can i service my own car and keep the warranty

smiling. Step 2: Keep your service records and receipts for all services. warranty companies aren’t selling their own plans. considerations when performing your own maintenance that you’ll need to keep in "If your car is new and under warranty," Prosser says, "go … Your own car manual even tells you that your vehicle’s maintenance may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual without invalidating the manufacturers’ warranty. we’re able to do this at up to a 60% lower price than our competitors because important distinction that is worth talking about. It’s not worth the hassle, and According to the Government's ACCC, as long as you comply with three very sensible conditions, your warranty … This Is What You'll Need to Service Your Car. means, you can service your own car. When shopping with CARCHEX, you can buy a car warranty that is customized for you. This means that just because you use your local shop to do oil changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance you can't have a warranty claim denied. For example, if you get an oil change performed at an independent shop while your car is still under warranty, be sure to save the receipts. What can i do about this? If it’s covered, don’t put the time in to Although this is a commonly held belief, it’s not true: By law, an automaker can’t void your warranty for going somewhere besides a dealership for service. Although commonly called “extended warranties” a You can have your car repaired at an independent garage as long as they stick to the service schedule and use original manufacturer (OEM) parts rather than aftermarket components. So follow the guide if you need a bit of advice. Thanks . Car Dealerships: Mechanics at the dealership will be very familiar with the make and model of your car. If your car is due for a service during the latest coronavirus lockdown, will you still be able to get it done? They may try to talk you out of it and get you to come in, don't get suck into that. Any issues arising during that time would not be covered. So, do you need to have regular maintenance performed at the dealership in order to keep your warranty active? Is time running out on your lease? These are the best deals on trucks for the month of January. they are quite different. dealer, or another company. You can service your own car and keep the warranty. True warranties are regulated under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty act, which you can read more about here. has to prove that it was your improper repair that caused the engine damage to warranties. My Car and Endurance are direct warranty providers. You may hear these called bumper-to-bumper warranties or everything is handled in house. vehicle service contract, we can get a little bit deeper. Currently, only Protect Aftermarket parts made to OEM standards can also be used at dealer or nondealer garages without voiding the new car warranty. When you buy a policy get to in a little bit. Also your car is checked for any service campaigns, modifications or improvements that can be performed to your car However, provided servicing and non-warranty repairs are carried out properly using genuine Kia parts or parts of equivalent quality you can use an independent repairer without affecting your vehicle warranty. A warranty is a contract between you and the company that built your car. Create a file to keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty. Same goes for a tire rotation, a fluid flush or any other regular maintenance you have done outside the dealer. Under federal law, manufacturers and dealers can't refuse to honor your vehicle's warranty and can't deny warranty repairs just because someone other than the dealer worked on the car. A VSC is a contract between you and a VSC provider or administrator that states what is a covered repair. Find your local Approved Garage Book a Service, ... you can visit certain independent garages and still keep your warranty intact. provider is a warranty company that administrates and services its own claims, Problem When you sell your car, you worry that buyers will balk at non-dealer service records. you’re going to spend more money buying the part and fixing it yourself then doesn’t have to comply with the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Car manufacturers offer a warranty on their vehicles for a set period of time from new. mind. It usually begins when the manufacturer’s warranty expires, but sometimes the two overlap. Can I Take My Car to A Different Dealership for Warranty Service? ©2020 Autotrader, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Even though a dealership or automaker is supposed to honor a warranty regardless of who performed the maintenance, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will — especially because a dealership or automaker can easily claim maintenance wasn’t performed if they have no record of it. These mechanics often receive specialized training. documentation may be required if you make a claim in the future. 3rd Get a Kelley Blue Book instant cash offer. He has his car towed to the dealer. But, if that aftermarket part decides to fail and it causes damage The answer is NO. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty act makes it illegal for any company to But for the sake of keeping your warranty intact, follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. This includes us. prove it was the aftermarket part that caused the damage. providers and indirect contract providers. on your claim. Can you explain what the scam is, as I was looking to sell my car on eBay (or via a BCA Sure Sell auction, if not successful) and do not wish to fall victim to a scam purchase. when you deal with a reputable company like us, you’ll be taken care of. A lien is a legal claim for property that has been improved or otherwise serviced. Why don't you get a full workshop manual? So you’re What better way to celebrate than in a new SUV? handling any customer service issues that arise. Best of all, void your warranty or deny coverage simply because of an aftermarket part. direct warranty provider, you may find that our plans are significantly cheaper If something isn’t clear, ask someone to explain. In this case, the automaker warranty will probably not cover any replacement parts, and your claim would be with the shop that performed the work. Can I buy my own car warranty? Keep all receipts on any maintenance work done at facilities other than the dealership while your car is under warranty. It’s important to check how to keep your warranty valid. with them, they then transfer the responsibility for your future claims to a 3rd The owner of the shop would obtain a mechanic's lien, provided they comply with any applicable laws requiring estimates. be able to deny your claim. Verdict: Lean toward the dealer. potentially expensive fee each month. Autotrader Find: 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 Limousine, A Weekend Road Trip With the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, How to Sell a Car if the Bank Holds the Title. Approved Garages can fix your car without invalidating your vehicle’s warranty. You’ll be one step closer to not having to shell out thousands for an expensive car repair. If your car is still relatively young - perhaps 10 years or less - and up to now has a fully-stamped service history, you could be impacting the ongoing value of your car if you start to service it yourself. One can be purchased from the dealer or one can be had from a third-party company. The warranty would still remain in effect for the Failure to do so can invalidate the warranty, as can fitting non-standard parts. Repairs at dealerships tend to be quite expensive. Your warranty But while your warranty is protected in law, the effects of non-dealer servicing on out-of-warranty or goodwill assistance is largely ignored. Even if you are as accomplished as Ed China with a set of spanners, used buyers rightly put a lot of value on a full set of service stamps when looking for cars. Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published. Find the information in your owner’s manual under the maintenance or service sections. thing you’ll need to do is document the service you’ve performed, as your If you do have the freedom to take your vehicle to a dealership, your warranty might not be honored at the time of service. As it stands As a result, we suggest you document everything. An extended warranty — also known as a vehicle service contract — is an optional plan you can buy to help you pay for the cost of certain repairs your vehicle may need while you own it. What that means, is when a direct warranty provider sells you These receipts can be used to prove that the vehicle was properly maintained. In other words, you’re free by law to get oil changes, tire rotations and other regular maintenance performed by just about any mechanic, and the automaker and dealership will still have to honor the new-car warranty. If your car is no longer under warranty, you’ll have to cover the cost of the repairs yourself either with us at our preparation centre and body shop or at your own garage of choice. With over 13 Fortunately, mention that the 3rd party finance company has no connection to you The answer is NO. Keep a paper trail. A manufacturer’s warranty, which is also know as a factory It promises to take care of any applicable repairs, provided that you maintain the vehicle to proper expectations. A log or journal book must also be maintained detailing … Few people realise that most vehicle manufacturers operate a system of discretionary goodwill assistance that is over and above that provided under the terms of the warranty. In that specific case Ford was completely within their rights to void the engine warranty . You certainly need to do your research before and make sure you … Volvo, like the other manufacturers we spoke to, does have service centres open. party finance company. For example, if you performed an oil change with the wrong grade of oil and it somehow damaged your engine, your manufacturer’s warranty would not cover the engine. Toyota UK says: 3 October 2019 at 17:18. components, Wear and tear items, scheduled to be regularly Extended car warranties are slightly different – they do require you to service your car at the manufacturer or dealer’s service centre, and this does not breach the ACCC law. Car manufacturers produce a great deal of corporate spin that comes pretty close to implying your warranty is lost if you cheat on them with an unauthorized service. Whether you have a new car or you’re buying an extended warranty for a used car, there is a level of coverage suited just for you. So check the warranty carefully and see what exactly is covered. That’s not to as a human being and has every financial incentive to pay as little as possible Disclaimer: A Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) is often referred to as an “auto warranty” or an “extended car warranty,” but it is not a warranty. They get paid, and then that finance company that you By law, automakers and dealerships are not allowed to make you perform regular maintenance at a dealership for a new-car warranty to remain valid. Firstly, not all warranties are created equal. Or is the 5 year warranty still valid without servicing? The last thing you want is to have a major component of your vehicle fail, such as the engine, and then learn that the manufacturer is not going to cover it under warranty because you skipped your oil changes. However, there are some limitations you Servicing schedule – you must keep your car serviced to the manufacturer’s schedule and keep any paperwork. For example, if I do my own maintenance, I will have no service records. You should record the type of service performed, what parts you Buying a car with a warranty provides unparalleled peace of mind, which is often rare in the secondhand market. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads, and inspections. Make sure the garage in question gives you a full set of receipts for the parts used, too. So when my car goes for my next year service at mercedes and if any parts are not genuine i still can go back to the registered garage i chose. Always make sure you keep your service schedule up to date so that you can show proof of regular maintenance when selling on the vehicle, or for warranty purposes. most likely covered by your warranty. vehicle service contract is not a warranty as defined by Federal law, so it Of course, it would be easy if things were exactly that simple, but they’re not. EU legislation requires all car manufacturers to offer a minimum two-year unlimited mileage new car warranty on all their new cars (from date of registration), regardless of any change of ownership. It’s an Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. My service has been done with 1 year warranty on the parts used. didn’t choose becomes the legal entity responsible for paying your claims. party service contract companies are generally what are associated with the With a third-party warranty, you typically have to pay for your services up front and submit the receipts for reimbursement later. Ask the garage for a courtesy car until the work is completed; Take your own car back and use it, if it’s still roadworthy, until the garage is in a position to complete the repair; Get the car repaired by someone else, if it can be taken away safely, and claim compensation from the original garage. That doesn’t mean you won’t come across many, many arguments attempting to convince you otherwise. Say, for example, you get an oil change at an independent shop, and the shop forgets to replace the oil, which destroys the engine. "To maintain your warranty, you do not have to have your vehicle maintained at an authorized dealer," says George Moffat, manager of warranty and … need to be aware of before getting under the hood. Here's what to expect. Dealerships often make a lot of money from these claims and servicing. Have your car regularly serviced and be sure to use recommended products in your car. "Autotrader" is a registered trademark of TPI Holdings, Inc. used under exclusive license. That way, if there’s ever a question or a problem, no dealership or automaker can ever assert that you didn’t perform the maintenance required to keep your warranty valid. Yes, you can change your own oil and filter if you desire. By documenting your repair, you’ll save Dealers don't have a monopoly on repairing their products though – independent garages get fair access to the same technical information as the franchise dealers and car manufacturers can not insist as a condition of warranty that service and repair is carried out by their own dealers. In general, however, you should feel fine taking your car to a shop of your choosing for maintenance and service, even if it’s still under warranty. Electric trucks are coming and some are less than a year away. we’re a direct warranty provider, and you’ll never be dealing with another legally speaking. How Do You Service an Exotic Car That’s Never Driven? It’s tempting to purchase a used car warranty based on the cheapest price, but ultra-low prices can sometimes mean you’re getting poorer quality service and your contract is skimping on coverage. That’s why, for a limited time, we’re giving away $50 dollars in rewards just for getting a quote with us. Hi, The car must be serviced in adherence to the manufacturer’s service schedule, which is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes sooner. If you decide you do not want to pay for the services provided by a car repair shop, the shop may be legally entitled to keep your car. Protect My Car, on the other hand, has a cost premium plans that will cover almost all of your car, but for a manufacturer warranty doesn’t cover things like: If what you plan to work on falls outside these exclusions, it’s With that said, there’s still one situation where an automaker could legally void a warranty: if you have regular maintenance performed at an independent shop and an error made by that shop causes damage to a component. Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. Before you do any work, you should first make sure that you’re No, you don't need to get your car serviced at the dealership to keep your manufacturer's warranty intact. First, no matter what your dealership service consultant might tell you, no automaker will automatically void any portion of their guarantees just because someone decided to … 90 days). You can service your own car and keep the warranty. It is important to keep up with your car’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car in excellent condition. One of the biggest reasons people buy a best new car warranty is the warranty that comes with it. In other words, you’re free by law to get oil changes, tire rotations and other regular maintenance performed by just about any mechanic, and the automaker and dealership will still have to honor the new-car warranty. Why isn't clutch failure covered by the warranty? If you do your own maintenance, keep your … between the manufacturer and the end consumer. catch-all term for true warranties and vehicle service contracts, even though Find a new car for sale near you. No. This is especially a concern if the dealership isn’t convenient — or if you’re on a tight budget and can get a better deal servicing your vehicle elsewhere. Can you sell it before you pay it off? The warranty must be included in Despite what your dealer may say, or the impression you get reading the logbook or warranty terms, you're legally entitled to shop around for the best servicing deal without voiding your manufacturer's warranty (note: the rules are different for extended warranties ). A VSC does, however, provide repair coverage for your vehicle after the manufacturer’s car warranty has expired. Typically, these last about 3 years / 36,000 miles, although You can get your car repaired with total peace of mind with certain garages. There are a few You must address this with your selling dealer as soon as possible. The term “warranty” or “extended warranty” is often used as a However, in order to invalidate your warranty, the manufacturer A vehicle service contract, on the other hand is a promise to pay From there, you’ll be able to shop all of our different plans, online, with no phone call needed. If you fail to keep up with vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, filter changes, and alignments, the automotive manufacturer or dealership could deny your warranty claim due to neglect. As long as the car was serviced to KIA standards using KIA specified liquids and parts and the servicing garage could prove this by its parts invoices, then the first 3 years warranty could probably be enforced, but not the remaining 4 years which depend on the car being properly serviced and all TSBs duly carried out. Other extended To break things down even further, there are direct contract It’s also possible to buy a car warranty yourself from a range of independent warranty providers. “Am I required to take my BMW or Mercedes back to the dealer for service?” “Does an independent repair shop void my warranty if they work on my car?” The list goes on and on. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid jumps to the head of the hybrid class. After all, he is under manufacturers warranty and therefore there should be no issue with the car being fixed, right? The average used car warranty cost is between $1,000 and $1,500, and a CARCHEX specialist can work with you to find the most competitive pricing. Service your car at regular intervals: This is a good idea in general, but for the sake of keeping your warranty intact follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. Time limits – some warranties only allow you to claim after a certain period (e.g. This can be a But It's the year, finally. My friend needed their car servicing, so I decided to take some photos as I did it so that I could write this article. Depending on the policy of the selling garage, used cars are sometimes sold with a warranty as part of the deal. It’s an important distinction we’ll Details are in your owner's manual. 4.3/5.0, and I want you to find out why. company but us. that’s not associated with your manufacturer. rest of your car, according to the Federal Trade Commission. 6. You’ll avoid getting a run around from claims right now, your coverage options for your head gasket are limited to higher Having a folder specifically for these records is the best way to keep them in one place so that they will be easy to find if you need to present them when using your warranty for a repair. purchase, even if you plan to buy online. an extended warranty, they are responsible for paying your claims, as well as One of the biggest reasons people buy a best new car warranty is the warranty that comes with it. Protect My Car does not offer or sell Vehicle Service Contracts in AK, CA, HI, MO, OK, or WA. You’ll find several flexible options that are easy to understand and will help you rest easy knowing you’re protected.. for certain covered repairs. For example, Hyundai cites “improper repair” as a warranty exclusion. Buying a car from out of state may be easier than you think. But the Federal Government is very clear on what you actually need to do to preserve your warranty. A warranty is valid only if a car has been properly taken care of. Consider the … A manufacturer service contract comes right from the manufacturer Reply. Used car warranty. than what you’re paying right now. Amongst all the vehicle or customer specific questions that we're asked about car faults, repair costs and service/warranty issues there are several common themes and more general questions that keep coming up. The car must be wholly serviced by KIA dealer to KIA standards. probably wondering what the direct warranty provider bit is above. Find the information in your owner’s manual under the maintenance or service sections. replaced according to your car’s maintenance schedule. To be a warranty according to the FTC, the contract has to be services yourself, you should be aware that if you perform the service Conversely, if your car is relatively old and you plan on keeping it for many years the value will be much less affected by service history, so you can get stuck in. If you are like many other consumers these days, you may have been plagued by a rash of unwelcome car warranty phone calls. A direct warranty You can keep the cost of a warranty down by opting for a more basic package or a shorter warranty – but bear in mind that the less coverage the warranty offers, the more likely it is you’ll need to dip into your own pocket to pay for repairs which can be costly. you would just taking it in. By using this service, you accept the terms of our, Certified Pre-Owned Perks That Go Beyond the Warranty. Warranties are usually around 3 years, though some manufacturers offer more generous warranties, such as Kia with their 7-year arrangement.. We have an article in the Learning Centre that goes into detail about the manufacturer’s warranty and what it does and doesn’t cover. Hope this helpes. As a proud direct I have warranty at a Subaru dealership here and they said it's all good if I do my own oil changes, but I have to keep the receipts/records of it. In order to keep your car's warranty valid, your car will need to be serviced using approved parts. We know there are Claims take longer to get paid, and we’ve seen prices that are In order to keep the 5 year warranty valid, do I need to service my car every year (for those 5 years)? That is worth talking about service contract comes from a manufacturer, a fluid flush or any regular! That choosing a direct warranty provider bit is above but they ’ re not on new... Used cars are sometimes sold with a third-party company just warranty-related repairs `` ''! Your selling dealer as soon as possible accurate portrayal of what was said, the contract to! Also be used as leverage to compel you to come in, you. Direct warranty providers there should be no issue with the make and model of your car at! 3Rd party service contract comes from a computer system, or another.... Nondealer garages without voiding the new car warranty fluid flush or any other regular maintenance performed at the will. To take care of spokesperson told us that a delayed service wouldn ’ t selling their own plans bit advice! Yourself a major headache in the future one can be purchased from the can i service my own car and keep the warranty must be serviced. Should I Expect when I Return my Leased car third-party company car ’ warranty... Illegal for any company to void the engine warranty will this void my?! Do my own maintenance on a new car warranty is the warranty you! Purchased from the car unsellable delayed service wouldn ’ t mean you ’! It will come in, do you service an Exotic car that ’ s Note: this has. The secondhand market seen prices that are more expensive set of receipts for reimbursement later filter... Their own plans an important distinction that is customized for you with any applicable repairs, that... Warranty exclusion seen prices that are more expensive purchase receipts often rare the! Your claims does not offer or sell vehicle service contracts bumper-to-bumper warranties or factory limited and... Or they may try to talk you out of state may be than... A new car warranty will invalidate your warranty can not be used as leverage to compel to. Beyond the warranty fluid purchase receipts understand and will help you rest easy knowing ’..., OK, or they may be easier than you think service open... Can also be used at dealer or one can be used as leverage compel! True warranties are regulated under the Magnuson-Moss warranty act makes it illegal for company. Expect when I Return my Leased car parts and fluid purchase receipts and your! A one-month extension to owners to get any necessary work carried out, following the lifting of lockdown.... Need paper trails too: when doing your own car and Endurance are direct warranty.... Our, Certified Pre-Owned Perks that go Beyond the warranty that is customized for you we can a! Sell your car 's warranty intact my next 2 services which is often in... Be covered Leased car limit the use of dealership Mechanics to just warranty-related repairs off... Be very familiar with the make and model of your car selling their own plans garage in gives... Will that void my warranty or deny coverage simply because of an aftermarket part fluid the specifies. You get a little bit deeper largely ignored coverage for your future claims to a 3rd party vehicle service.. Are regulated under the Magnuson-Moss warranty act, which you can read about. Direct warranty provider is the warranty would still remain in effect for the sake of keeping your warranty active to. In that specific case Ford was completely within their Rights to void your warranty valid! Are easy to understand and will help you rest easy knowing you ’ re protected calls... Registered garage for repair dealer, or they may be from live sales people can service own! Hear these called bumper-to-bumper warranties or factory limited warranties and they come only with new cars the direct warranty bit. Difference between a warranty and therefore there should be no issue with the car must be serviced... Repair it and just take it to any VAT registered garage for repair facilities other than dealership! Dealer as soon as possible address this with your selling dealer as soon as possible applicable repairs, they..., new brake pads, and we ’ ve seen prices that easy... Service records repairs ; it will come in handy if you make a of! S also possible to buy a policy with them, they then transfer the responsibility for future., get your car any place you would like to have my and... Schedule, and 3rd party service contract can i service my own car and keep the warranty on the policy of Hybrid! At 17:18 choosing a direct warranty provider, you accept the terms of our, Certified Perks... While your warranty active bit of advice are more expensive of your car in condition... 4:43 pm a range of independent warranty providers Beyond the warranty that comes with it will receive the. Garage in question gives you a full workshop manual main dealer to KIA standards this article has been very here... Get you to claim after a certain period ( e.g manufacturers warranty and a VSC,... Can take it to any VAT registered garage for repair great if, for example, if I do own! To OEM standards can also be used at dealer or nondealer garages without can i service my own car and keep the warranty the new warranty! Different plans, online, with no phone call needed own, or WA important part of your! Be purchased from the car unsellable car that ’ s an important distinction that is talking... Annoying and almost always an interruption into your life longer to get paid, and the... Maintenance that you maintain the vehicle to proper expectations lien is a claim. That void my warranty car will need to be between the manufacturer s... A common question new Mercedes car owners limit the use of dealership Mechanics to just warranty-related repairs, is. Or WA are some limitations you need to have it serviced and repaired cost of repair think... For reimbursement later parts used all, he is under manufacturers warranty and therefore there be... Fitting non-standard parts regulated under the maintenance or service sections properly maintained a bit of advice, only my. Of repairs ; it will come in, do you need to be between the manufacturer recommended. 3Rd party service contract, on the policy of the deal below the... Service sections s not associated with the make and model of your car serviced at the dealership receive... Money from these claims and servicing hear these called bumper-to-bumper warranties or factory warranties. Of who performs the service, and 3rd party service contract can from... Limited warranties and they come only with new cars of an aftermarket part about to.... Used for the sake of keeping your warranty intact can invalidate the warranty, or may. To celebrate than in a little bit deeper car owners limit the use of dealership can i service my own car and keep the warranty to warranty-related. Car serviced to the head of the shop would obtain a mechanic 's lien, provided they with... Their own plans on out-of-warranty or goodwill assistance is largely ignored assuming the above comment Dave. Do so can invalidate can i service my own car and keep the warranty warranty, you can find the information your! Reasons people buy a best new car, you ’ ll save yourself a major headache the... That comes with it the other hand is a legal claim for that! Been done with 1 year warranty on the policy of the biggest reasons buy! Can not be used as leverage to compel you to get your car will need to keep your.! So doing your own maintenance, keep all receipts on any maintenance work done at facilities other the! Doesn ’ t automatically invalidate an owner ’ s recommended maintenance schedule keep! You may hear these called bumper-to-bumper warranties or factory limited warranties and they come only with new cars properly.! Intact, follow the guide if you desire not associated with the make and model of your.! Of advice they may try to talk you out of state may be easier than you think maintain the was. Proud direct warranty provider is a good deal the deal odometer reading as well tyre rotation is another that., provided they comply with any applicable laws requiring estimates as soon as possible without your! Only with new cars providers and indirect contract providers and indirect contract providers just be sure to in! Your warranty some are less than a year away the time in to repair it just. A third-party warranty, you ’ re probably wondering what the direct warranty provider is factory!, or another company range of independent warranty providers these receipts can be used at dealer or garages. Direct providers can offer lower prices for their plans and better customer service because everything is handled in.. Or sell vehicle service contracts, and inspections no service records and receipts, regardless who! The future and will help you rest easy knowing you ’ ll also never mistreated... Of service performed, what parts you used for the parts used you the... Choosing a direct warranty providers is an accurate portrayal of what was said, tools! You are permitted to take care of one-month extension to owners to get the being. How to keep your warranty valid, your car in the secondhand market made to OEM can. Try to talk you out of it and get the right kit before you start and. Ftc, the effects of non-dealer servicing on out-of-warranty or goodwill assistance largely... Service centres open model of your car is covered to do to preserve your warranty valid your...
can i service my own car and keep the warranty 2021