Www.carcare.org It’s A Myth That Only New-Car Dealers Can Service Vehicles Under Warranty (NAPSA)—Trueor false: Until your vehicle is out of warranty, it must be ser- viced by the new-cardealerorthe factory warranty will be void. Although many people would have answered “true,” the correct answer is “false.” according to the Car Care Council. By law, independent repair shops can also provide services to maintain It’s AMyth That Only New-Car Dealers 5\_ Can Service Vehicles TiteaELalald your new-car warranty. Consumers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which prohibits a manufacturer from voiding the vehicle warranty because service was done by a nondealer. According to the FTC,“It’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks andflushes, new brake pads andinspections.” It’s also important to note that the “Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makesit illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled part” When using a nondealer, indepen- dent aftermarket shop to maintain your vehicle, the council strongly recommends you keep records and receipts for all maintenance doneto the vehicle and adhere to scheduled maintenance requirements. Ifa warranty claim arises, these records will provide proof that maintenance has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and requirements. You don’t have to get your car serviced at the dealer—but wherever you go, keep thereceipts. “It's a common misconception that only car dealers can perform the routine maintenance and repairs on a new- er vehicle that is under warranty,’ said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “The truth is that consumers can have routine repairs performed by their local independent repair shop or do the work themselves without affect- ing the warranty” The nonprofit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. Learn More For information from the FTC about auto warranties and routine maintenance, visit www.consumer.ftc. gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-rou tine-maintenance. For a copy of the council’s “Car Care Guide” or for furtherfacts, visit www.carcare.org.
