Any warranty problems changing your own oil?

[TinleyJake]

I just purchased a 2008 Vibe with 11k miles which replaced a GrandAm GT and so far happy with the change.The car was in perfect condition but was suprised that the dealer hadn't changed the oil due to the oil filter being a Mobil One filter that didn't look new at all. I called to inquire about it and they confirmed it didn't show being done in the "reconditioning" records. Coming from the auto industry I found this odd.Anyways, has anyone had any problems with having to use the 5 year/100k mile powertrain warranty changing their own oil and filter? I know its Toyota so what can go wrong but....I actually enjoy doing my own oil changes and the peace of mind knowing it's done correctly with the right oil. I ask this because I come from the automotive industry where when an engine in a customers vehicle or trans failed, the first thing we had to do is get oil change receipts or trans service receipts showing the mileage when changed, date, and vin # from the vehicle in order to prove the maintenance has been done regularly. No matter how good of record I keep for the oil and filters, it's still a simple receipt that doesn't really prove anything.The warranty my company represented and serviced was an after the sales warranty not a manufacturers warranty, so I wasn't sure if the actual GM factory warranty would require the same type of records for a powertrain failure. I've had to turn down numerous engine replacements/rebuilds since the customers were unable to come up with the maintenance records, and for the most part these were failures from the lack of service that was proven when we open up the engine.Has anyone been bit by their warranty by doing their own service?Thanks in advance for any insight you may have.By the way...I'm no longer in the automotive service field.

[NibCrom]

Keep your records. Unless they can prove you abused the car (drove it without oil) you shouldn't have any problems. I had a bunch of problems with my Olds Alero (which I also changed my own oil in) and they covered warranty claims just fine. Document your maintenance!

[kevera]

It all depends on the dealer.There is a possibility they will deny a claim if you have an engine problem and do your own oil changes.Just keep records and hopefully it will be enough.I do my own maintenance on my Vibe and have had zero problems.

[Whelan]

I always buy a Toyota Filter from the dealer, and just save the reset they print out and stuff it in an envelope.

[TinleyJake]

Thanks fort the feedback. I know the key is to do the maintenance as required and I shouldn't have any problems. At least in a perfect world it works this way. It's nice knowing the Toyota components are known for their long life and reliability.

[KNINE]

I would check with your dealership to avoid any problems. I think there's some kind of consumer protection law that allows you to maintain your own vehicle, and as long as you have records documenting the maintenance, the OEM cannot deny warranty coverage. I kept a notebook, and stapled the receipts inside from any maintenace I did durring the warranty period. Now I'm lazy and don't keep a thing.

[Whelan]

My fiance gets her oil filters from Jeep and they just stamp her service booklet.

[jake75]

Main problem I see is that they won't cover the damage (to the car or to you) when it slips off the ramps.

[TinleyJake]

Hi Jake, thanks for the concern, but no ramps required, the lift works alot better and much safer.

[jake75]

I am sorta glad my mechanical skills only go as far as changing the air filter and the wiper blades. Also glad that my dealer has this oil change club - sadly it went up from $119 for 10 changes to $189 (but now it includes some extra benefits for 4 months after each change such as free emergency service/towing and free tire road hazard coverage).

[ClunkClunk]

As you know from having to tear down engines to prove that a lack of service caused the damage, there has to be proof of negligence causing the issue. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from having their warranty claims denied for simply doing their own service (amongst many other provisions, like upgrade parts). It has to be proven that negligence, misuse, abuse, or incorrect service and/or parts were used, not just assumed based on lack of records. The burden of proof stands with the manufacturer/dealer, not with the consumer.However, no one realistically wants to get in to a court battle if they can avoid it. I'd start keeping records of when you did oil changes in some kind of log book, and keep receipts if you can. In the off chance that there's ever a question and a warranty claim gets denied, you'll have some solid evidence that you were doing regular maintenance. I'd also get it in writing from the place you bought the vehicle from that they did not perform an oil change while it was under their care. It's then up to the dealer/manufacturer to prove with mechanical evidence that a failure was caused by neglect or misuse.Also, don't take a dealership denial as the final answer. You can appeal to the dealer's factory rep, the manufacturer itself, and finally take it to arbitration/civil court if there's a serious abuse going on.

[TinleyJake]

Jake: Too bad it went up but $18.90 is still a good deal for a dealer oil change. The best part is your car will get a good look over for potential problems everytime you get it in to have the oil change. Like most dealers I'm sure they are looking for leaks, loose components in your suspension and steering before something completely fails.SLO Regal: That is exactly what I was looking for. I was in the service business for 4 years and never heard of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Priceless info for all do it yourselfers and I appreciate it.