Keeping Your Car Warranty Intact Without Dealer Servicing

Discover how servicing your car outside the dealership does not void the warranty, thanks to consumer protection laws, and the importance of reputable service.

Choosing not to service your car at the dealership does not automatically void your warranty. Here’s the explanation.

After selecting your ideal car and negotiating a favorable deal, you’re directed to the finance and insurance (F&I) manager to complete the paperwork. Part of the F&I manager’s role at a dealership is to conclude the sale and potentially offer additional products like extended warranties. During this process, the manager might highlight the dealership’s benefits and encourage future patronage by suggesting that servicing your car at the dealership is necessary to maintain its factory warranty. However, this is not the case.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted in the 1970s, prohibits the requirement of using specific manufacturer parts or services to preserve a warranty. According to Keith Barry, the senior autos editor at Consumer Reports, you have the freedom to service your vehicle at any location without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty. This includes options like Jiffy Lube, independent mechanics, or even dealerships of different automotive brands.

It’s important to note, though, that warranties might not cover damages due to improper repairs. For instance, if you perform an oil change and neglect to replace the oil filter, resulting in engine damage, the warranty won’t cover the repairs.

Should a dealership employee claim that servicing must be done at their facility to maintain the warranty, it’s advisable to report such statements to both the dealership and the car manufacturer. Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is also an option, which could lead to the dealership receiving a warning.

To ensure warranty protection, it’s best to use a trustworthy service provider, keep documentation of all services, and maintain a record of receipts.