I just had a debate yesterday with a coworker regarding how extended warranty works.

He said that in order to benefit from an extended warranty, you have to follow ALL factory recommended maintenance items and schedule.

Now, I agree with him mostly but I told him that I didn't think you have to do everything. Let's say you take your car to a local (non-honda dealership) shop and get your 30k mile service done. I know most shops are cheaper than the dealerships. My coworker said that would void the extended warranty. I'm not so sure that would void the warranty as long as I keep up with all the major services (oil changes, fluid check and changes, belts, hoses, etc).

What do you guys think? Will I have to get my car serviced at a dealership to keep my extended warranty?

Thanks.

None of the maintenance is required to be done at the dealership. You can do all of it yourself, but you just need to document the maintenance as well as keep the sales slips for the parts you use.

Wasting your money at the dealership is not necessary if you want to have the services done in other places. The dealership has to prove that you didn't do the reccomended maintenance before they can deny you a warranty claim.

I agree wit Steve. :thmsup:

However your friend is right that you must do everything that is required in the maintenance schedule. You can't just do 'some of it'.

I have always gottent he extended warranties on my cars. I just had to get rid of my beloved Grand Prix..the warranty ended 11-2 and the dealership blew up the motor at 48,000 miles...never was the same...anyway, there were things that I didn't do...things that I did off schedule..and they still covered everything under the warranty. I didn't have to take it to the dealer but it was easier to do it that way. If I went to a private mechanic I would have to pay and then be re-imbursed.
I got the extended warranty on this car too.

Collette

Its common sense, esp with a honda that if you just follow the service schedule, it will last forever.

yeah.. i had the dealership toss in free oil changes and tune up till 150000 or 10 years which ever comes first...
that was only like 2 % of the sales commission .. but its worth it... now i dont have to worry about messing anything up.. its all done by the dealership