09/15/2026
Dealer Warranty - DID YOU KNOW
According to Consumer Reports
consumerreports.org
“The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was a law that was passed in the 1970s and states that it’s not legal to require the use of a manufacturer part or service in order to maintain a warranty,” says Keith Barry, Consumer Reports’ autos editor. “You can have your car serviced anywhere and still maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. You can bring the car to a place like Jiffy L**e, to an independent shop, or even another dealership that’s not the same car brand as your car.” If an employee of a dealership tells you the car has to be serviced at their dealership, it should be reported and discouraged. Complain to the dealer and the car manufacturer and let them know what the employee is doing. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which sometimes leads to the dealership being warned by the FTC.
Ultimately, have your car worked on by a reputable shop, whether at the dealership or elsewhere, that will stand behind their work. And keep the receipts, just in case.
What this means:
1. Do I have to use the manufacturer's original equipment parts to keep my warranty valid?
Automakers cannot specify which parts are used to complete your vehicle's service. You may use any brand-name quality parts to replace fan belts, hoses, brakes, exhaust or chassis parts and more.
2. How does the quality of after market parts compare with original equipment parts?
Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warranted longer than original equipment (OE) parts. Some aftermarket (AM) parts supplied meet or exceed manufacturers' specifications.
3. What do I have to do to keep my car or truck's warranty in effect?
Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your owner's manual or warranty booklet and keep clear records of your vehicle's maintenance. Be sure to have the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep these receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your owner's manual or warranty booklet, use it.
4. What parts should be replaced and at what intervals should these services be performed?
Check your owner's manual. It will give you all of the information you need regarding specific parts and service intervals. Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or severe notations. Warranties are there to protect the consumer, but you must follow the requirements.
5. What if my new car needs repairs other than regularly scheduled maintenance such as a brake job or other repairs? Do I have to return to the dealer for these repairs? What if these repairs are covered under my warranty?
The choice of where to have your car serviced and repaired is yours. However, sometimes you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer for any repairs covered under there warranty. Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain which repairs are covered.
6. My car is a leased vehicle. Am I responsible for maintenance?
Even if you lease a vehicle you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs to keep the vehicle in good working order as outlined in the owner's manual.
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(435) 637-5337
North Of Moab Utah
6 miles South of Price, Helper
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