Scheduled Auto Maintenance

Have the 15,000 one coming up. Dealer price seems way high. Should we just use one of the wonderful local outfits or will it affect our manufacturer warranty?


This happened me to awhile ago with my Audi, perhaps 6+ months before warranty expired.  When I inquired about the latest scheduled maintenance, the service manager said something to the effect of "why bother". I forget if it related to # of miles or time. Bingo, shortly after the warranty expired Audi announced a major safety related option available for that model that had been maintained under warranty. I was pissed about the deaker's advice, but since I rarely drove the car over 100mph (A safety problem on the autobahn), I didn't challenge my eligibility.

In general, I think a local mechanic can do most of the applicable service under the warranty for many cars, but in my case there were always a few things they couldn't do for my car.



Look at the car's manual. 15K usually is nothing more than checking fluids. You can do that yourself. IF the maintenance requires more, then take it to a local guy. Get a receipt for the work and keep it at a place to where you will remember where you put it.

50k, 75k and 100k maintenance may require more substantial work but that also can be a local guy.


Formerlyjerseyjack said:

Look at the car's manual. 15K usually is nothing more than checking fluids. You can do that yourself. IF the maintenance requires more, then take it to a local guy. Get a receipt for the work and keep it at a place to where you will remember where you put it.

50k, 75k and 100k maintenance may require more substantial work but that also can be a local guy.

also, in the back of the manual there’s blank pages for service records. Make sure you’re using the correct oil and fluids. Write it down there and date it. Save your receipts. 



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