Independent Shops Can Service Cars Under Warranty

Did you know that any repair shop can perform regular maintenance on your new car, not just the dealership? Some people mistakenly think that their warranty can be voided unless the dealer does the servicing, but, according to Kris Cesena, owner of Auto Medics - Honda and Acura Specialists, a Diamond Certified company, federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975) allows you to have the work done at the shop of your choice. It even says so (sometimes in small print) in the manual that comes with your new car. The key is to document all the work performed. Save the receipts and have the repair shop stamp and date your owner’s manual. It’s important to follow the service intervals as recommended by the manufacturer, especially if you’re leasing a vehicle, says Cesena. That’s because if you can’t prove that the service was performed at specified intervals, you can be charged for it at the end of the lease.