Warranty Question

[RIckie Sampey]

What kind of proof of vehicle services are required, to not void warranty? Do I have to take it to Kia for oil changes and such or can I do it myself?

 

[Ac91]

If you do changes your self just keep a log book. Date, mileage, and receipts is what I do with most of my cars and haven’t had any issues

 

[Nasscar]

Doesn't have to be a Kia dealer, just has to be a qualified mechanic. Just have to keep all the receipts and paperwork of work completed. Not sure backyard oil changes really count, possibly would be voiding your warranty unless you are qualified.

 

[Ac91]

Doesn't have to be a Kia dealer, just has to be a qualified mechanic. Just have to keep all the receipts and paperwork of work completed. Not sure backyard oil changes really count, possibly would be voiding your warranty unless you are qualified.

Not sure if Australia has different laws but in the US you can do oil changes yourself as long as you have proof they were done in a timely manner. I’ve done oil changes on all of my cars at home for years and I just bring my log book with me for any warranty related issues. Had the transmission replaced on my 2015 TLX under warranty and it never saw the service department except for warranty work.

 

[Nasscar]

Not sure if Australia has different laws but in the US you can do oil changes yourself as long as you have proof they were done in a timely manner. I’ve done oil changes on all of my cars at home for years and I just bring my log book with me for any warranty related issues. Had the transmission replaced on my 2015 TLX under warranty and it never saw the service department except for warranty work.

That is very trusting of your manufacturers. How does anyone really know if the work was carried out in a proper manner or with the correct products. Yes, Australia is very different then as I explained before.

 

[Nasscar]

At least you can save a bit of cash. As long as you are handy with the tools.

 

[Ac91]

That is very trusting of your manufacturers. How does anyone really know if the work was carried out in a proper manner or with the correct products. Yes, Australia is very different then as I explained before.

Dealers here are a complete rip off there have been numerous law suites on dealers not doing actual work the customer paid for or joy riding the customer’s car. I try to avoid them like the plague in my wife’s Jeep Wrangler they over filled the oil on 2 separate trips to get serviced. Majority of these oil techs are entry level mechanics and have the same knowledge as any person who can wrench on their cars.

 

[Nasscar]

Dealers here are a complete rip off there have been numerous law suites on dealers not doing actual work the customer paid for or joy riding the customer’s car. I try to avoid them like the plague in my wife’s Jeep Wrangler they over filled the oil on 2 separate trips to get serviced. Majority of these oil techs are entry level mechanics and have the same knowledge as any person who can wrench on their cars.

No I agree about the dealers unless you can find a good one. I wouldn't trust them at all to service my Stinger. I ended up taking mine to a tyre shop that also did servicing that had done work on my other cars. Only 2 to 3 cars in the shop at the one time and I stayed and kept an eye on the car. The dealer mechanics I have experienced have mostly been younger, possibly apprentices. It's all about the money for them I feel and the amount of cars going through their shops every day is unbelievable. Plus the independant mechanics are far cheaper.

 

[eflyguy]

The laws are the same in AUS as here in the US. They can not deny warranty coverage if you do not use a dealer for service, although half of surveyed owners believe they can.

Car warranties and dealer servicing - CHOICE

(There are tons of references to this, and it's been covered by every AUS media outlet at some point.)

 

[Revvdmedia]

No I agree about the dealers unless you can find a good one. I wouldn't trust them at all to service my Stinger. I ended up taking mine to a tyre shop that also did servicing that had done work on my other cars. Only 2 to 3 cars in the shop at the one time and I stayed and kept an eye on the car. The dealer mechanics I have experienced have mostly been younger, possibly apprentices. It's all about the money for them I feel and the amount of cars going through their shops every day is unbelievable. Plus the independant mechanics are far cheaper.

Considering the amount of information available on new vehicle pricing, most of the profit in a dealership is not made on car sales, but rather after-sales. This includes the "add-ons" like scotch Gard, stone guard, rust proofing and extended warranty. In addition, a lot of the money that is made is on consumer paid service like oil changes and repairs. Warranty is a much lower margin.

The real tragedy is the fact there seems to be no real quality standard of workmanship. For new vehicles to be delivered with "dealer installed swirls" after "detailing," messy interiors/engine bays after service, grease in places it should have been cleaned up or never been. It would be nice if there was a minimum workmanship expectation that was trained and followed so going to the dealer didn't feel like such a gamble.

 

[eflyguy]

extended warranty

Now THAT is the area they can require all service (from new) be performed at and documented by a dealer. As it's not provided by the manufacturer, they can set whatever terms they want.