Know Your Rights

Frequently Asked Questions By Owners Of New Or Leased Vehicles

My new car dealer says I have to return to their facility for all of my car's Maintenance to keep from voiding the warranty. Is this true?

Absolutely Not. You can have routine service done by any competent independent service station, shop or garage and still maintain your warranty.

Do I have to use the manufacturer's original equipment parts to keep my warranty valid?

No! Legally, automakers cannot specify the use of their or anyone else's parts for your vehicle's Maintenance. You may use any brand-name quality parts such as CARQUEST to replace fan belts, hoses, brakes, exhausts, chassis parts, oil and more.

What do I have to do to keep my car or truck's warranty in effect?

Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your Owner's Manual or Warranty Booklet and keep very clear records of your vehicle's Maintenance. Be sure to have the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep these receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your Owner's Manual or Warranty Booklet, use it.

My car is a leased vehicle. Am I responsible for Maintenance?

Yes! Even if you lease a vehicle you are responsible for all Maintenance and repairs and to keep the vehicle in good working order and condition as outlined in the Owner's Manual. Auto Technician

What parts should be replaced and at what intervals should these services be performed?

Check your owner's manual. It will give you all of the information you need regarding what parts to replace and when to do it. Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or severe service notations. Warranties are there to protect the consumer, but you must follow the requirements.

What if my new car needs repairs other than regularly scheduled Maintenance such as a brake job or other repairs? Do I have to return to the dealer for these repairs? What if these repairs are covered under my warranty?

The choice of where to have your car serviced and repaired is yours. As far as repairs covered by the warranty, you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer. Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain that the repairs are covered.

How does the quality of aftermarket parts compare with original equipment parts?

Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warranted longer than original equipment parts. Aftermarket parts supplied by CARQUEST meet or exceed manufacturers specifications.

If I do have a warranty-related problem with a dealership, what rights do I have?

If you have a problem, contact the customer service department of the car manufacturer and ask for assistance. They are concerned with customer satisfaction and may be able to help.

Know Your Rights When It Comes to Vehicle Repair and MaintenanceKnow Your Auto Repair Rights

From Acuras to Volvos, Buicks to Saturns, we can help you protect your new car or truck warranty. By using our quality service and parts, our technicians can perform all of your new foreign or domestic vehicle's Maintenance and repairs while keeping your warranty in effect. You don't have to return to the new car dealer for scheduled service or checkups to ensure your manufacturer's warranty remains in force. We bring you this information because you have the right to have your vehicle serviced wherever you choose. Ask us how we can help you protect your vehicle's warranty.Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage Courtesy of ASA

With today's high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to make minor modifications that will improve your gas mileage.

Vehicle Tips

• Keep your tires properly inflated and check them frequently.
• Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
• Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends.
• Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
• Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
• Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
• Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver.
• Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using it is an unnecessary expense.
• Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.

Driving Tips

• Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
• Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts.
• Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour/95 kilometers per hour or less whenever possible.
• For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning when driving on the freeway.
• For older cars with inefficient air conditioning compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
• Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate smoothly.
• Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go to several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing.
• Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily.
• Car-pool whenever possible or practical.
• Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas.
• Drive in the highest gear possible.

Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage Courtesy of ASA

With today's high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to make minor modifications that will improve your gas mileage.

Vehicle Tips

• Keep your tires properly inflated and check them frequently.
• Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
• Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends.
• Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
• Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
• Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
• Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver.
• Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using it is an unnecessary expense.
• Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.

Driving Tips

• Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
• Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts.
• Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour/95 kilometers per hour or less whenever possible.
• For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning when driving on the freeway.
• For older cars with inefficient air conditioning compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
• Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate smoothly.
• Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go to several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing.
• Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily.
• Car-pool whenever possible or practical.
• Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas.
• Drive in the highest gear possible.

Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage Courtesy of ASA

With today's high gas prices, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to make minor modifications that will improve your gas mileage.

Vehicle Tips

• Keep your tires properly inflated and check them frequently.
• Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
• Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends.
• Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
• Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
• Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
• Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver.
• Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using it is an unnecessary expense.
• Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.

Driving Tips

• Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
• Don't idle your engine for long periods. Turn off your engine when you leave the car or have to wait a long time.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts.
• Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour/95 kilometers per hour or less whenever possible.
• For newer vehicles with aerodynamic designs, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning when driving on the freeway.
• For older cars with inefficient air conditioning compressors, use the ventilation system and close the windows, temperature permitting.
• Anticipate merging traffic and stoplights - decelerate and accelerate smoothly.
• Plan your trips wisely. If you need to go to several places, plan a route that allows you to run most or all of your errands in one outing.
• Empty the trunk! Extra clothes, overdue library books, tools and the bag of aluminum cans that you have been meaning to take to the recycler all weigh down your car unnecessarily.
• Car-pool whenever possible or practical.
• Listen to radio reports for alternate routes around congested areas.
• Drive in the highest gear possible.

Try to keep your speed constant. Use cruise control when on long stretches of road.: ASE

Spring is one of the prime times for auto Maintenance. That first wash-n-wax on a warm Saturday afternoon is liberating. Winter's gloom (to say nothing of grit and road salt) is literally washed away. Take out the snow shovel, the gloves and heavy boots and store them 'til next season. Surely summer can't be far away.

Some preparation now will help ensure that your summer driving plans go as smoothly as you envision then now. ASE offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready for summer.

• Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.
• Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc., corrected before hot weather sets in.
• Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
• If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities that employ ASE-Certified automotive technicians.
• The tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician.
• Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician to reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs.
• Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.)
• Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.
• Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.
• Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer's dust and insects. Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment Facts You Should Know About Your Car

  Source: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

  Keep Your Engine Tuned Up

  A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

  Check Your Tires

  Check your tires for proper inflation. Underinflation wastes fuel - your engine has to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Properly maintained tires will last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed.

  Every 10 days, motorists who drive with under-inflated tires and poorly maintained engines waste 70 million gallons of gasoline. -Car Care Council

  Service Your Air Conditioner

  Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only by a technician who has been certified to handle/recycle refrigerants. Air conditioners contain CFCs - gases that have been implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost one-third of the CFCs released into the atmosphere come from mobile air conditioners; some simply leak out, but the majority escape during service and repair so it's important to choose a qualified technician.

  Each year 20 times the amount of oil spilled by the tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska is improperly dumped into America's environment by do-it-yourselfers. -Automotive Information Council

  Attention Do-It-Yourselfers

  Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, tires and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local municipal or county government for recycling sites. Never dump used oil or antifreeze on the ground or in open streams.

  Observe Speed Limits

  Gas mileage decreases sharply above 55 mph or 95 kph.

  Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky stop-and-go's. Use cruise control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.

  Avoid Excessive Idling

  Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to warm up quickly, so forget about those long warm-ups on cold winter mornings.

  Remove Excess Items

  Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Store luggage/cargo in the trunk rather than on the roof to reduce air drag.

  Plan Trips

  Consolidate your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions. Join a car pool.

  Remember, how your car runs, how you drive it and how its fluids, old parts and tires are disposed of all have serious impacts on the environment.

  It's Up to You: Dirty or Clean

  Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer and will last longer - up to 50 percent longer - according to a survey of ASE-Certified Master Auto Technicians.

  These tips should put you on the road to environmentally-conscious car care.