A certified Mechanic unequivocally avoids performing oil changes on vehicles that are still under warranty.
In the world of automotive maintenance, oil changes are a crucial aspect of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. However, for those driving a car still under warranty, it's advisable to steer clear of DIY oil changes, as they could potentially void your warranty and lead to costly repairs.
This advice comes from the host of the Lance Mechanics YouTube channel, a licensed mechanic who has seen firsthand the risks associated with performing oil changes outside the factory warranty conditions. The primary concern lies in the fact that factory warranties require adherence to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and often specify where and how services like oil changes must be performed. Using unauthorized mechanics or improper procedures can lead the manufacturer to deny warranty claims for related repairs or failures.
One of the key risks is the potential for improper maintenance. If an oil change is done incorrectly—using wrong oil type, inadequate oil quantity, or poor-quality filters—it can cause engine damage that might not be covered under warranty. The engine may suffer from increased wear, sludge buildup, overheating, or even failure triggered by improper lubrication.
Another concern is the loss of manufacturer support. Skipping scheduled maintenance or deviating from manufacturer guidelines can result in the manufacturer refusing to cover costly repairs such as engine or transmission failures under the warranty, transferring all financial responsibility to the vehicle owner.
Long-term mechanical damage is another issue. Failure to follow exact maintenance specs can accelerate engine wear and reduce fuel efficiency, increasing the chance of expensive breakdowns that warranty coverage would otherwise mitigate.
Despite these risks, DIY oil changes are partly a backlash against quick-lube chains and dealerships that sometimes overcharge, upsell unnecessary services, or damage cars during "10-minute oil changes." For those who still want to DIY, airtight documentation is key to potentially protect oneself.
However, it's important to note that DIY oil change records often aren't considered "credible" evidence by manufacturers. Professional oil changes give you a paper trail if a warranty claim arises. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also protects DIY car maintenance under warranty, requiring manufacturers to prove that aftermarket parts or non-OEM service actually caused the failure before denying coverage.
For those who wish to learn basic car maintenance skills at home, DIY oil changes can be a great way to gain knowledge. But for those driving a car under warranty, it's best to stick to professional oil changes to ensure your warranty remains intact and your vehicle stays in top shape.
Timothy Boyer, an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati, offers insights on this topic. He covers modern cars, including electric vehicles, with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. You can follow him on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
- In the realm of automotive maintenance, adherence to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, particularly for oil changes, is crucial under a car's warranty to avoid potential engine damage and costly repairs.
- Skipping scheduled maintenance or deviating from manufacturer guidelines can result in a manufacturer refusing to cover costly repairs, such as engine or transmission failures, under the warranty, thus transferring all financial responsibility to the vehicle owner.
- Despite the risks associated with performing oil changes outside the factory warranty conditions, DIY oil changes can still be beneficial for those wishing to learn basic car maintenance skills at home, but it's essential to remember that using unauthorized mechanics or improper procedures can potentially void the warranty.
