Does the dealer have to do it?

[IH84DZ]

Anyone can perform scheduled maintenance. Just make sure you keep records in case you ever have to prove that the required items have been addressed. Keep in mind your warranty covers defects in material quality or worksmanship so if something fails because PepBoys didn't use a quality part or good craftsmanship - it isn't Ford's problem. Keeping service records and having comprehensive insurance is what protects you from the bad luck lottery - not Ford's warranty system

[Egz]

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...ts/alt192.shtm

Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, and Repairs:
Is Using the Dealer a Must?
If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the routine maintenance or repairs?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says no. In fact, it's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled maintenance is your owner's manual.

[mac.mogul]

If dealers were the only ones allowed to do maintenance under warranty, nobody would ever be able to get warranty work done because they would be so busy filling wiper fluids and rotating tires all day long.

Change your own oil. You can use higher quality fluids and ensure that the work is done properly without having some grease monkey messing up your seating position or using an air tool to overtighten your drain plug.

Or leaving on the old seal from the previous oil filter.


Or leaving the oil filler cap off.




Or forgetting the drain plug completely.






There are plenty of nightmare stories about dealership oil changes.

[fordblue]

Thanks again for the info fellers. I like to get under there and see everything looks good though. thanks for your input.