Dealer joyride and manual "lessons"

[shbox]

I have a gas mileage spreadsheet that I also log any maintenance in, plus I add service entries on my GM account online (where you can also see all your dealer service records).

 

[+ManifoldPSI]

I document in an app called Fuelly. You can add pictures of receipts and products. Then I update on CarFax and myCadillac website.

Will have to check out Fuelly.

I just keep all car records in a Trix (Google spreadsheet). Years ago I kept a notebook, but technology marches on.

Yep, I have a google doc for maintenance too, handy nowadays. I just copy the tab each time I get a new addition to the fleet.

I have a gas mileage spreadsheet that I also log any maintenance in, plus I add service entries on my GM account online (where you can also see all your dealer service records).

So this is where my question comes in. So if you enter all the info you have (let's say oil jug receipts, oil filter receipts and diff fluid receipts) and simply enter the date/mileage/activity in any of these portals, will that suffice and/or take the place of having a full dealer service history in case of a warranty claim? IE something relevant like a blown stock engine or oil plug blowing out (choose your example, I am just thinking of something not too unlikely that could occur and cause a need to file a claim).

I could see that information being entered in a more official place (the GM/MyCadillac account for example, though I have not familiarity with that) might be a little more "believable" for the dealer, but still.

What stops them from saying "well even though you are presenting us with service records that match OEM recommended service intervals and actions, we can't be sure you did everything right and how our techs do it, so we can't honor your warranty claim."

I guess I am just thinking of how they might play devil's advocate and am trying to steel myself against any possible dealer shenanigans.

 

[jbawden]

I guess I am just thinking of how they might play devil's advocate and am trying to steel myself against any possible dealer shenanigans.

Normally when someone brings up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act on a forum its because of the clause that states the dealer has to prove the non-OEM modification caused the failure. I'm dubious on that use, but at the core of the warranty act is specifically preventing dealers from having a monopoly on service. The act prevents them from denying warranty when maintenance is completed outside of the dealer network.

Your thought process is exactly what dealers want you to think, but read your warranty documents and you'll see zero mention of dealer service being required. You're overthinking this, just use the right parts/fluids, at the right time, and keep the receipts. There are literally millions of data points (cars that are DIY maintained and still under warranty) and its hard to find real, legitimate warranty denials due to at home oil changes using the correct parts and retaining supporting documents.

 

[jwolf99]

I document in an app called Fuelly. You can add pictures of receipts and products. Then I update on CarFax and myCadillac website.

+1

 

[Hi Ho Silver]

You can also upload receipts for part purchases on the Carfax site for your vehicle.

 

[+ManifoldPSI]

Normally when someone brings up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act on a forum its because of the clause that states the dealer has to prove the non-OEM modification caused the failure. I'm dubious on that use, but at the core of the warranty act is specifically preventing dealers from having a monopoly on service. The act prevents them from denying warranty when maintenance is completed outside of the dealer network.

Your thought process is exactly what dealers want you to think, but read your warranty documents and you'll see zero mention of dealer service being required. You're overthinking this, just use the right parts/fluids, at the right time, and keep the receipts. There are literally millions of data points (cars that are DIY maintained and still under warranty) and its hard to find real, legitimate warranty denials due to at home oil changes using the correct parts and retaining supporting documents.

That's helpful, and reassuring, thanks. I was not familiar with that particular one, but I've heard of consumers filing legal challenges to the established "dealer rule" before, and winning.

Guess I should brush up on exactly what I need for this car. I have only bought "standard" trim Mobil oil, never bought any "supercar" variants.

 

[OldGoat]

What do DIYers do to prove they have performed required maintenance (IE basic oil changes) in order to avoid potential future trouble at the dealer, in case they have to make a claim but have never been to that or any dealer for service?

Save receipts for oil purchases? Keep a basic logbook of oil change dates and mileage? Take photos/videos?

Apart from true documentation from a dealer for dealer-performed work, I would think any dealer being asked to take on a warranty claim for example has a lot of leeway to potentially deny a claim, especially if all they are presented with is the above, even if it is all well organized and sensible.

My BW is the newest, most complex and seemingly most potentially-troublesome car I've owned so far. So I'd like to be as well-prepared as I can, seeing as how I already do my own maintenance on my fleet.

I also send oil samples to Blackstone Labs. I print and keep copies with my oil and filter receipts