Autocracy Myth

Occasionally we get have a customer drop by with a new ride to show off and then say that they must get their servicing done at the Dealers in order to maintain their new vehicle warranty. So this month’s article will address the myth that it is mandatory to return to an authorized dealership in order to maintain the integrity of your new vehicle warranty.

Here are some things you should know:

1. In each province of Canada, all automotive service professionals whether independents or dealerships must meet the same criteria in order to practice their trade. Technicians all attend the same Colleges to become certified and accumulate the same total of apprenticeship hours.
2. The Consumer Protection Act in Canada favours the consumer. Dealerships cannot dictate the choice of where your vehicle is serviced for any maintenance. In order to maintain the integrity of your warranty, the maintenance schedule outlined in your vehicle owner’s manual (or your extended warranty coverage contract) must be followed as stated and the invoices kept as proof of work being completed (i.e. oil changes, transmission service, coolant service done at recommended intervals). Consumer must also ensure the proper types of fluid for these services are used as specified in their owner’s manual.
3. It is common practice among some dealers to build a maintenance package price into the purchase price of the vehicle such as free oil changes for a certain period of time. A recent newspaper ad spoke of a $1000 off the suggested retail price on a particular vehicle but in smaller print stated that the maintenance package was not included. So from that, we can deduct that the services for your vehicle are not free but you are actually prepaying these services.

Any reputable independent shop can service your new vehicle even before your new vehicle warranty runs out. Independent shops can even supply your vehicle with factory genuine parts if you desire. At Independent shops you will receive the equivalent quality of service.   If any failures were to arise as a result of the independent shop not providing adequate service then the independent shop would be liable for the repairs. However, if a facility uses warranty approved parts, has an ongoing training program for their technicians and has proper equipment, then this is highly unlikely to occur.

If any issues would arise during the time your vehicle is under factory warranty, the vehicle must then have the “warranty repairs” completed at any factory authorized dealership. Our stand here at Buehler Automotive is if we locate a warranty issue with your vehicle we will contact a dealer to make the arrangements for the repair. We then also follow up by inspecting the repairs after to ensure they were adequately completed.

As a vehicle owner, you have the right to decide which service provider will perform the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle. The benefits of maintaining your vehicle are many, especially with the rising cost of replacing your vehicle. A regular maintenance program can prevent a costly unexpected breakdown repairs in the future even after the warranty has run out and will extend the life of your vehicle so you have many years of safe worry free motoring from your investment.

Article by Ken Buehler