Vehicle owners tend to have a number of questions and fears regarding their warranties, and for good reason. It would be a shame to find out that due to a stipulation that you didn’t fully understand, your manufacturer will no longer cover an expensive repair or replacement that your vehicle needs. Especially when it comes to luxury vehicles like your BMW, protecting your warranty is an essential way to protect your investment and get the most out of your vehicle purchase.
One question that people often have regarding their warranty is, “Will I void my warranty if I take my vehicle to an alternative shop?” Since manufacturers strongly encourage owners to take care of their regular maintenance and repairs at their certified dealerships, does that mean that an alternative mechanic voids coverage from the manufacturer?
The Short Answer
The short answer to this question is, “no.” Assuming that your alternative service shop has followed proper protocol and executed all maintenance and changes correctly, having your car serviced at the mechanic of your choice shouldn’t have any effect on your warranty.
It would be incumbent upon the dealer/manufacturer to prove that some type of repair, replacement or maintenance was executed improperly and resulted in the damage that needed to be repaired. But this is why the answer might be slightly more complicated…
The Longer Answer
It’s important to understand that auto manufacturers will often seek to minimize cost and maximize profit wherever possible, and if the company can find a way to make you financially responsible for expensive repairs, they will.
That’s why it’s important that you find an alternative service shop that has appropriate experience with or even specializes in your make if you are taking a luxury or high-performance vehicle in for service. Not all cars are alike, and if your mechanic approaches your BMW the same way he approaches a Kia, it could result in installation or assembly errors that will void your warranty.
If you’re looking for a service shop in south Florida that has years of experience and a complete expertise in BMW service, repair and maintenance, Euromotive Performance is a trusted shop that won’t do anything to endanger the warranty on your BMW.
What else can void my warranty?
There are a few things that can void a manufacturer’s warranty, but here are a few of the more common ones:
Misuse – street racing, off-roading, overloading your vehicle, or doing anything outside of what may be considered normal operation could endanger your warranty.
Environmental Damage – floods, fires, and earthquakes can void your warranty if they damage your vehicle.
Odometer Alteration – if the odometer has been tampered with in any way, your dealer won’t know if the mileage displayed is legitimate.
Neglect – ignoring suggested maintenance schedules can void your warranty.
Aftermarket Parts – if the damage has been caused by the aftermarket part, your dealer won’t cover it.
Improper Fluids – if damage is incurred from a fluid that should not be used in your car, from maple syrup to diesel fuel, it won’t be covered under warranty.
These are just a few of the things you want to avoid if you want to ensure that your warranty will remain in effect in the event of some failure. Follow these simple guidelines and make sure your alternative mechanic is experienced with BMWs, and your warranty should remain in full effect.
