Q.  My new car dealer says I have to return to their facility for all of my car’s maintenance to keep from voiding the warranty.  Is this true?
A.  Absolutely not!  You can have routine service done by any competent independent service station, shop or garage, such as the Spring Street or Raffia Road Service Centers, and still maintain your warranty.

Q.  Do I have to use the manufacturer’s original equipment parts to keep my warranty valid?
A.  No!  The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits automakers from specifying the use of their or anyone else’s parts for your vehicle’s maintenance.  You may use any brand-name quality parts such as CARQUEST to replace fan belts, hoses, brakes, exhaust, chassis parts, oil and more.

Q.  What do I have to do to keep my car or truck’s warranty in effect?
A.  Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet and keep very clear records of your vehicle’s maintenance.  Be sure to have the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number, and mileage recorded on the invoice.  Keep these receipts in a safe place.  If you have a service log in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet, use it.

Q.  My car is a leased vehicle.  Am I responsible for maintenance?
A.  Yes!  Even if you lease a vehicle you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs and to keep the vehicle in good working order and condition as outlined in the owner’s manual.

Q.  What parts should be replace and at what intervals should these services be performed?
A.  Check the owner’s manual.  It will give you all of the information you need regarding what parts to replace, and when to do it.  Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or sever service notations.  Warranties are there to protect the consumers, but you must follow the requirements.

Q.  What if my car needs repairs other than the regularly scheduled maintenance, such as a brake job or other repairs?  Do I have to return to the dealer for these repairs?  What if these repairs are covered under my warranty?
A. the choice of where to have your car repaired or serviced is yours.  As far as repairs covered by the warranty, you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer.  Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain the repairs are covered.

Q.  How does the quality of aftermarket parts compare with original equipment parts?
A.  Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warranted longer than the original equipment parts.  Aftermarket parts provided by CARQUEST meet or exceed manufacturer’s specifications.

Q.  If I do have a warranty-related problem with a dealership, what rights do I have?
A.  If you do have a problem, contact the customer service department of the car manufacturer and ask for assistance.  They are concerned with customer satisfaction, and may be able to help.  If not, call the Federal Trade Commission at (202) 326-3128.

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