One of the most common things we hear from new customers is that they were nervous to come to us because they thought they had to keep going to the dealer to protect their warranty. It’s an understandable worry, and it’s one of the biggest myths in car ownership.
In the United States, a federal law protects your right to have routine maintenance done wherever you choose. A manufacturer can’t void your warranty just because you had your oil changed or your brakes serviced at an independent shop instead of the dealership. What matters is that the work is done properly, on schedule and with parts and fluids that meet your car’s requirements.
The key is keeping good records. Hold on to your invoices, or make sure the shop you use keeps a clear service history for your car. If a warranty question ever comes up, those records show that your car was cared for the way the manufacturer intended.
There are a couple of exceptions worth knowing. Repairs that are covered under the warranty itself, meaning something that broke and is the manufacturer’s responsibility, are generally handled by the dealer at no charge to you. Recalls are also handled by the dealer. For everything else, including oil changes, filters, fluid services, brakes and tires, you’re free to choose.
Many Franklin drivers choose an independent shop because they get to know the people working on their car, they get straight answers and they often save time and money. At Reliable Automotive, we document every service so your history is always easy to find.
If you’ve been driving across town to the dealer out of habit, we’d love the chance to earn your business. Call Reliable Automotive at (615) 472-1825 or stop by 112 Alpha Dr in Franklin, Monday through Friday from 7 to 5.
