For generations, independent garages were the backbone of small-town America. They kept cars running, offered fair prices, and built trust one repair at a time. But lately, many of these shops have vanished, replaced by dealership service centers or national chains. This shift matters for more than nostalgia. It affects how much we pay for car repairs, the quality of service we get, and the health of local economies that depend on small businesses. Understanding why independent garages are disappearing helps us see what’s changing in the auto repair world—and what drivers can still do about it.
