A guy I work with claims that changing the oil by yourself voids the warranty on your engine. Is there any truth to this? If so, then what are you supposed to do with a new car, with all of those idiots out there who would end up doing a crappy job?

 

By law they cannot refuse your warranty if you do any of your own work if you use oil and parts that meet the manufactures specifications noted in the owners manual. The only exception I know is if the work is included in the purchace price then the dealer has to do it (like BMW for the first 3yrs). The only disadvantage is you are liable for any mistakes you make. Not all garages have ASE certified mechanics working for them, or at least not changing oil!! Do it yourself and do it right!

 

it won't void the warranty...if you do it yourself or have a shop do it...just make sure you keep ALL receipts so you have proof if/when it was done...

 

I've run into several ASE mechanics that still dont know jack...("camber doesnt affect alignment" "what's a strut bearing?" "your maxima sure does have adjustable rear wheel toe")

 

true true,
some ASE mechanics dont know much out of their field of expertise. Juss cause their ASE certified doesnt mean they know everything, and also juss cause their NOT ASE certified doesnt necessarily mean they dont know jack either....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mzmtg
[I]I've run into several ASE mechanics that still dont know jack...("camber doesnt affect alignment" "what's a strut bearing?" "your maxima sure does have adjustable rear wheel toe")

I had a Goodyear dealer insist that my car needed 4 wheel alignment and try to charge me for that. I told him that I'd read the servce manual and that you only needed to use the rear wheels as a reference for the front settings. He wouldn't back down so I went elsewhere. Like to the dealer at that time who did it for 30 bux less.

 

you do something to blow the motor up as a direct result of the oil change, such as leave the drain plug off when changing the oil and drive your car and sieze the motor and try to blame Nissan. Nissan will notice the lack of a drain plug, and void the warranty on the spot.

The guy you work with is ignorant when it comes to knowledge about auto repair, so I would ignore his suggestions in the future. He's been successfully brainwashed by people like Jiffy Lube into the 3,000 mile oil change intervals, etc.

The point you bring up about idiots doing a crappy job (i.e. Jiffy Lube) is the very reason that no one should allow another person to change their oil. It's what keeps engines running, and trusting some mechanic wannabe with your motor that costs several grand to replace just isn't worth it.....