We have all had them… robo calls telling us our vehicle warranty is about to expire! Sadly, once we answer the call, the company who initiated the calls knows your phone number is legitimate and they will keep calling. Even more aggravating, they make big bucks selling your number to other organizations! Even if you block the original number, they will simply use a different caller number next time.
Should you, for whatever reason, engage with a live person on such a call, do not give out any personal information such as social security number, driver’s license number, credit card or bank account numbers. Always protect yourself from fraudulent scammers.
The best course of action is not to answer any phone number you do not recognize. Even though these callers know they are violating telemarketing and robocall rules, they make enough money to take the risk and will simply pay the fine if they are caught.
Hopefully, together, we can stop these annoying calls!
Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com.
Is your car still under the manufacturer’s warranty? Are you worried about risking it by taking your vehicle to an independent auto repair shop?
Don’t.
Most folks have never heard of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Passed in 1975, it ensures you get complete information about your warranty. It also clears up confusion about keeping your warranty valid. Though dealerships may encourage you to come to them for repairs and maintenance, they can’t make you pay their higher prices.
What does this mean for you? It means we can take care of you here!
Dealership or independent—where should you go?
We have strong feelings on this subject. They have larger facilities and more employees with higher salaries. This gives them much higher overhead than us, and it makes them much more expensive.
But, that’s not all.
The same as dealerships, our ASE-certified technicians only use state-of-the-art tools and equipment. We stay current with on-going training to keep up with the latest vehicle innovations. We also never cut corners and only use high-quality parts and fluids.
Unlike at dealerships where you are assigned an “advisor,” you can speak to a mechanic here—someone with years of experience who understands your car inside and out. This allows you to better understand your options, making the process smoother and more hassle-free.
You don’t have to believe us, though. A recent Consumer Report survey came to the same conclusion: you’re more likely to end up satisfied with your automotive repair experience at an independent.
Stop worrying! We’ve got you covered!
Way better prices. Better customer service. Quality that’s as good as (or superior to) the dealerships.
It doesn’t sound like such a tough choice. We also offer our own warranty—an industry-leading 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on parts and labor for repairs.
Do you want maintenance and repairs done right the first time, every time? Call Certified Automotive Specialists at 253-854-6762 or schedule an appointment online today!
When a customer buys a new car, they are always concerned that if they keep coming to my shop for routine maintenance and repair it will void the warranty! I always tell them to relax because the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) the nation’s consumer protection agency says NO! It is illegal for a dealership to even suggest that they might deny your warranty coverage because your routine maintenance and repair is done by an independent repair shop!
Oil changes, fluid exchanges, tire rotations, brake pads, belt and hose replacements and other services are considered “routine” maintenance and are essential to keep your car running well for years to come. A complete list of these services can be found in your owner’s manual.
Customers also are concerned that the use of aftermarket parts may void their warranty. This will not void your warranty and you can even use recycled parts and your warranty will still be good! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states emphatically that it is illegal for a manufacturer or dealership to void your warranty because you chose to use an aftermarket or recycled part.
The only time a dealership or manufacturer can deny you coverage is if the following occurs:
-A part was improperly installed and caused damage
-If the aftermarket or recycled part was defective and caused other parts to be damaged
Keep in mind that if these two things should occur the dealership or manufacturer must demonstrate or prove that this did, in fact, cause damage.
We always encourage our customers to keep a record of all services/repairs but if you fail to do so, or have misplaced them, rest assured that we have those records should you ever need them.
We are always here for you!
Certified Auto Specialists wants to be your GO-TO place! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.
Some dealership salespeople imply that when you buy a new vehicle from them, you must have it serviced by them. This is not true! I hear this from my customers all the time! Here is what you need to know:
There is a law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) that an independent repair shop can service your car and you will not be jeopardizing your warranty in any way. This law has been around since 1975. Just like you would have to do if you got your vehicle serviced at the dealership, you need to keep records of services and have them done as recommended in your owner’s manual. The good news is we make it easy for you. You always get a copy and we keep your vehicle’s records as well. We can download a copy for you any time you need it.
Many consumers have gone to the dealership to take care of a warranty issue, however, and have been told their warranty is void because the vehicle has aftermarket parts on it. If they didn’t inspect the vehicle to find out if the aftermarket parts cause the problem that is illegal. The mere presence of aftermarket parts on a vehicle cannot void a manufacturer warranty.
There are two types of warranties; expressed and implied. An expressed warranty is for a specific amount of time on certain parts. An implied warranty states that the manufactured product should meet certain standards. Aftermarket parts do not void either warranty.
If you feel you have been wronged in this area contact the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at 877.382.4357.
There are also two types of emission warranties; defect and performance. At the time of sale, the defect warranty insists that the manufacturer make a vehicle that will meet required emission levels. The performance warranty says the vehicle must maintain certain emission levels during its useful life cycle. Should the vehicle fail to meet these criteria the manufacturer must make the repairs free of charge even if an aftermarket part was the cause for the warranty claim. If that seems strange it is because the consumer is protected by the parts self-certification program that the EPA developed with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association).
When an aftermarket part does fail, and is responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the consumer but the new vehicle warranty is not voided by this.
If you go to a dealership and they refuse to cover any defective manufactured items just because you have aftermarket parts on your vehicle, without bothering to find out if the aftermarket parts were at fault that is illegal!
The laws dealing with warranties are very simple. The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if an installed aftermarket part has been proven to cause the problem.
If you feel you have been denied a claim take a written explanation from the dealership. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on what to do next. If you still don’t receive satisfaction contact the EPA at 202.233.9040 or 202.326.9100.
We’ve got you covered! Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com. Hometown Service You Can Count On!
