This might sound like a stupid question, but as I just arrived in the US, I was wondering how are new cars serviced here.

1. For the car to still be under warranty, do I have to take the car to the dealership for service and oil change?

2. What type of engine oil does the dealership provide and how are the pricing?

3. Can I buy my own engine oil and take to dealship to change? Will I void my warranty and about how much will I be spending for labor?


Daniel

In the US you can do your own general maintenance if the car was bought here. Not sure if there's any issues with having transferred from another country. You do however need to keep receipts showing proof that at least the products needed for oil changes were bought. Keep a log book that is very detailed with anything you do.

You'd have to ask what oil your dealer uses. They all use different oils. It's in many cases a matter of price from their viewpoint.

As per buying oil and taking it to a dealer the laws have nothing to do with this. However this is a bit pointless when trying to establish a new relationship when you might need their help.

This post has been edited by cmhj2000: Apr 14 2008, 06:50 AM

Hi Cmhj2000,
Thanks for the information..

Another question.. As I just bought a new 2008 Elantra in the US, in the maintenance log, it saids that the engine oil has to be replaced every 7500 miles or 12 months.. but there are columns for every other 3750 miles. Now.. do I change every 3750 or 7500 miles.

Also.. I heard that it is good pratice to change the oil and oil filter for a new car at around 1000kms or 600miles. Any recommandations..?

The 2 different columns are for either normal or severe service.

Severe service includes short trips, city driving and/or lots of idling, which obviously requires more maintenance.

The 7,500 mile column is for normal service, which is mostly highway driving. You'd need to determine that yourself and the guidelines for each are in your manuals.

Many times I'll split the difference if mostly highway driven.

As per a fast first service this I have done for over 35 years on cars that'll see normal service but it's not always necessary.

This post has been edited by cmhj2000: Apr 16 2008, 07:24 AM