The automobile industry comprises of automobile manufacturers, dealers, showroom chains, auto-part suppliers, automobile servicing shops, garages, repair shops, service engineers, mechanics and of course the automobile owners. However, widespread digitization has introduced many modifications in the way this industry works. One can research on automobile models, nearest dealerships, service stations online as can one order auto-components online. One can likewise shop for car accessories, servicing kits or buy stuff like motor oils, lubricants, coolants etc. online. Details of all these parts, quality standards, vendor ratings, price lists for auto center etc. are some of the things one can easily go through online.
However there might be differences between online and in-store purchases.
Offline or In-store purchases- Conventional way to purchase anything just walk into a store, check out stuff, pay and take the thing home (or get it delivered home). The best advantage is you get to check anything you want to buy with your own eyes/ hands, make sure you get the right specification/quality, and connect with your purchase right away. Normally showroom/store purchases have limitations in terms of variety because storage space is limited. One may have to check the variety in catalogues or online.
The other good part is quality tests you can run yourself. You can either test drive an automobile or verify that the motor oil used in your servicing/repair shop is of the manufacturer recommended variety so on. Generally motor oils are specific for specific cars-conventional for moderately used cars, high mileage oils for older cars, synthetic motor oils for newer cars, SUVs, synthetic blend oils for all terrain automobiles etc. As far as the price is concerned, price may high as discounts or offers or freebies may or may not be offered in a store/shop.
Online purchase- Generally online auto care services offer many services like battery and tire testing, wheel alignment testing, fuel system and fuel gauge testing, motor oil and lubrication testing so on. These online auto centers generally sell motor oils, additives, coolants, antifreeze additives, washing fluids, starting and brake fluids, grease and gear oils, cleaning fluids, motor oil change accessories so on. Normally such services and products are clubbed together in ‘packages’ or ‘kits’ for fairly reasonable prices. Such packages will include some ‘check’ services on brakes, lights, alignment, battery, wipers, tires, fluid checks, tire pressure checks, cleaning and washing service add-ons etc. The motor oil change packages to go with it will include the specified oil (in quarts), lubrication, level checks and fills, oil filters. Discount coupons may or may not be available as the basic services and products will be at discounted prices. All of this may cost the customer anything between 20-60 $ depending upon the package selected.