Spectra’s Auto Repair Blog

You do not have to go to the dealer for maintenance. I repeat, you do not have to go to the dealer for maintenance.

Many dealers will imply or tell you directly that you must bring your new vehicle to the dealer for maintenance or your factory warranty will be void. This is simply not true and the reason is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. SS 2301-2312 (1982) and the general principles of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. SS 2301-1312 (1982), and general principles of the Federal Trade Commission Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of product (or any other article) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge under the terms of the warranty. So, if the dealer tells you that you have to bring your vehicle to them for service or the warranty will be void, ask them to put it in writing. Then ask them to give you all of the parts for free.

“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name….”(15 U.S.C. 2302(c).

You have the Right to use high-quality aftermarket parts and know that your new car warranty claims will be honored. In fact, your vehicle dealer may not reject a warranty claim simply because an aftermarket product is present. A warranty denial under such circumstances may be proper only if an aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed.

You have the Right to patronize independent retail stores and shops for vehicle parts and service. In fact, you could even do all of the maintenance yourself (if you are so inclined) and the warranty would not be void.

You do need to keep records and receipts for all maintenance that is done to the vehicle, especially during the warranty period. In the event of a warranty claim, this will provide proof that you have done all maintenance in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and requirements.

At Spectra Auto Services, we use high quality original equipment parts or high quality aftermarket parts that are equal to or better than original equipment parts. We also keep all of your vehicles maintenance and repair records in our database in case you should ever need a copy of an invoice. All of our technicians are trained in the latest maintenance and repair technology and are ASE Certified in multiple areas of automobile repair and maintenance.

Next time your new car or truck is due for maintenance, bring it to Spectra Auto Services, your dealership alternative.