The Federal Trade Commission tries to make it clear to consumers what their rights are. Even though the FTC is there for the consumers they do still let the dealers what the guidelines are. The Federal Trade Commission has addressed the ongoing saga of the routine maintenance or repairs, if the dealer is a must? Well, the FTC has stated what exactly consumers can do and what dealers can deny. Some dealers like Sarasota Chevrolet Dealer, you do not have to worry about warranties, due to their eagerness to do everything they can to appease you.
The FTC could not stress it enough that dealers or automakers cannot reject a warranty claim solely on the customer or third party performed routine maintenance or repair work instead of going to the dealer. The dealer or automaker cannot legally reject warranty claim either. Now, this stems from the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This act makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone else other than the dealer did the work. Even if you bought a used vehicle from Tampa bay used cars, they still would have guidelines.
The Federal Trade Commission did give an example, is a third party mechanic had a vehicle in for a belt repair, and it was not the proper fix. In the end, the engine was inoperable due to the malfunctioning belt, the warranty or dealer may refuse the warranty claim. But the FTC did say that due to the improper belt fix, the dealer must be able to demonstrate that was the cause of the damage to your engine. The dealer must have enough proof to show the FTC.
Another issue the FTC addressed, was if the consumer used after market parts. The dealer or manufacturer cannot negate a warranty claim on the sole fact that the consumer used the aftermarket or recycled parts. This is covered under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. With that being said the Federal Trade Commission did say that if the part was defective or improperly repaired, that in the end damaged another part, that the dealer or manufacturer can deny the claim or warranty. The dealer or manufacturer is obligated to show the Commission that the repair is the reason why the part was damaged for the claim to be denied.
Nothing wrong with doing things on your own, just know your rights before it costs you more money than what you saved in the end. Sometimes taking it to the dealership isn’t that much more money than anywhere else. Yes, sometimes the dealer does have you by the nuggets, but you did chose to purchase that vehicle. If there is something in the limitations on the warranty, maybe checking another Florida Chevrolet Dealer could better define your likings.
