Anyone have a car under warranty...

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
81
So I bought this Chrysler a few months ago and I'm due for the 6k maintenance which includes an oil change, tire rotation, manual trans fluid check (?), and exhaust piping check (?). These are simple things that I can do myself and don't want to pay a shop to do. The dealership makes it sound like the apocalypse will arrive if I don't take it in to them.

So I guess my question is - How does doing work like this myself affect my warranty? I read my warranty information and it's not really clear (presumably because they want you to just take it to the dealer).

 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
I simply keep the receipts from the oil, filter, etc and stick it in the maintenance log, along with checking off what I did.
 

Ryland

Platinum Member
Aug 9, 2001
2,810
13
81
I change the oil myself and keep a spreadsheet of when I do it. I don't bother keeping receipts. It is actually illegal for them to make you take it to the dealer to do it.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,170
643
126
Just do it yourself and keep a log, as stated. Subaru makes it even easier since they have their own service site that allows you to make your own entries as well. That reminds me, gotta note my brake fluid replacement.
 

Gillbot

Lifer
Jan 11, 2001
28,830
17
81
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I simply keep the receipts from the oil, filter, etc and stick it in the maintenance log, along with checking off what I did.

I do the same and be sure you keep all recipts because if a warranty situation arises, they will ask for them.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,597
14,997
146
It's illegal for an automotive warranty to be dependent on where you have your maintenance done. You DO have to maintain the car well, but it DOESN'T have to be done per the manufacturer's recommendations. (such as the 15,000 30, 000 mile services) Do your own oil changes and tune-ups if you choose.

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=60127
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,158
59
91
Originally posted by: BoomerD
It's illegal for an automotive warranty to be dependent on where you have your maintenance done. You DO have to maintain the car well, but it DOESN'T have to be done per the manufacturer's recommendations. (such as the 15,000 30, 000 mile services) Do your own oil changes and tune-ups if you choose.

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=60127
True, it is illegal for the makers to specify that you have to do the service at the dealership, but you DO have to do what the manufacturer says at specific intervals.

So yes, you DO have to do the 30k, etc. services. If you don't, they can deny you a repair,
if, say, you didn't service your tranny when the manual said to and your tranny failed later
while under warranty.
 

dud

Diamond Member
Feb 18, 2001
7,635
73
91
I just bought a new Honda last night so now I have three (3) vehicles to maintain. I never take the car to the dealer unless I have to. I have an 8 year old Mazda that has never been to the dealer, a 3 year old Nissan that went in once for a minor leak (fixed in less than an hour) and the new car which I hope never has to go in.