Are Oil Changes Covered Under Warranty? Answered!

Are oil changes covered under your vehicle’s warranty? This is a common question for new car owners.

Regular oil changes keep your car healthy, but warranty coverage varies. Standard warranties usually cover defects, not routine maintenance like oil changes.

Some manufacturers include oil changes in their warranty or offer them as an extra. It’s important to check your warranty details to know what’s covered, as it affects your maintenance schedule and costs.

Are Oil Changes Covered Under Warranty?

Generally, oil changes are not covered under standard car warranties.

These warranties, whether from the manufacturer or an extended warranty provider, usually focus on repairing or replacing defective parts due to manufacturing flaws or mechanical breakdowns.

They do not cover routine maintenance.

Why Aren’t Oil Changes Covered?

Warranties are meant to protect your car from unexpected problems like malfunctions or defects. They don’t cover regular wear and tear from using your car.

Things like oil changes are super important for keeping your car running well, but you have to handle them yourself.

If you don’t change the oil, it could harm your engine, and that kind of damage isn’t covered by the warranty.

Car makers or warranty companies offer a standard vehicle warranty. This warranty helps by fixing or replacing parts that are faulty or break unexpectedly.

But remember, it’s only for sudden issues. Regular maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, and changing air filters, is up to you. These aren’t covered by the warranty.

It’s really important to read your warranty documents carefully. Knowing what’s included and what’s not can save you from unexpected repair costs.

Being clued up about your warranty helps you be ready for any car troubles.

Does changing my oil void my warranty?

No, changing your oil typically won’t void your warranty if you use the correct oil and filter and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Many car owners consider performing their oil changes to save money. While generally not voiding your warranty, certain factors require attention:

• Adherence to Manufacturer Procedures: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change procedures and use their specified oil and filter types. Substandard products can harm your engine and potentially negate warranty coverage.
• Detailed Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of your oil changes, including dates, mileage, oil and filter specifics. This documentation becomes invaluable in case of warranty disputes or inquiries.
• Warranty Coverage Understanding: Grasp what your warranty covers. While routine Maintenance isn’t included, improper maintenance-related issues could impact certain components. Some warranties might require authorized dealerships or certified mechanics to perform Maintenance for warranty coverage.
• Modifications and Tampering: Avoid modifying or tampering with vehicle components during oil changes. Significant alterations to the engine or other systems could potentially void parts of your warranty.

When in doubt, always contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership to clarify if self-performed oil changes impact your warranty.

They can provide specific insights based on your car and warranty terms.

What Should I do when I do an oil change by myself?

If you decide to change your car’s oil yourself, it’s important to keep good records. Here’s a simple way to do it so that even someone in 5th grade can understand.

Make a Maintenance Log
You can use a special notebook, a computer spreadsheet, or even an app on your phone to write down every time you change your oil.

Write Down Important Details
In your log, be sure to write the date you changed the oil, how many miles your car has, what kind of oil and filter you used, and any other notes that might be helpful.

Save Your Receipts
Keep the receipts for the oil, filter, and any other items you used. Sticking these receipts in your log is a good idea so you can match them with each oil change.

Take Pictures
Taking photos when changing the oil is beneficial. You can snap pictures of the old oil filter, the oil you drained out, and other parts of your car you worked on. This helps show that you did everything right.

Keep Everything Organized
Put all your records and photos in a safe place in your car, like the glove compartment, so that you can find them easily.

Check Your Car’s Manual
Your car’s manual might have tips on how to keep records of your oil changes. Some manuals even have a special section for writing down maintenance stuff.

Carefully tracking your oil changes helps ensure your car stays in good shape. This is especially important if your vehicle has a warranty.

Regular oil changes are like taking your car to the gym—they keep it strong and can save you money in the long run!

What kind of Maintenance is covered and not covered in the warranty?

Let me help you explain what is usually covered and what isn’t covered under a car warranty.

Regular things you do to care for your car, like oil changes, aren’t covered by a warranty.

Warranties are more for fixing problems because something in the vehicle was made wrong or breaks down.

Let’s look at what is usually covered under a warranty:

The powertrain, which includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, is covered. If these parts have problems because they weren’t made right, fixing or replacing them is usually covered.

Major electrical parts like the starter, alternator, and computer modules are also covered if they stop working due to a defect.

Seals and gaskets, which are essential for preventing leaks, are often covered too. If they’re leaking because they weren’t made right, the warranty should take care of it.

The steering and suspension parts, which help you control and steer your car safely, are typically covered if there’s a problem because they weren’t made correctly.

Now, let’s talk about what’s not covered:

Routine maintenance means things you regularly do to keep your car running smoothly. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, changing air filters, swapping out wiper blades, and similar tasks.

Normal wear and tear are parts of your car that wear out over time from everyday use, such as brake pads, clutch parts, and shock absorbers. These aren’t covered.

Damage from not using the car correctly or from accidents, modifying your vehicle, or not taking care of it is not covered.

Cosmetic issues include things like paint scratches or dents. They’re generally not covered by the warranty.

Understanding what your warranty covers and doesn’t can help you know what to expect when caring for your car.

How often should I get my oil change?

As a car technician, knowing when to change your car’s oil isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Different vehicles need their oil changed at different times.

This depends on the car’s make and model, the type of oil you use, and how you drive.

If you have a modern vehicle and use synthetic oil, you’re in luck! These cars can usually go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before needing an oil change.

Some cars can even reach 10,000 to 15,000 miles with full synthetic oil.

But if your vehicle is older or uses regular oil, you’ll need to change the oil more often—about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The best thing to do is check your car’s owner’s manual. It has all the specific information for your vehicle.

How much does it cost to do my oil changes without a warranty?

Let’s talk about how much oil changes can cost. This can vary based on where you live, the type of oil you use, the oil filter you choose, and whether you change the oil yourself or have a professional do it.

Generally, if you do it yourself, it costs between $30 and $50. This includes the oil, filter, and tools you might need. A professional oil change with regular oil costs around $50 to $80, while synthetic oil costs about $80 to $120.

One more thing to remember is about warranties and oil changes. Even though your car’s warranty doesn’t usually cover routine oil changes, not doing them can be a problem.

If you skip your oil changes and your car has a big issue, your warranty might not cover the repair.

So, it’s really important to keep up with your oil changes to make sure your car stays healthy and your warranty stays valid.

Where can I get my car serviced to maintain the warranty?

You can get your car serviced at any qualified repair shop, including dealerships and independent mechanics.

Your warranty will remain valid as long as the shop uses manufacturer-approved parts and follows the recommended maintenance schedule.

What are the Exceptions and Extended Warranties: Exploring Alternatives

Car warranties and oil changes can be a bit confusing. Usually, standard warranties don’t cover oil changes. However, there are some special cases where you might get a free oil change.

When you buy a car from a dealership, they sometimes offer free oil changes. This is often part of their sales package or a special reward for loyal customers.

But, these free oil changes are usually only for a limited time and won’t last for the entire warranty period.

Extended warranties are special plans you can buy to extend the coverage on your car. Some of these extended warranties, especially those that cover many things, might include oil changes.

It’s important to read all the details and fine print of any extended warranty you’re considering. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

If you’re wondering about oil changes and your car’s warranty, check if your dealership offers any special deals.

Look into extended warranties that might include oil changes. Just be sure to read all the information carefully so you know what you’re getting.

Final Verdict

Oil changes aren’t covered under warranty, but they are crucial for your car’s health and performance. Following the recommended maintenance schedules and keeping proper records will ensure your car functions optimally and protect your warranty for covered repairs.

If you have any doubts or questions, contact your dealership or warranty provider for clarification.

FAQs