Under the Expertise of a Licensed Mechanic, I Always Shun Oil Changes When a Vehicle is Covered by Warranty
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In the world of automotive maintenance, doing-it-yourself (DIY) oil changes have become increasingly popular, with many automotive websites encouraging the practice to save money and avoid potential scams. However, for those driving a car still under factory warranty, it's essential to tread carefully.
According to industry experts, performing an oil change on a car under factory warranty can backfire, costing thousands in repairs. This is because manufacturers often look for any excuse to deny warranty claims, especially if maintenance is DIY. They may claim improper oil maintenance or inadequate documentation, arguing that the oil change was not performed correctly or that the wrong oil was used, which can void your warranty.
Mechanics caution that even if you keep detailed records and photos of your DIY oil change, manufacturers tend not to consider such evidence as credible. They prefer service done by professionals or authorized dealers, as only they can guarantee the correct oil type, proper amount, and installation quality.
In addition, unauthorized or unqualified oil changes risk voiding the warranty because factory warranties typically require adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule performed by qualified personnel or approved service centers. Failure to comply can lead to denied coverage for engine or drivetrain problems caused by improper maintenance.
The host of the Lance Mechanics YouTube channel, a licensed mechanic, advises against doing oil changes on cars under factory warranty. He warns that even with DIY oil changes, you still have to prove you did the oil change on time, which can be difficult compared to the manufacturer denying your warranty.
Despite the appeal of saving money or time, having oil changes done by authorized professionals ensures your warranty remains valid and helps avoid costly disputes with the manufacturer. For those who still want to DIY, airtight documentation is key to protect themselves.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 requires manufacturers to prove that aftermarket parts or non-OEM service caused the failure before denying coverage for DIY car maintenance under warranty. However, this act does not necessarily protect you from the potential damage caused by an improper DIY oil change.
In conclusion, oil changes are too important to compromise, and the risks of doing your own oil change on a car under warranty outweigh the rewards. It's best to take the car to the dealer every 10,000 miles and do your own secret oil change between services to keep your warranty intact while still getting your 5,000-mile oil changes.
This article is written by Timothy Boyer, an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance, and covers modern cars-including EVs-with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair.
Sources:
[1] Lance Mechanics YouTube Channel [2] Consumer Reports [3] Car and Driver [4] Kelley Blue Book [5] Federal Trade Commission (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act)
- In the financial aspect, it can be more cost-effective to rely on professional services for car maintenance, particularly oil changes, to ensure warranty validity and avoid potential disputes with manufacturers.
- The transportation industry emphasizes adherence to factory-recommended maintenance schedules for vehicles under warranty to avoid voiding warranties, even for DIY enthusiasts.
- In the lifestyle sector, hobbyists who enjoy car maintenance might find it challenging to save money long-term by doing their own oil changes on vehicles still under factory warranty due to the risks of voiding the warranty and dealing with potential disputes.
