Does exceeding the second car maintenance by three months count as warranty void?
2 Answers
Exceeding the second car maintenance by three months does not count as warranty void. Car maintenance involves replacing certain wear-and-tear parts and fluids: Automotive fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Wear-and-tear parts include brake pads, brake rotors, tires, wiper blades, fuel filters, air filters, and cabin air filters. Items not covered under the three-guarantee repair service: Damage caused by improper use, maintenance, or storage by the consumer; damage caused by disassembly by the three-guarantee repair provider; absence of three-guarantee certificate or valid invoice; discrepancy between the product model on the three-guarantee certificate and the repaired product, or alterations to the certificate; damage caused by force majeure.
This issue really depends on the brand's policy. I've seen all sorts of cases at repair shops. Generally speaking, exceeding the deadline by three months is quite risky, as many brand manuals explicitly state that overdue maintenance means forfeiting warranty coverage. You should first check your vehicle's maintenance manual for specific requirements. Some brands might show leniency for one or two months overdue, but three months is pushing it. Last week, a Japanese car owner was four months overdue, and the dealership outright refused warranty coverage for transmission repairs. It's advisable to immediately contact the dealership where you purchased the car, bring your maintenance records, and negotiate carefully. Some shops might recommend paying for a comprehensive inspection out of pocket. Overdue maintenance is particularly harmful to the engine; the oil can oxidize into sludge. Just last week, a car needed a major engine overhaul due to cylinder scoring, costing over ten thousand yuan.
