Chevy Dealer Offering Lifetime Warranty on Engine for Oil Additive Purchase, Claims Disgruntled Silverado Owner
In the world of automotive maintenance, a heated debate has been unfolding around the BG MOA oil additive, a product commonly offered by dealerships as part of oil change services. The additive is marketed as an engine oil supplement that could potentially extend the engine warranty of vehicles, particularly for Chevrolet Silverado trucks [1][3]. However, the legitimacy of these warranty claims has been called into question.
Some Chevrolet Silverado owners, such as Joe Modz, a Reddit user, have claimed that their dealers added the BG MOA without their consent during an oil change [2]. Yet, other Silverado owners, like David Gaither, confirm using the additive and have known the representative for 11 years [8].
While the Chevrolet dealer's engine warranty offer, which includes the use of BG MOA, covers up to $4,000 for vehicles with less than 50,000 miles and $2,000 for vehicles with over 50,000 miles, there is no evidence from General Motors corporate communications or official service documents that using BG MOA extends or modifies the factory engine warranty on Chevrolet Silverado trucks [1]. The implication that using this additive could secure a warranty for the "life of the vehicle" appears to be a dealership-level promotion, not a manufacturer-backed policy.
The term "snake oil" refers to products that make exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims. While BG MOA is not universally dismissed as "snake oil," claims of dramatic warranty extensions or engine life guarantees should be met with skepticism unless explicitly backed by the manufacturer in writing [1].
The use of oil additives like BG MOA is not required by vehicle manufacturers for warranty coverage. Modern synthetic oils already contain a robust additive package engineered to meet or exceed manufacturer requirements. Third-party additives may offer marginal benefits in specific cases, but their necessity or effectiveness is debated among experts [7].
Despite the controversy, the BG website states that their products extend the life of vehicles and instill trust in the shop, and they offer a Lifetime BG Protection Plan that covers seven major systems [6]. However, it's important to note that this warranty is null and void for vehicles under an engine recall, as was the case for nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs due to a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components [4][5].
In conclusion, while BG MOA is a real product used by some professionals and dealerships, its use for warranty purposes is unsupported by the manufacturer. It's essential for Silverado owners to check their vehicle’s warranty documentation and communicate directly with the manufacturer before accepting any third-party product as a condition for warranty coverage. For maintenance, follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual, and be wary of any unsupported claims regarding aftermarket additives and warranties.
- The debate about the BG MOA oil additive, commonly used in car-maintenance and offered by some dealerships, has raised questions about whether it truly extends engine warranties, particularly for vehicles like Chevrolet Silverado trucks.
- In the financial aspect of the automotive industry, some Silverado owners haveclaimed that dealers added BG MOA without their consent during oil changes, causing concerns about its usage and the validity of any potential warranty claims.
- The transportation sector has seen a heated discussion about the BG MOA additive, with claims questioning its ability to secure a warranty for the "life of the vehicle," a claim that, according to General Motors, is a dealership-level promotion and not a manufacturer-backed policy.
