Know About Your Warranty

Let’s face it, paying oil change shops or the dealership do simple maintenance is expensive.  A local oil change quick lube garage charges $65.00 for 6 quarts of oil, a filter, and fluids check.  If you drive a lot of miles every month commuting, you’ll see them a few times a year for oil changes.  One common question about oil and filters concerns is, “What will and won’t affect a factory car engine warranty?”

A subsequent question is, “Will a (certain brand) keep the factory warranty intact?”  More aptly, people want to know, “Will others void the warranty entirely?”  It’s a concern most new vehicle owners have, and dealerships may not give you the straight answer.  Often they want you to use their service department and oil products.

The Magnuson-Moss Act

Most consumers have never heard of the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.  The basic details involve implied warranties and deceptive and misleading so-called “tie-in sales”.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publishes a booklet called “A Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law”.  It clearly explains some of the features of the Act.  The Code of Federal Regulations (16 CFR 700.10) has similar notes prohibiting arrangements which conditionally keep warranty coverage by brand, trade, or corporate name, unless that article or service is provided without charge to the consumer.

Also no warrantor (i.e. the manufacturer) may condition the continued validity of a warranty on the use of only authorized repair service and/or authorized replacement parts for non-warranty service and maintenance.  When is the last time you saw your local service provider offer free service and products?  Most likely never, unless it’s tied to a package deal on a vehicle purchase.  You’re paying for it.  You just don’t see it in the fine details of the purchase.

More Than Just Car Engine Warranty Coverage

That coverage applies to more than automobiles, (i.e. car engine warranty and trucks, etc.)  It applies to all transportation: snowmobiles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, etc.   It covers engine oil, transmission oil, drive chains, and the other lubricants.  Consumer protections note two exceptions that can have limitations.

• (1) a manufacturer can require the use of a specific oil to maintain a warranty if it provided free of charge to the consumer, and
• (2) the manufacturer can apply for an FTC waiver because the manufacturer specified , and only that oil, would work in the specific application.

Again, freebies don’t make good business sense.  Nor does having any oil so specific for your product that it ties up the consumer to use just your products.  It doesn’t offer good consumer relations, and no manufacturer wants the bad press of ridiculous maintenance concerns.

Why AMSOIL Won’t Void Your Factory Warranty

As long as you follow the particular service life recommendation or use an oil analysis program, the consumer protections keep your covered.  This includes using an aftermarket or another brand beyond the manufacturer recommended brand.   AMSOIL will fall into that category.  AMSOIL is an aftermarket brand.  It also offers extended drain intervals, which some may think won’t be covered either.  You have no need for concern.  Factory warranties remain intact using AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants.

About Manufacturer Recommendations

Manufacturers recommend lubricants according to their service classification and required viscosity grade.  Oil used in your vehicle, whether synthetic or petroleum-based, can be used.  If they meet the correct viscosity grade and current API SL and ILSAC GF-3 classifications, they don’t affect your factory warranty coverage.  All AMSOIL products meet or exceed the API SL and ILSSAC GF-3 requirements.  This is true even when used in extended drain intervals.

Car engine warranty claims are paid based on failure analysis, and AMSOIL has never been identified as the source of a warranty claim due to engine failure.  You can install AMSOIL in your vehicle with complete confidence that it won’t affect your factory warranty.  AMSOIL’s warranty covers the cost of repair or replacement of an engine damaged from using AMSOIL products. AMSOIL provides the AMSOIL Limited Warranty to provide insurance for using their products.

The warranty doesn’t expire based on a number of miles or a time the oil is used.  AMSOIL recommends you keep all service records and receipts regardless of who performs service on your vehicles.  Also keep a record of the products you use.  Keeping records provides proof you maintained your vehicle.

Talking to the local AMSOIL Dealer near you will ensure you purchase the best products to keep your vehicles running smooth. Visit BuyGreatOil locations tab to find a “Dealer Near Me”. Using AMSOIL products allows longer drain intervals, which helps reduce the long-term maintenance cost and sends less oil to the recycling facility. It’s a win-win for everyone.