Hello Everyone,

I have a 2004 TL with 30K miles. I extended my bumper to bumper warranty to 7 years , 100K miles when I first purchased the car back in 2004. I've been bringing my car in to the dealership for the general maintenance. My question is, if I bring my car for service that is outside the dealership for routine maintenance, does that void my extended warranty?

If the answer is yes, then I guess I'll continue to bring my car to a dealership.

If NO, then can someone recommend a good shop to bring my car to?

I live in the San Francisco peninsula.

Thanks!

 

The answer is no. The key, however, is that you keep good records of the repair/service so that they can't question whether something was done incorrectly/poorly. (And even if they do, there's really nothing they can do to deny a future warranty claim unless its egregious)

Don't know about any shops you might want to bring your car to... What type of service does it need?

 

Thanks for the info TL. Well, at 30K, I figured that I would go for the works. The car is 4 years old and I haven't had any major work done other than the usual oil change, tire rotation and usual inspection. I had the coolant replaced this year (at the dealership) as well. Thinking about getting a tune up and possibly have the brakes inspected and replaced if needed.

I believe that the plugs don't need to be replaced until 90K miles. I haven't noticed any deterioration in performance since I'm getting 24 MPG mixed driving, but I was wondering if people have gotten their plugs replaced sooner than the 90K miles. Especially since it's going to take me 6+ years to get there at the rate I'm piling on miles with my car.

 

there is no big service until 7 years or 105k miles
plugs after 60 is a good idea
BRAKE FLUID- every year starting at year 3
Have a normal brake inspection with that service- get everything lubed on the brake calipers. Corrossion is the enemy

READ your contract- while they cant require the dealer to work on the car, some do require a licensed shop do all the work- just keep the receipts
Other policies may allow you to change the oil etc as long as you can prove it

 

read the owner manual for service needs- look at severe service due to low mileage you run--it has tighter schedule

Make sure the dealer is running the VIN for RECALL check when its in
They are supposed to but----

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback!!! Happy Holidays!!!