Car warranties and dealer vs independent servicing

John Blair Automotive    23rd March 2023

Most mechanics advertise log book services that won’t affect your new car warranty, but is that really true?

Most new car dealers, even some car makers too, are happy to peddle the idea that only an authorised service outlet can perform logbook servicing. And there’s actually a slight grain of truth in that, too - but only if you choose a dud mechanic.

According to the Trade Practices Act, a buyer has freedom of choice to deal with whomever they choose when it comes to servicing their car.

It says: “To keep your motor vehicle in top condition and to avoid the possibility of breakdown or expensive repairs in the future, you should follow the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is still under warranty and you don’t have it serviced to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, you may void your warranty. As long as the service is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, any licensed repairer can do it, not just the dealer from whom you purchased the vehicle.”

This means a new vehicle dealer/vehicle manufacturer can’t specify (as a standard warranty condition) that you have your vehicle serviced by a certain dealer, or even a certain group of dealers.

So, if you have a different service centre that you trust, or perhaps you don't like the service that the dealer is giving you, then you’re free to take your bright and shiny new vehicle to us for scheduled services (your warranty can’t be voided for this).

But before you give your car to any old mechanic for servicing note that your warranty can be voided if your mechanic is not being thorough and doing an expert job.

Some mechanics might want to try cutting a corner to save you a few dollars by fitting non-genuine parts that have caused damage, or the failure of associated parts that get knocked back by warranty.

At John Blair Automotive we have been operating in the Melbourne Eastern suburbs region for almost 50 years and have gained the trust of our customers for honest, reliable, and authorised repairs and maintenance of any new model car. We are also a Honda specialist service centre specialising in late model Honda repairs.

To find out more about how we can tailor servicing to your needs, contact us for a chat or book in for a service.