how long can a dealership work on your car

[OGabrielle]

There is no single, legally defined time limit for how long a dealership can keep your car for repairs. The duration depends entirely on the nature of the repair, part availability, and the dealership's service schedule. A standard oil change might take a few hours, while a complex transmission rebuild could take weeks. The most critical factor is your vehicle's warranty status, as warranty work must follow specific manufacturer procedures, which can extend the timeline.

Clear communication is your best tool. When you drop off the car, always ask for a preliminary diagnosis and an estimated completion date. Get this in writing on the repair order. If the repair is covered under your state's "lemon law" (which typically applies to new cars with repeated, unfixable defects), the cumulative days your car is out of service can count toward a potential buyback claim.

For major repairs, don't hesitate to ask for a loaner car, especially if the work is warranty-related. Dealerships often have a limited supply, so it's best to request one upfront. Follow up politely if the repair exceeds the initial estimate to get updates on part shipments or technical delays.

Common Repair Type	Typical Estimated Timeframe (Business Days)	Key Factors Influencing Time
Oil Change & Multi-Point Inspection	Less than 1 day	Service bay availability, time of day
Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement	1 day	Part availability in local inventory
Check Engine Light Diagnosis	1-2 days	Complexity of diagnostic codes, need for specialist
Transmission Replacement	5-10 business days	Part ordering from regional warehouse, technician specialization
Major Engine Repair (e.g., head gasket)	7-15 business days	Extent of damage, potential for additional issues upon disassembly
Airbag Recall Service	1-3 days	National part backorder status, appointment backlog
Collision/Body Work	10-30 business days	Insurance approval, part sourcing, paint booth scheduling

[LaThomas]

It can feel like forever, especially if you're stuck without a loaner. My rule is to always get a written estimate that includes the promised completion date. If they miss that date without a good update, I start calling every other day. For a simple service, a couple of days is normal. But if it's a big warranty job and they have your car for more than a week with no clear end in sight, that's when you need to be more persistent and ask to speak with the service manager.

[SanIsabelle]

As a former service advisor, the timeline hinges on parts. We can't fix what we don't have. A common delay is a "backordered" part from the manufacturer, which is out of the dealership's control. The best thing you can do is authorize a thorough diagnosis upfront. This lets us order all necessary parts at once, instead of discovering new issues later and having to wait for another shipment, which doubles the wait time.

[LeAdalynn]

I look at it from a practical angle. How long can I realistically be without my car? For routine maintenance, I schedule it first thing in the morning and expect it done by closing. For anything more complex, my first question is, "Do you have a loaner car available?" If the answer is yes, I'm more flexible. If not, I press harder for a firm timeline and explore independent shops for a second opinion, as they can sometimes source parts faster.