Oil change warranty question

[Roadhawk]

Looks like its time to get my oil changed again and I was considering getting it done at a local shop vs trudging down to the dealership and waiting all day to get it done. So my question is what are the documentation requirements to maintain warranty if i do it other then at the dealer.

Also....considering I'm at about 12,000 miles give or take and haven't changed differential fluid or anything else are there any other maintenance and fluid changes etc that would be recommended?

I appreciate any sage advice from those who know these things better than I...

 

[obeykube]

Hey man, I am at 10,200 and got my differential and transmission fluid changed and honestly, I felt a difference. Highly recommend doing it. Biggest myth in the industry in transmission fluid and differential fluid is not a maintenance item. I don't know where it comes from but I highly disagree with it.

As far as the oil change, I do it myself and keep the receipt of the the oil filter and the oil itself, and write on the receipt the date and mileage the car was at. I was told this would be enough to maintain my warranty.

So, I don't see why another shop doing it with the same documentation wouldn't maintain your warranty, if me doing it in my driveway does. Just make sure their invoice/receipt lists the milage of the vehicle, the date, the oil and oil filter part number/description used, and the VIN.

 

[Roadhawk]

Thanks obeykube....all makes sense. I will also do the tranny and diff fluid as you suggest. Interesting that you could tell the difference.

 

[1Evil55]

After purchase of my used 4 I went to my local dealer for oil and diff change. I too noticed less notchy shifts after.

 

[FLYARMY]

I have 5 cars. I need memo books kept for each vehicle. It gets confusing trying to keep track of all the maintenance due. I usually do get my work done at the local dealerships, just to keep the Car Fax and their computer systems up to date on things done. I have found that oil/filter/rotation only costs me about $150 at the dealership. My local (reliable mechanic) is about the same and he also updates Car Fax. When I sell the car, people are extremely happy with the memo book and folder I give them showing everything that has been done. My local mechanic has been sending me a "reminder" that my Jeep Grand Cherokee may be due for a radiator flush after 2 years. I looked up that they use DexCool, which is an extended life fluid. It says that it is usually good for up to 5 years. So, I can wait at least another 2 years for the radiator flush. My Blackwing only has 1750 miles since last July's oil change. The computer must be on a timer by date and is saying that I am due soon for an oil change. I think I will give it a pass and not change the oil until November when I put it away in storage. Dexos 2 at my Cadillac dealer is only 175$.

 

[Roadhawk]

We currently own 4 cars but don't drive nearly so much as we used to since we've retired (10+ years now). I'll often do my own oil changes but I'm no mechanic so I rely on shops i trust for most repairs and maintenance...even if they might cost (even) more than the dealership....I know I'm getting experienced folks. I'm not changing my own oil these days for the most part due to my age and developing arthritis...sucks getting old.

I usually get oil changes more frequently then perhaps necessary....figure its peace of mind for not too much $$$. I've actually put off the Caddy for longer then usual....relying on its onboard nanny system (and preferring to avoid the dealer). I imagine its OK but the car is warning me now and I figure i should take care of it...

 

[shbox]

I change my own oil and log it on my own spreadsheet, but also on the GM owners website under service history. You can also see all dealer service records there.

The OLM will prompt you to change the oil at least once a year regardless of mileage.

 

[Lee#144]

I do my own changes as well and document the same as stated here but I also use oil samples to document and monitor my oil changes. It's something I started doing a few years ago and provides some great feedback on engine wear and oil performance. I use the kits purchased through Amsoil (OAI Oil Analyzers) and just buy them in bulk. I use this for all our vehicles and it allows me to "document" my oil changes and validate any wear/oil performance. Coming from stellantis, this was more out of precaution than necessity but it's become my very easy routine.