Vehicle warranty and changing your own oil

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: snowbizx
i think it's all [censored]. if ur using an extended interval oil and u even have UOAs that can prove your drain intervals are at a healthy level, i think the manufacture will **** and fix what needs fixing. i know my dad's passat had serious engine issues and not once did they ask for any sort of service records anyway. i would love to hear some specific examples of this type of thing happening to someone bc at this point, and i've said it before, it all seems like a bunch of internet forum hear-say.


I guess that would be the $$$ question.

I'd not risk it and I have had the MFG ask for and look at all my records. They provided service AFTER the car was out of warranty since they saw that I did BETTER than what they recommended in their manual. Using cheap oil and filters often allowed me to receive service WITHOUT any fight.

I'll do what I KNOW works. I don't need to play lawyer or even worst, have to hire one to cover my NOT following the manual.

 

[FZ1]

It's called Goodwill. I take my car to the dealer for all work including oil changes and required annual state inspections. They only charge me $15 if I provide the PP and M1 filter and $20 if I use the oem filter and my own PP. Haven't kept up on service,other than the above,post warranty period. My dealer appreciates the work they get and takes care of my car very well.

 

[Bambam]

Oil related failures are very rare these days. If you keep reciepts I'm sure you're more than adequately covered!

 

[Malo83]

Originally Posted By: toocrazy2yoo
My Hyundai, I change the oil, do my own filters, I'll do my own coolant when it's due. I just got my 2008's 15K inspection done at Tires Plus. I keep plenty of receipts, log them in the owner's manual, and drive the car. Scroo the dealer. Who needs em, except for when the car breaks under warranty.

They got what they deserved. You know they just called me for a 6K inspection. In the factory guide, the first stop isn't until 15K. When I called them, she said it was an oil, filter, air filter and fluid top-off. Price? 179.99. She said it was for the warranty. I ironed that out with the service manager, who said only that she misspoke.

The dealers are crooks, they suck, and they aren't getting a dime of my money ever again. It makes me sick just to get on the phone to talk to them.


Amen Bro

I do all my own maint myself also, yeah I bought their car but thats where it ends. I don't follow no OLM i'll do my oil changes when I feel the time is right, and I don't change my oil filter every other oil change That's just ignorant!!! yeah i'll take it in if their is a warranty issue but that's about it.

 

[Ken2]

If you bought a so-called "extended warranty"....

These are legally not warranties; they are service contracts. Contract law is different from warranty law. You must do whatever is specified in the service contract fine print or they do not have to pay for any service related to the item you where didn't follow that fine print. If they say that all service must be done at the dealership for the service contract to be valid, or at a licensed mechanic, or whatever, then that's the contract you bought and what you must follow if you want a claim paid. (Don't start huffing and puffing about Magnusson-Moss or anything else about real warranties, 'cuz these service plans are not real warranties.)

 

[demarpaint]

The Extended Warranty is the Cash Cow for the Dealership, especially the Used Car Dept. I heard a few customers who bought "Extended Warranties" cry foul when they had to come in for a high ticket repair.

 

[HawkeyeScott]

I'd compare dealers (and 90% of service writers) to lawyers, but that would be an insult to a lot of crooked lawyers. That's where dealers rank in my book.

I'm doing OCs on my wife's Pacifica and keeping records/receipts. They're detailed but I still worry they will try and fight a warranty claim if that day comes. However, since Chrysler may cease to exist soon, that may not be much of an issue.

 

[firemachine69]

I do UOA's, the dealer was rather than impressed, service writer said if I'm spending thirty-sum bucks to monitor my oil, it'd be hard for Toyota of N.A. not to take me seriously.

 

[snowbizx]

Originally Posted By: firemachine69
I do UOA's, the dealer was rather than impressed, service writer said if I'm spending thirty-sum bucks to monitor my oil, it'd be hard for Toyota of N.A. not to take me seriously.

i agree whole heartedly. how can u deny cold hard facts and numbers?

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Had an oil consumption on a previous Honda Accord and had it documented just before the 36,000 mile warranty was up. The dealership and Honda never asked for service records (did all of my maintenance myself). Instead, the dealership insisted I remove my intake/header and pulleys before they would do the oil consumption test. Car consumed more than 1qt/1000 miles, Honda replaced the short block.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: snowbizx
Originally Posted By: firemachine69
I do UOA's, the dealer was rather than impressed, service writer said if I'm spending thirty-sum bucks to monitor my oil, it'd be hard for Toyota of N.A. not to take me seriously.

i agree whole heartedly. how can u deny cold hard facts and numbers?
By pointing out the LEGAL requirements that are stated in the MANUAL. (That is why you get one)

Call Toyota head quarters and ask them about the UOAs. They will say as long as you use what we tell you in the manual for the OCI that we state in the manual your UOAs are fine.

(BTW: I HAVE called them and that is what they said. They are the ones who PAY for your repairs.)

If you don't follow the manual, you run a risk of hassle *if* you have a problem.

What your dealer thinks about your UOAs means NOTHING to Toyota. Again TOYOTA is the one who PAYS for the repairs. NOT the dealer.

 

[ZZman]

I think in this day and age any "oil" related work would be slim to none. If there was something internal it would be a part failure not oil related.

With manufactures hurting and trying to keep customers a little whining would sway them if you got any hassles.

Plus why would the dealerships really care. They get paid for warranty work.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I wouldn't count on good faith service in this economy.

 

[mva]

Make sure the rest of the servicing and inspections also done and recorded.

For most vehicles there is more to it than just changing the oil.

Checking the pcv valve for example. Which can cause very serious problems if it plugs and is not checked and replaced.

 

[firemachine69]

Originally Posted By: ZZman

Plus why would the dealerships really care. They get paid for warranty work.



Ask any service writer how much they actually get paid. They have to use parts out of their inventory (which cost them money), and receive either a new part in a while, or a credit about two months down the line. Keep in mind, this is assuming the manufacturer "approves" the work - which they usually always end up fighting. The dealer also typically receives $20-25 per hour of a fixed amount of labour time (which is usually impossible to meet unless the mechanic knows the job by heart), which often times does not even fully cover the mechanic's hourly wage even if he did have the job "down pat".


That sir, in a nutshell, is why dealerships fight so much when you claim warranty work.