A question we hear often is a fair one: “If my car is still under its factory warranty, can I have it serviced at an independent shop?” It’s a good thing to understand, so here’s a calm, plain-language answer.
Your factory coverage and independent service
Under federal law — the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — a manufacturer generally can’t void your factory warranty simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs done somewhere other than the dealer. What matters is that the work is done properly, with the correct parts and the correctly-certified fluids, and on the manufacturer’s own schedule.
That’s exactly how we work. We follow the maintenance schedule your specific vehicle calls for, we use the right part and the right certified fluid for that car, and we keep clear records of what was done. Good documentation is what keeps your factory coverage intact, and it’s simply good practice besides.
A quick, sensible note: for a repair that falls under an active factory warranty, that particular repair is typically handled through the manufacturer’s own channel. Day-to-day maintenance and everything outside that coverage is something we’re glad to take care of. If you’re ever unsure which is which, ask us and we’ll help you sort it out.
Our own warranty
Beyond your factory coverage, the work we perform is backed by our own 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty. And to be clear, we perform warranty work in-house — it’s a normal part of what we do, not something we send elsewhere.
Why this matters
Staying on top of maintenance shouldn’t feel complicated or come with fine print you have to worry about. All maintenance is priority, and keeping your car on schedule with the right parts and fluids protects both its factory coverage and its long-term health. We’re happy to keep the records straight so you never have to wonder.
What to do next
If you’d like your car looked after by a family-owned shop that does things by the book, bring it by 3645 Main Street in Chula Vista, Monday through Friday. We’ve been here for 10 years, backed by over 35 years of experience, and we service every make — with European service as a particular strength.
As the owner puts it: “We treat everybody like family. We’re not here to talk money — we’re here to take care of you.”