When you purchased your vehicle, were you told you had to bring your car back to the dealership or you would void the manufacturer warranty? Not true. Unfortunately, this is one of several myths that car dealers and manufacturers often tell their customers. In reality, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim your warranty is void because someone other than the dealer did the work. In this blog post, we will answer the more commonly asked questions related to car warranties and repairs.
Commonly Asked Questions About Car Warranties
Q. Where can I take my car for oil changes and routine maintenance?
You are permitted to take your vehicle to an independent mechanic (like Country Road Auto), the dealer, and/or you can do the work yourself. Choosing any of these options will NOT void the manufacturer warranty on your vehicle.
Q. What is covered under my manufacturer warranty?
Every car manufacturer has differing options when it comes to warranties and coverages. The most common types of warranties are Bumper-to-bumper and Powertrain. Any items covered under the manufacturer’s warranty will be repaired by your dealer at no cost to you. Conversely, you are responsible for any expenses related to maintenance of items that need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, like the oil, brakes and tires.
Q. Are there things that can void the manufacturer’s warranty?
Yes. While it doesn’t matter where you have your vehicle serviced, you must have it done on the minimum schedule outlined in your owner’s manual and use the correct brand of fluids and parts for your vehicle. For example, if you have neglected to change your oil and it causes major damage to the engine, it doesn’t matter who has serviced your vehicle, your manufacturer warranty is considered void.
The easiest way to make sure your vehicle is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty is to make the commitment to regular maintenance. At Country Road Automotive, located in Lincoln Park, NJ, we can help you with vehicle maintenance. When you bring your vehicle to us, we keep a detailed record of all the services performed and will alert you to any problems that need to be addressed. We’ll even let you know when a particular repair would be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty so you can have it done at your dealer at no charge to you. Click here to schedule your next appointment with Country Road Automotive.