Labor Day is a treasured three day weekend here in the United States offering the symbolic end of summer festivities and a valued day off for workers everywhere. It can also be a frustrating time if your car situation requires immediate attention from a dealership.
With this federal holiday landing on the first Monday of September each year, many dealers Labor Day close their doors for the occasion. So does that mean you just have to wait for help if a repair or purchase is needed? Not necessarily.
With some planning and the right strategies, your automotive needs can still be met. Let’s take a deeper look at your options.
Understanding Labor Day Hours Norms at Dealerships:
To set the stage, it helps to understand normal operations during other holidays versus regular weekend schedules.
Most dealerships operate Monday through Friday hours between 9am and 6pm, with Saturday hours running from 9am until 5pm. Many then observe complete closures on Sundays to allow employees time off.
Major national holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas traditionally see dealership doors closed as well.
This provides welcomed family leisure time but can clearly cause issues if your vehicle acts up. Just how widespread is the shutdown?
Recent surveys reveal nearly 85% of franchised new car stores observe complete closures for the day, while independent used car lots close at a slightly lower but still substantial 70% rate. It’s still a widespread disruption to service expected.
Rural Dealers May Remain Open:
Not all hope is lost however, as certain operation styles are likelier to remain open during Labor Day. Independent and rural dealers in lower population areas have found success staying available.
With less overhead from larger facilities and employee headcounts, plus fewer competing options nearby, they profit by serving the steady service clientele still needing help.
Bob’s Small Town Auto just outside of Topeka, Kansas is one exemplar. “We’ve been serving neighbors for generations, so remaining open on holidays lets us help folks as needed without long inconvenient trips,”
explains owner Bob Johnson. Their service bays will operate 10am-4pm come Labor Day. Other options include asking tire shops, auto parts chains like O’Reilly Auto Parts, and large gas station repair garages if open for business as well.
Status of Online & Emergency Help:
For those still preferring franchise experience or broader inventory, hope is not lost. Many major brand websites and large retailers like CarMax enter the digital sphere 24/7 by offering year round online sales assistance and light scheduling capabilities.
You can research, estimate payments and schedule test drives to be completed post holiday. Additionally, roadside assistance programs through your owner’s manual are legitimized for serious breakdown needs anytime.
For example, last Labor Day while touring the lake, the Johnson family transmission gave out on their 2015 Honda Accord.
“I was really worried being stranded so far from home on a holiday weekend,” recalls Susan. Thankfully one quick call to Honda Roadside Assistance dispatched friendly mechanic Dan within the hour.
“He diagnosed, ordered parts and had us up and running by late afternoon so we could still enjoy the weekend. It was such a relief not having to wait or pay premium rates.”
Reliable assistance is always there when truly stuck.
Should You Expect Any Labor Day Car Sales?
The extra time off presents an obvious logistical problem for busy car shopping during long holiday weekends too. However, auto retailers know consumers still have purchasing intent during this transitional period.
Fortunately, strategic sales offerings and digital first deals often provide solutions. To maximize what remains available, focus first on larger dealership groups or automaker websites promoting online promotions.
Examples have included 0% financing for 72 months on leftover 2019 models the Madison Avenue Auto Mall on Manhattan’s Upper West Side promoted that 2018 Labor Day weekend.
Further north in Burlington, Vermont, Burlington Nissan advertised the “Freedom Sales Event” with $2,000 cash back or lease loyalty rebates for those loyalty customers coming back.
Even smaller franchises not actively promoting will still work deals by phone or email throughout the shutdown if given a serious buyer.
Plus don’t forget manufacturers’ own end of summer sales still accommodating at their own online outlets.
Additionally, third party auto buying services increasingly move sales fully online. The hassle free WeBuyAnyCar.com lets consumers get cash offers, handle paperwork digitally and schedule home vehicle pickups.
So if your trade-in or down payment timing requires accelerated effort, they proudly remain working through Labor Day and nearly every other major holiday or weekend.
Considering all the evolving options serving virtual consumer needs, nobody should feel forced out of the buying process just due to holiday dealer closures.
Plan Ahead for Maintenance Needs:
Similar pragmatism applies to any scheduled auto maintenance workarounds needed over holiday weekends. To avoid being stuck waiting until traditional hours resume the following Tuesday, taking proactive steps pays off.
For routine care like oil changes or state inspections, aim to have them addressed the week prior. That keeps your vehicle in tiptop running order throughout celebratory travel rather than potentially finding problems post-holiday. Better precaution eliminates last minute stress.
If bigger jobs are pending, calling dealerships a few days early can often still yield timely appointments. “We try to accommodate work for clients who give us a heads up about holiday timing,” says Bridgette Chen, service manager at Lexus of Portland.
“Most years we find technicians willing to trade their holiday Monday for another day off later in the month if there are only a couple jobs to do.” A little advanced communication can go a long way.
As well, independent repair shops less committed to strict dealership calendars often run normal hours through weekends and holidays, always worth a quick call.
Plus having a trustworthy local mechanic provides a reliable backup if issues arise while away enjoying the three-day weekend. A little forward planning makes maintenance a non-issue rather than cause additional problems during a time meant for rest and relaxing family activities.
FAQ:
Q: Is Labor Day the best time to buy a car?
A: Labor Day is one of the busiest days for car sales.
Q: What is the best day to go to the car dealership?
A: Mondays.
Q: Are car dealerships closed on Sundays in MN?
A: Car sales are banned on Sundays in 12 states.
Q: Why are dealerships closed on Sundays in Texas?
A: to prohibit the sale of certain goods on Sundays.
Q: What are the worst months for car dealerships?
A: January Comes After December.
Summary:
In reviewing how to manage automotive needs around the Labor Day holiday, a few main takeaways ring clear. While most franchised dealerships nationwide close for the day, alternatives do exist.
Independent repair shops some rural dealers online sales portals, 24/7 roadside assistance, local lube and tire shops and even emergency service options should be considered instead of assuming complete shutdown.
And with proper planning, routine maintenance needs be scheduled before or after, urgent repairs can request holiday hours availability and major vehicle transactions start online to bridge traditional gaps.
Proactive steps serve everyone’s best interests. Consumers avoid stress and come out ahead by having transportation properly tended for safe weekend travels.
Meanwhile auto retailers keep clients satisfied even through changes in operations, maintaining loyalty and repeat business year after year.
Working together creatively, nobody should feel forced to go without quality automotive solutions from trusted partners even during treasured long holiday weekends. With a little planning, necessary vehicle matters can stay on track no matter the calendar.
With over 5 years of dedicated experience in the automotive industry, I am passionate about all things automotive. My journey began with a deep curiosity for automobiles, which led me to delve deeper into their mechanics, technology and trends. My expertise spans various aspects of the automotive world, from the latest electric vehicles to classic car restoration techniques. Through my articles, I aim to share my knowledge and insights, helping readers stay informed and inspired in the fast-paced world of the automobile.
