just outside the manufacturer’s warranty) may require minor services like oil and filter changes and tire rotations. Customers may be spending more on maintenance than necessary. | Openbay+ provides a services menu. Pay for what is required, nothing more. |
Other articles on Car Maintenance that you might be interested in.
- What is a Car Maintenance Plan and is it Worth Purchasing One?
- Pros and Cons of Car Maintenance Plans