Ever had an oil related warranty claim denied?

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Aug 10, 2019
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Location
Downeast, USA
Has anyone actually had a warranty claim denied because you changed your own oil?

I recently bought a new Toyota. I change my own oil. In the past, I’ve always saved all my receipts and records. Do I really need to do this?

And I’m planning to run 5w-30 vs the 0W-20 recommended..

Thanks.
 
Always save your receipts & records even if you don't have a warranty. That's my thought on it & I've never dealt with a warranty issue like you explain although I did buy an aftermarket warranty on the Eldorado I ended up selling it. I had to change the oil every 4k miles to keep the warranty in place. It would be better for you to state what vehicle make & model you have to better tailor your question.
 
Vehicle in question is a 2025 Tundra non-hybrid.

Im just wondering if any had (or heard of) an actual warranty claim denial..when they change their own oil.
 
I've heard stories about people being denied a claim for using the wrong oil or being late on an oil change, but never for just changing your own. I would always document any maintenance done at home.

I would be careful about using an oil that's not recommended. That would be an easy way for the manufacturer to deny a claim. If your concerned about changing oil weights, try contacting Toyota engineering. They may clarify if 0W-20 is "recommended" or "required."
 
Always keep a detailed record with receipts. Having been part of the arbitration process on the dealer side it’s very hard for them to deny warranty. In my case it was obvious abuse yet the arbitrators sided with the customers. Keep in mind this only applies to factory warranty. With aftermarket or extended warranties consumers don’t have the right to arbitration.
 
The only problems that I've ever had with automotive engines or even OPE engines were the carburetors. Still, the only issues are the occasional carb cleaning, rebuild or full replacement.

The only transmissions issues or failures that I've ever had were the ones that I took most care of with fluid & screen/filter changes...Sad to say!
 
Has anyone actually had a warranty claim denied because you changed your own oil?

I recently bought a new Toyota. I change my own oil. In the past, I’ve always saved all my receipts and records. Do I really need to do this?

And I’m planning to run 5w-30 vs the 0W-20 recommended..

Thanks.
Why run 5w30
I honestly want to know ,
What is the benefit?
Cost ?
Fuel mileage?
I just dont see any reason to not use 0w20.........
 
Save your receipts and keep a record. I would also recommend using the ToyotaCare that comes free with the new vehicle purchase so at least you have a handful of dealer receipt service visits to show a trend.

This will probably ruffles some Karen's feathers here, but I would also recommend purchasing 0W-20 for the receipt to keep for your records and returning it and then using whatever 5W-30 you wish to run.

Oil related failures are practically zero anymore but dealership push back is what you are wanting to avoid and showing a non called out grade may give that ammunition. I do know that many Toyota owners manual have loose language that use of other grades is allowed based on expected temperature range and driving conditions so you may have coverage there also.
 
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Save your receipts and keep a record. I would also recommend using the ToyotaCare that comes free with the new vehicle purchase so at least you have you have a handful of dealer receipt service visits to show a trend.

This will probably ruffles some Karen's here, but I would also recommend purchasing 0W-20 for the receipt to keep for your records and returning it and then using whatever 5W-30 you wish to run.

Oil related failures are practically zero anymore but dealership push back is what you are wanting to avoid and showing a non called out grade may give that ammunition. I do know that many Toyota owners manual do have loose language that use of other grades is allowed based on expected temperature range and driving conditions so you may have coverage there also.
This is all good advise..thanks.
 
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