This means that the automaker and dealership must still honor the new car warranty even if you choose to have any mechanic do routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and other types of maintenance.
In This Article...
Will my own oil change void my warranty?
Popular Member. The warranty won’t be nullified if you change your own oil. It would be against the law to do that. In light of this, keep a record of your oil change or any other proof in case you need to show that it was carried out.
What nullifies the Toyota warranty?
The warranty coverage on your vehicle may be negatively impacted by the installation of race or off-highway use parts. The installation of Race or Off-Highway Use Parts on a vehicle, as well as any malfunctions they might cause, are not covered by the car warranty.
How many miles will void a warranty after an oil change?
Regarding how long people can go without an oil change, dealerships and oil change facilities continue to confuse a lot of new car owners. This is taking place despite the fact that oil changes are advised after 10,000 miles or 16,000 kilometers on cars.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re one of these perplexed drivers. The myth that your vehicle warranty and an oil change every 3,000 miles will be permanently dispelled today.
Even if you are using conventional motor oil, know what a traditional oil can accomplish and what a synthetic oil can do many times better. Today’s name brand oils are built for oil changes past 3,000 miles. Synthetics offer even longer drain intervals and greater start-up protection, high temperature protection, volatility prevention, and anti-sludge protection.
From the Facebook page of another AMSOIL dealer:
The owners manual for your car is the best place to start if you want to learn more about the recommended drain interval. The typical oil change interval for contemporary cars is 5,0007,500 miles or more.
Next, ascertain the recommended oil kind. American Petroleum Institute (API) requirements are used by the majority of domestic and Asian manufacturers. The manufacturers of European automobiles either have their own internal specifications or occasionally advocate the API.
Use a motor oil that satisfies or exceeds the specifications advised in the owner’s handbook to get the best performance, protection, and longevity out of your car.
Going beyond the the owners manual on oil change recommendations.
Even though very few manufacturers recommend oil changes after 10,000 miles, you can still do it and be good. Don’t worry about your warranty if you are. Consumers are protected by warranties from manufacturing flaws and poor workmanship. Your warranty may not be void no matter what type of oil you use or how long you use it.
The key to extended oil change intervals is choosing a high quality oil and filter.
One cannot overestimate the significance of putting high-quality oil in an engine. In almost every performance category, including wear protection, extreme high- and low-temperature performance, foam control, viscosity retention, rust and corrosion protection, volatility, and fuel efficiency, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils consistently outperform conventional and other synthetic oils. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils consistently perform at the top in every category, even if competing brands may offer better performance in some of these areas. Knowing that AMSOIL synthetic motor oils offer the best protection and performance, drivers can drive with confidence.
The oil filter is likewise crucial. With a filtering effectiveness of 98.7% at 20 microns, AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters (EaO, Ea15K) have one of the top efficiency ratings in the automobile market.
Now it’s easier to surpass the 3,000 mile oil change interval. However, you question my warranty.
It is unlawful for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to exclude a warranty due to the type of lubricant that was used. The Warranty Secure logo lets customers know this. Extended drain intervals or the use of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants in place of OEM-branded lubricants do not void the manufacturer’s warranties on new vehicles or equipment.
The Federal Trade Commission states:
Because you used an aftermarket or recycled item, the company cannot void your warranty or refuse to honor the warranty, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Before denying warranty coverage, the manufacturer or dealer must demonstrate that the aftermarket or recycled item was the reason for the need for repairs. (https://ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt192.shtm) (I added emphasis.)
No, extending the time between oil changes does not void the warranty on new cars. If the oil did not cause the issue, the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or amount of time in use. It must be established that the lubricant was directly accountable for the failure in order to affect the vehicle warranty.
Using AMSOIL in your new car won’t void the warranty if you decide you want the finest protection money can buy.
It’s good to know that AMSOIL has you covered when selecting a motor oil and oil change interval that is greater than 3,000 miles. It’s possible that you’ll want to remain with the longer oil change recommended in the owner’s handbook, increase it to 10,000 miles, or even change your oil once a year. You can use a synthetic motor oil from AMSOIL.
Can I maintain the warranty and service my own vehicle?
There is a common misconception that in order to maintain your vehicle’s warranty, you must use OEM supplied oil, purchase it directly from the manufacturer, and have servicing completed at a garage that is a member of the manufacturer’s network. This is untrue, and you could also potentially save a significant amount of money by purchasing and bringing oil to the servicer of your choice. You can discover all the information you need by reading on.
Does using my own oil invalidate my car’s warranty? In short; No:
If you execute the service to at least the same standards as a franchised dealer, using your own oil or going to an independent garage rather than a franchised dealer won’t void the guarantee on the car. For more information, continue reading.
After the Office of Fair Trading conducted a research in 2003, a code was adopted to force automakers to remove warranty clauses requiring repairs to be made at a shop in their network. By severing relations, the OFT was prevented from taking official enforcement action in accordance with EC competition legislation.
Is a dealer service required to keep my car under warranty?
The prices, which again vary from one manufacturer to the next, are a helpful approach to help you plan your budget for these extra expenses.
Car servicing deals
Drivers with keen eyes can save money by keeping an eye out for specials on auto maintenance. To keep you mobile while your car is being repaired, several main dealers will provide you with a free courtesy car. Others offer packages that include breakdown insurance for an entire year.
It’s important to look for seasonal health exams that are reasonably priced (or free). These ensure a number of peace-of-mind inspections on your car and are particularly well-liked at the beginning of winter.
Car servicing under warranty
You must pay particular attention to the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. To be sure you don’t drive too far between services or wait too long between them, consult your owner’s manual or contact your dealer.
Your car must be maintained with approved components if you want to retain the guarantee in effect. Anywhere can service your car, but by going to a main dealer, you can be confident that those crucial approved parts are being used.
While most cars require maintenance annually, other types only need it every two years. The majority of vehicles have set distances between services. typically between 12,000 and 20,000 miles, while some cars will notify you automatically when maintenance is required.
These variable service intervals are depending on how you drive, and you’ll need to see your dealer more regularly if you drive a car hard or make a lot of extremely short trips.
What would nullify a vehicle’s warranty?
A manufacturer or dealer has the right to revoke a warranty or refuse warranty repairs. They must be able to prove that the component at issue in your warranty claim dispute was damaged as a result of incorrect upgrades, maintenance, or repairs in order to do this.
It is unacceptable if your engine breaks down and your warranty claim is rejected because you changed the oil yourself. They might be able to defeat the claim if they can prove that the improper oil was used, that too much or too little oil was used, or that the oil changes were not carried out in accordance with the maintenance plan. It’s not acceptable if they’re trying to claim that the failure of your engine was caused by the installation of new tires. You should speak with a lawyer or the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office if they continue to try to refute it.
A warranty is invalid if what?
A merchant may decide not to uphold the conditions of a warranty by deeming it void in specific instances, particularly when a customer has used a product for a purpose different than what was intended. The Magnuson-Moss Guarantee Act, a federal statute that governs the majority of consumer purchases in the United States, or other state laws may strongly forbid merchants from attempting to void a warranty, however this does happen occasionally.
State laws add another layer and frequently greater consumer safeguards while the federal statute lays the foundation for U.S. consumers. You might be covered by an implied guarantee even if your written warranty is null and void.
The main topic of this article is whether or not a merchant can void a guarantee. For more articles concerning your consumer warranty rights, visit “Product Warranties and Returns.”
Acceptable Reasons for Voiding a Warranty
Understanding your warranty’s provisions in full, especially if it is a limited warranty, will help you safeguard your interests and prevent having your warranty revoked. Full warranties, which are legally obligated to cover any repairs or replacements related to faults during the guarantee term, are significantly less common than limited ones.
Therefore, the maker or particular product determines the causes for voiding a limited warranty. Knowing a warranty’s terms and restrictions will typically help you determine when and under what circumstances it can be revoked. It’s also a good idea to keep your receipt because it can be the only proof of the transaction.
When making a significant purchase, ponder the following:
- How long will your purchase be covered by the warranty?
- If the product breaks, does the warranty cover repair, replacement, or a refund?
- Who should you get in touch with and how do you get warranty service?
- Which components and issues fall within the warranty’s coverage? Which are expressly disallowed?
- Does the guarantee also apply to “consequential damages” like the price of damaged food in the event that a freezer malfunctions?
- Exist any unauthorized uses, alterations, or modifications to the product that can void the warranty? Federal law stipulates that in order to void a written guarantee, the merchant must demonstrate that the alteration constituted the root of the fault.
- If a warranty is supposedly “lifetime,” does it refer to the lifespan of the item or the owner?
- Is the retailer a respectable business?
The following are some of the most frequent grounds for which merchants void warranties:
- The guarantee period is over.
- The flaw or component is not covered.
- Misuse of the product or improper maintenance are to blame for its failure.
- You significantly altered the item, which has had an impact on its performance.
When Merchants Cannot Invalidate a Warranty
In order to benefit from a full warranty’s benefits, retailers cannot demand that customers fill out a registration card, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which upholds federal consumer rules. While relatively few restrictions may be made to complete warranties, the consumer must be made aware of the precise bounds of any reduced warranties.
The following are some additional warranty requirements or restrictions that the FTC deems unreasonable, and whose compliance will not render a warranty void:
- requiring physical visits to warranty service centers when returning products (also called “carry back”)
- requiring customers to return a vehicle (or watercraft) that is not roadworthy or that, if operated, poses a danger of human injury or further damage
- requiring clients to pay for shipping or shipping insurance
- Making the client liable for any goods lost or stolen during shipping
- requesting the return of goods in their original packing
- requesting the customer to elaborate on the nature or cause of the defect (as opposed to simply describing how it failed)
The phrases “sold as is” or “with all flaws,” although are permitted in other jurisdictions, may not be used by merchants to disclaim an implicit warranty in some states. For additional details, see “What is an Implied Warranty?” Another resource is “Facts for Consumers: Warranties” from the FTC.
Real-Life Examples of Warranty Limitations
Limited warranties have different conditions from one firm to the next, and occasionally even within a single company’s product line. The examples below demonstrate this variety:
- Apple: “Jailbreaking” an iPhone, which allows users to run unapproved software by circumventing built-in restrictions, destroys the device’s warranty. However, breaking into jail is legal.
- For as long as the initial buyer owns their property, Kohler’s lifetime limited warranty is valid for its faucets. The guarantee will be void if incorrect cleaning and care are used, according to the policy.
- Chevrolet: The first three years or 36,000 miles are covered by the “bumper-to-bumper” warranty. The policy excludes coverage for the clutch, coolant hoses, and engine radiator, among other things.
- Integrity Windows & Doors: The company’s 10-year limited guarantee covers stress cracks brought on by manufacturing flaws. Non-glass parts of windows “placed within one mile of a sea coast” are not covered.
- Buck Knives: With a few restrictions, the knife manufacturer’s “forever” warranty is practically a lifetime warranty. Knives harmed by abuse, carelessness, tampering, or self-repair are not covered.