Do I have to take my new car to the dealer for service?

If you own a vehicle with a warranty, beware! You will probably ask the question, Do I have to take my new car to the dealer for service?  Many dealers and manufacturers suggest that you need to get your maintenance services at a dealership in order to keep your warranty. That simply isn’t true! You can have your vehicle serviced at your trusted, local service center without affecting your warranty. A federal law, called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prohibits a manufacturer from voiding your warranty just because you got parts or services from a non-dealer. In fact, a manufacturer can’t require you to use their brand of oil filters, lubricant, or any other part in order to maintain your warranty protection. This protection is true for aftermarket extended warranties purchased on new or used vehicles. This protection also applies to leased vehicles. There are similar laws in Canada as well.

If a manufacturer can prove that the replacement parts or service lead to a vehicle failure, they can void a portion of the warranty. Of course, A+ Japanese Auto Repair uses quality parts and fluids that meet or exceed manufacturers’ specifications. A lot of people do not know that we subscribe to data services that tell us exactly which parts and fluids meet manufacturers’ specifications. These services are updated constantly so that we always knows what you need for your car. You can be assured that your vehicle will receive high quality replacement parts that’ll keep you safely on the road.

An independent auto repair shop performing service on a new car, still keeping the car warranty valid.

Proper maintenance is so important to safety. It can also prevent costly repairs and save you money over the long haul. Just because you don’t have to go to a dealer to get your maintenance service performed doesn’t mean that you don’t need to have it done at all. In fact, some protections from your warranty require that scheduled maintenance be performed. If you miss having important work done, you may lose some warranty coverage. Refer to your owners’ manual and vehicle warranty for more details. And keep good records of the work you’ve had done.

The protection you receive under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can save you hundreds of dollars each year. Just remember, you don’t have to bring your new car to the dealer for service.

If you are in the San Francisco Metro Area and would like to make an appointment for your new car, please feel free to click here

A+ Japanese Auto Repair serves the cities of San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, Foster City, San Mateo and more. We specialize on Honda Auto Repair, Acura Auto Repair, Toyota Auto Repair, Lexus Auto Repair, Nissan Auto Repair, Infiniti Auto Repair, Subaru Auto Repair, Mitsubishi Auto Repair, Mazda Auto Repair, Scion Auto Repair, and Hybrid Auto Repair.

By Eric Sevim - A+ Japanese Auto Repair,  San Carlos | ASE Master Certified Technican