Can I Service My Own Car And Keep The Warranty?
By performing vehicle maintenance and services correctly and on schedule, you can service your own car and keep the warranty coverage.
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Key Points:
- Car owners can perform routine maintenance and services on their own vehicles without voiding warranty coverage.
- Ensure all services are performed correctly and as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent warranty coverage issues.
- Some extended warranty companies offer complimentary maintenance coverage plans.
If you have a new car warranty or vehicle service contract, it’s advised that you keep up with routine maintenance so it doesn’t affect your coverage. While you could take your vehicle to a dealership’s service department or a mechanic shop for repairs, you may also be wondering, “Can I service my own car and keep the warranty?”
In this article, we’ll explain how much it costs to service your own vehicle, how best to take care of your own car under warranty, and whether it’s worth performing repairs yourself. We’ll also recommend some of the best extended car warranty companies so you’ll know how the market works.
An extended car warranty refers to mechanical breakdown coverage offered by a vehicle manufacturer. However, this term is often mistakenly used to describe coverage from third-party companies. Independent providers offer similar protection through vehicle service contracts, but we’ve used the terms interchangeably in this article for convenience.
Car Servicing Overview
You’ll be required to have your car serviced regularly to maintain factory warranty coverage or purchase an extended warranty plan. Your service contract, owner’s manual, or manufacturer’s warranty documents will explain which guidelines you need to follow for routine maintenance. For most cars, regular vehicle maintenance includes the following:
Service Changes
Routine oil changes, fluid replacements, and tire rotations can help ensure your vehicle is in the best shape possible. Oil changes and tire rotations tend to have the same maintenance schedule for all vehicles, while fluid changes depend on the component type and your car’s mileage.
Oil
According to AAA, motor oil should be changed between intervals of 3,000 and 7,500 miles (or every 3 to 6 months) depending on your engine type. Oil changes are the most critical aspect of car servicing, as going without changing the oil can result in complete engine failure.
Fluid
These vehicle fluids need to be checked, flushed, and changed every so often:
- Coolant (radiator)
- Transmission
- Brakes
- Power steering
- Windshield wiper fluid
In order to know exactly what intervals to change the fluids on different components, refer to your owner’s manual.
Tires
Edmunds says most tires need to be replaced at least every six years. This service is usually on the same schedule as oil changes. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for more information about your car’s specific needs.
Service Replacements
Your brake pads, windshield wiper blades, car light bulbs, and circuits will need to be replaced regularly. Depending on your vehicle and bulb type, your headlight system can last for years at a time.
Brake Pads And Rotors
You should replace brake pads every 25,000 to 75,000 miles, according to RepairPal. Automakers such as Ford and Toyota recommend replacing rotors every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. With most full brake services, your pads and rotors will be replaced at the same time.
Windshield Wipers
According to AutoZone, wiper blades often need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months or as soon as you notice any squeaking noises, streaking on the windshield, or cracked and damaged blades.
Lights, Bulbs, And Fuses
Car bulbs need to be inspected for replacement every year, but they can last longer depending on the bulb type. According to YourMechanic, besides aging, fuses should last indefinitely unless electrical problems or corrosion occurs.
Service Wear And Tear
Regular or excessive wear and tear on your car can result in high repair costs, and you may need to replace weak or broken windshield glass and rust proof your vehicle every few years.
Interior And Exterior Cosmetic Damage
Normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches, dents, and chips on the exterior and tears on the interior, can usually be fixed at little cost. Excessive wear and tear, such as burns, missing and broken parts, or too much exterior damage, will be much more expensive to repair.
Glass
You should get your windshield replaced if it has any large, severe cracks or chips because this can impair driving and affect the quality of your wiper blades.
Rust And Corrosion
It’s a good idea to rustproof your car every 1 to 2 years to prevent any corrosion to your car’s undercarriage. This can be done either on your own or in a mechanic shop, and aftermarket warranty providers often offer corrosion warranty repair coverage and add-ons.
Can You Service Your Own Car And Keep The Warranty?
You can service your own vehicle without affecting the warranty on it. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, it is against federal law for car dealers or warranty providers to deny a claim or void a warranty because the owner performed vehicle maintenance.
The only way you can have coverage denied or your warranty voided from servicing your own car is if you perform the service incorrectly. Contact a representative from your car manufacturer or a local repair shop if you’re unsure which oils, fluids, or lubricants to use.
To keep the vehicle warranty intact, you’ll need to ensure you follow the service guidelines and perform car maintenance on schedule. If you neglect routine maintenance or fail to perform services such as oil changes or fuse replacement, your warranty claim may be denied and your warranty could be voided for pricier parts such as your car’s powertrain.
How Much Does It Cost To Service Your Own Car?
If you’re wondering, “Can I service my own car and keep the warranty?” you may be hoping to save some money. The cost of car maintenance depends on a number of factors, such as:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Mileage on your odometer
- Amount of exterior/interior wear and tear
- Type of aftermarket parts
- Whether you own or lease a new car or used car
- Whether there are covered repairs under your warranty
Average Car Maintenance Costs
When servicing your own car, you might want to know these average car maintenance costs for common vehicle repairs and replacements. Here are some estimates from RepairPal:
| Type of Repair or Replacement | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil change | $131 to $145 |
| Transmission fluid change | $189 to $212 |
| Wheel replacement | $847 to $858 |
| Brake rotor replacement | $290 to $393 |
| Windshield wiper blades | $68 to $86 |
| Headlight bulb replacement | $126 to $156 |
Is It Worth Servicing Your Own Car?
Doing your own regular maintenance is a great way to save time and money, but you have to make sure you’re using the right fluids and parts when doing so. If not, you could damage your vehicle and be stuck with an uncovered expensive car repair.
While some drivers may enjoy servicing their own cars, there are risks involved. It’s critical that you use the right tools and diagnose your issue correctly. Otherwise, you could cause damage that voids your warranty.
How Can I Service My Own Car Under Warranty?
If you want to service your own vehicle, research its standard repair needs, how often to repair and replace car parts, and the average costs involved. Below are some tips on how to properly service your own car, even under warranty:
- Follow the car’s maintenance schedule: You can usually find it in the owner’s manual. Always know when tasks such as changing the engine oil, checking fluids and belts, and performing tuneups need to be done.
- Learn what to check during oil changes: Certain components need to be serviced or inspected between regularly scheduled oil changes, so look at the air filter, exhaust system, brakes, fluids, radiator, and battery.
- Get the right tools and parts: Basic tools and materials include car jacks, oil and air filters, wrenches, screwdrivers, and pressure gauges. Thoroughly do your research to ensure repairs are done with the correct equipment.
- Keep a paper trail: Maintain records for each service as proof to keep the warranty valid for future claims. You’ll need to record the date, mileage at the time of service, type of service performed, and receipts for parts and fluid purchases.
Can I Service My Own Car And Keep The Warranty: Conclusion
As long as you perform all vehicle services correctly, you can service your own vehicle and still keep the warranty. This right is guaranteed by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and guarantees your coverage cannot be denied as long as you adhere to recommended maintenance schedules.
Seeking third-party help with maintenance and upkeep can take the stress out of adhering to the terms of your warranty coverage and potentially help you save money. Some third-party warranty companies provide maintenance coverage with certain vehicle protection plans or offer low-cost warranties that make DIY automotive maintenance more affordable.
Best Warranty Companies For Car Maintenance
The four companies below offer extensive protection, discounts on maintenance, and flexible monthly payment plans. We’ve reviewed each of these providers and have given a rundown of them below:
Endurance: Best Overall
As one of the nation’s leading direct providers of extended auto warranty plans, Endurance offers affordable and high-quality coverage choices. It’s a particularly appealing option for those hoping to cover their maintenance needs, as the EnduranceAdvantage™ plan takes care of filter and oil changes, tire rotations, and the replacement of brake pads and wiper blades.
Read our full Endurance warranty review for more on the provider.
Carchex: Best Industry Reputation
Carchex is one of the most well-known providers on our list and earned our award for best industry reputation. The company partners with well-known names in the industry like RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, Carfax, and others to provide comprehensive automotive information and services.
Carchex is an excellent choice for drivers seeking coverage for older or high-mileage vehicles. The company’s warranty plans carry terms of up to 250,000 miles and are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See our Carchex review for detailed plan and cost information.
autopom!: Best Claims Process
autopom! offers a small selection of coverage options ranging from basic powertrain protection to the company’s exclusionary plan. autopom! has an A+ rating and is accredited by the BBB. Customers on the platform also give autopom! a high rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars, highlighting excellent customer service and an easy claims process.
autopom! plans come with great benefits, including roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement. Monthly payments for autopom! coverage tended to be more affordable than other top providers.
Olive
While Olive doesn’t offer vehicle maintenance plans, the provider’s affordable prices for extended warranties make it easy to pay for maintenance needs yourself while letting the company cover larger issues with your vehicle. Olive is known for its competitive rates, with drivers saving considerable money by choosing its plans.
FAQ: Can I Service My Own Car And Keep The Warranty?
What happens if you don’t service your car?
It’s a bad idea to neglect regular vehicle servicing, as this can eventually lead to major issues. You’ll be more likely to experience car breakdowns if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, and your warranty could be voided when you need it most.
What are some examples of normal car maintenance?
Some examples of routine car maintenance include: tire repairs or replacements, engine tune-ups, oil changes, air filter or wiper blade replacements, fluid checks, and brake inspections.
What’s usually included in a full car service?
A full car service includes certain system checks by a licensed mechanic at a repair facility. There are up to 60 checks for a major car service, 40 to 50 for a full car service, and 25 to 30 for interim service, according to BookMyGarage.
Is servicing included in a warranty?
Servicing is usually not included in a warranty, but you may have the option to purchase a maintenance plan that includes it. Note that if you want servicing to be included in your warranty, it will increase the cost.
What would void a car warranty?
There are a variety of factors that could void your warranty, such as vehicle misuse due to racing or reckless driving, off-roading, overloading, lack of proper car maintenance, and modifications to vehicle parts.
How We Rate Car Warranty Companies
Our review team extensively researches extended car warranty providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Warranty providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), work with reliable partners and administrators, and have a long history in the warranty industry score well in this category.
- Coverage Plans: We take a close look at the coverage plans available through each provider, including how many are offered, maximum term limits, plan exclusions, and more. We also evaluate the added benefits companies include with their warranty plans, such as roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and coverage plans to get a sense of a provider’s average costs. We see how each company’s pricing, deductible options, and discount opportunities compare to competitors when determining this score.
- Transparency: We evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews and complaints from sites like the BBB and Trustpilot. Our team also reaches out to customer service reps during our secret shopper analysis to get a sense of the customer experience with each company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
