Have you been told you must bring your vehicle back to the dealer for all its servicing, including regular oil changes, or the manufacturer’s warranty on your car will be voided? Unfortunately, this is something car dealers and manufacturers often tell their customers. In reality, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim your warranty becomes void when someone other than the dealer does the work. In this blog post, you’ll find out more about this and the answers to frequently asked questions about car repairs and warranties.
Q. Do I have to take my vehicle to the dealer for oil changes and routine maintenance?
No. It is acceptable to take your car to an independent auto repair shop, like Geller’s Automotive or the dealer. You can also do the work yourself. By choosing any or all of these options you will NOT void the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle.
Q. What types of repairs and service are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty for my car?
The warranty and coverages are different for every auto manufacturer. Most common are bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties. A bumper-to-bumper warranty will cover almost everything from the front to the back bumper of your car for a specified period of time. So, if your engine fails or starts leaking oil because of defects related to materials or workmanship, you can take your car in to the dealer and have it repaired at no cost to you. Items not covered under manufacturer warranties are those that undergo wear and tear, like the engine oil, brakes and tires.
Q. Are there things that can void the manufacturer’s warranty?
Absolutely! While you can have your vehicle serviced anywhere, you must follow the minimum maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. You must also use the proper brand(s) of fluids and parts for your vehicle. If you neglect to do so and your engine fails or starts leaking oil, it doesn’t matter where your vehicle was serviced, you have voided the manufacturer’s warranty and repairs won’t be completed at no charge to you.
The simplest way to make sure the manufacturer’s warranty will cover your vehicle is to commit to a regular maintenance schedule. At Geller’s Automotive, located in Byram, New Jersey, we keep a detailed record of all the services we perform on your vehicle. If there are any problems that need to be address, we will let you know. We will also notify you when a needed repair is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty so you can have it done at your dealer at no cost to you. Click here to make your next appointment with Geller’s Automotive.
