The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has once again ruled that consumers will not void vehicle warranty if they choose a repairer, service centre, or parts not specified by the dealer.
A manufacturer's warranty promises that the vehicle will be free from defects for a certain period of time and any defects entitles them compensation for repairs, replacements or refunds. This may come with requirements on the manufacturer's part: for example, manufacturers may specify that all servicing is to be carried out by qualified staff, to an appropriate standard, and using appropriate quality parts where required. The warranty remains valid so long as the requirements are met when servicing a vehicle.
It is a concern to the ACCC if a manufacturer's warranty states that only an authorised dealer can service the vehicle. These include requirements that the servicer:
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An authorised dealer or authorised service department
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Stamps the logbook with an authorised dealer's stamp
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Fits only genuine manufacturer's parts
Repairers are allowed to sign and stamp the relevant page of the service logbook even if it contains the above requirements without affecting the manufacturer's warranty.
This does not include extended warranties offered by dealers, which kick in after the manufacturer's warranty has expired.