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Who is Responsible for the Maintenance of a Vehicle?
From time to time a planned article is replaced by one resulting from a conversation with customers in the sales, service or parts area of the dealership. This is one of those times.
While walking from one department to another, I overheard part of a conversation between a service manager and a customer that dealt with the question of 'who is responsible for the maintenance of a vehicle?'
Did you know that it's the responsibility of the owner to maintain a vehicle in accordance with the schedule prescribed by the manufacturer as outlined in the owner maintenance schedule'
Did you also know that over and above adhering to the maintenance schedule, you are expected to perform some routine checks, which ensure that your vehicle is safe for the road and can detect possible major problems early.
How often and when did you last check your oil level' An empty oil pan is a very good reason for denying a warranty claim for an engine. When was the last time you performed a visual inspection of the coolant level, brake fluid level and, for safety, your windshield washer level and tire pressure' The question that you are probably asking yourself at this point is, 'what's in it for me''
Why should I get my hands dirty or even worry about these issues'
A simple answer is, 'possible manufacturer participation in a case of vehicle breakdown during and outside the warranty period.' While it has been my experience that manufacturers side with consumers when a judgment call is needed, I have seen a complete reversal if, in fact, little or no maintenance had been carried out on the vehicle.
In addition, in the case of a leased vehicle, did you know that part of the commitment of the lessee is to complete all the prescribed maintenances' In fact, at the end of the lease, many companies that inspect the lease return vehicles to see if the regular maintenances had been carried out.
A leasing company could charge back the cost associated with carrying out the work, if it had not been done. So, for those consumers thinking that, in leasing a vehicle, they merely drive the car for the contractual period, not maintain the vehicle and then return it in dismal shape, prepare your chequebooks for the reality.
Manufacturers' warranties protect the consumers in cases of manufacturers' defects in material or workmanship.
In almost all cases warranty coverage can be denied unless you present to the dealer proof in the form of service or repair orders that all scheduled maintenance was performed in a timely manner.
If you are dealing with a third-party extended warranty, proof of performing scheduled maintenance is necessary. While these companies do not normally insist that the maintenance be performed at a new car dealership of choice, as do the manufacturers, they do insist that paper records from a reputable service centre be made available.
And now, going back to the conversation that prompted this article . . . my comments to the young person that felt he had no responsibility for ensuring that his oil level was topped up during oil changes, should take the time to read his owners' manual in detail and be made aware of his total responsibility for the proper care and maintenance of his vehicle.
Until next week, take the time to ensure that the maintenance on your vehicle is up to date and feel free to contact your new car dealer of choice or reputable service center to bring the schedules up to date.
And please, as always, DRIVE SAFELY.
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