Do You Need to Service Your Car at the Dealership to Keep Your Warranty Valid?

[beato1]

Short Answer: No​

By law, automakers and dealerships are not allowed to make you perform regular maintenance at a dealership for a new-car warranty to remain valid. In other words, you’re free by law to get oil changes, tire rotations and other regular maintenance performed by just about any mechanic, and the automaker and dealership will still have to honor the new-car warranty.

Not That Simple​

Of course, it would be easy if things were exactly that simple, but they’re not. Even though a dealership or automaker is supposed to honor a warranty regardless of who performed the maintenance, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will — especially because a dealership or automaker can easily claim maintenance wasn’t performed if they have no record of it. As a result, we suggest you document everything.

For example, if you get an oil change performed at an independent shop while your car is still under warranty, be sure to save the receipts. Same goes for a tire rotation, a fluid flush or any other regular maintenance you have done outside the dealer. That way, if there’s ever a question or a problem, no dealership or automaker can ever assert that you didn’t perform the maintenance required to keep your warranty valid.
With that said, there’s still one situation where an automaker could legally void a warranty: if you have regular maintenance performed at an independent shop and an error made by that shop causes damage to a component. Say, for example, you get an oil change at an independent shop, and the shop forgets to replace the oil, which destroys the engine. In this case, the automaker warranty will probably not cover any replacement parts, and your claim would be with the shop that performed the work.
You should still get warranty work undertaken by the franchised dealer as it is easier for them to deal directly with the manufacturer.

In general, however, you should feel fine taking your car to a shop of your choosing for maintenance and service, even if it’s still under warranty.

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[PittPa]

Much written about the accounts of those who have used KIA dealerships, both good and bad. You also have to take in account the location and its convenience. All that being said, I would say you would have a more difficult time getting service done under warranty if you were not getting the car serviced regularly at a KIA dealership. It's not easy getting items replaced or repaired under warranty at times. Add to this that the car wasn't even being serviced by a KIA dealership and the difficulty is magnified. Coming from owning BMW and AUDI cars, on the surface things seem much more customer friendly. Great service, free car pick up, free loaners, etc. But, I still had to argue with why my brand new Audi had warped rotors after 1000 miles! I don't think KIA is much better or worse than any other manufacturer from my observation with the Telly. I also just leased a Sportage for my daughter. Currently the Telluride is getting a new windshield replaced so we will see how that goes!

 

[beato1]

I agree! If doing your own oil (fluid) changes, must document (receipts and log book). I do my own fluid changes because I can do it as often without the waiting time. Also I get to choose the best fluids. I just feel better afterwards. But I understand some are not as comfortable DIY. With the Telly, maybe I will take it to the dealer for other maintenance (tire rotations, brakes--expensive, routine inspections as part of required maintenance). Thanks.

 

[TheNip73]

I do my own work and keep a file with receipts and pictures of the work being done (car on ramps, new bottle of oil and filter in photo with license plate visible, picture of odometer, tires off for rotations, etc) so there is plenty of proof I did the work.

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[beato1]

Excellent! I guess, with the batch orders from Amazon and Kia Parts online retailers (oil filters, oil, cabin filters, etc), thorough documentation is a must! Date, mileage and description of maintenance done. I've done this for 30 years. It also has an added benefit of knowing your car like a doctor knows his patient? Lol! ecord keeping goes a long way especially when talking to the mechanics. Hey, I can't even remember what I had for breakfast today! Lol.

 

[Dave Pritts]

I do my own work and keep a file with receipts and pictures of the work being done (car on ramps, new bottle of oil and filter in photo with license plate visible, picture of odometer, tires off for rotations, etc) so there is plenty of proof I did the work.

I have always done my tire rotations on past vehicles. I am curious where the jack points are when using a floor jack. I can probably use the hitch for the rear but there doesn't seem to be an obvious jack point under the motor?

 

[TheNip73]

@Dave Pritts - Jack where the manual shows under the side of the body.

 

[arattle]

I have always done my tire rotations on past vehicles. I am curious where the jack points are when using a floor jack. I can probably use the hitch for the rear but there doesn't seem to be an obvious jack point under the motor?

I usually use the spare to replace the removed wheel, and switch them corner to corner, so it really doesn't make a difference if I lift the whole back end or one corner at a time. Only 5 lifts and with the impact wrench, about 5 minutes per tire. There's another thread recommending using a "puck" on the pinch weld if you use a floor jack instead of the included scissor jack. Amazon.com: Mission Automotive 2-Pack of Rubber Jack Pads (Slotted Pucks) - Universal, Standard-Size Adapter - Frame Rail Protector Puck/Pad Keeps Pinch Weld, Paint and Metal Safe: Automotive

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[Dave Pritts]

I usually use the spare to replace the removed wheel, and switch them corner to corner, so it really doesn't make a difference if I lift the whole back end or one corner at a time. Only 5 lifts and with the impact wrench, about 5 minutes per tire. There's another thread recommending using a "puck" on the pinch weld if you use a floor jack instead of the included scissor jack. Amazon.com: Mission Automotive 2-Pack of Rubber Jack Pads (Slotted Pucks) - Universal, Standard-Size Adapter - Frame Rail Protector Puck/Pad Keeps Pinch Weld, Paint and Metal Safe: Automotive

I need to raise the front and the rear not side to side.

 

[Dave Pritts]

@Dave Pritts - Jack where the manual shows under the side of the body.

I get that . I need to raise the front with a floor jack so both front wheels are off the ground.

 

[PittPa]

I don't think its designed to be safely jacked up from a center support. All car garages are using lifts. I use 2 jacks on both sides at the front.

 

[beato1]

I never had that problem because I never rotated my tires! I'm a big DIY but I figured out long ago that I can do without it. Now, I do get realignment every time I replace the worn out tires--the front tires wear out faster so I replace them by moving the rear tires to the front and putting the brand new tires in the rear. This practice (tho not openly advised by shops) were confirmed every time I asked them to replace the front (worn out tires). They then inform me that the new tires will have to go to the rear as per shop (or corporate) policy. Why? Because the rear tires keep the car from hydroplaning--the deeperr grooves of new tires do this. Of course, I still check my tires for abnormal signs every time I gas up. Also this is a good time to give them a once over (to look for nails, cracks in the side,wall etc) while waiting for the gas tank to fill. Just my 2 cents. Thanks. Here's a link--https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=52

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[Dave Pritts]

I don't think its designed to be safely jacked up from a center support. All car garages are using lifts. I use 2 jacks on both sides at the front.

I may have to let them do it. It doesn't look like there is much room for a floor jack with my running boards. I need all 4 off at the same time.

 

[Dave Pritts]

I usually use the spare to replace the removed wheel, and switch them corner to corner, so it really doesn't make a difference if I lift the whole back end or one corner at a time. Only 5 lifts and with the impact wrench, about 5 minutes per tire. There's another thread recommending using a "puck" on the pinch weld if you use a floor jack instead of the included scissor jack. Amazon.com: Mission Automotive 2-Pack of Rubber Jack Pads (Slotted Pucks) - Universal, Standard-Size Adapter - Frame Rail Protector Puck/Pad Keeps Pinch Weld, Paint and Metal Safe: Automotive

Didn't occur to me to use the spare. THX

 

[ceenote]

To me from what i lesrn just having a car with a warranty you should always go get things done at the dealership... just my experience. It doesnt have to be the dealership u bought it at but i would say at a hyundai or kia dealership. I have a impala for now.. trading it in for the telly... always have been to the dealership to get things done that way i never have a problem with the warranty..and i would go to several GM dealerships to get work done.. biggest thing always keep up with your paperwork!