What to Do When a New Car's Exhaust Pipe Severely Rusts and the Dealer Refuses Warranty Claim in Another City?
2 Answers
If a new car's warranty claim is denied in another city, you can contact the media for exposure. Rust on a new car indicates a quality issue with the vehicle itself. If the car was purchased from an authorized 4S dealership or the manufacturer, and the malfunction is not caused by external factors, with complete maintenance records and within the warranty period, nationwide warranty service should apply. Below are methods to prevent exhaust pipe rust: 1. Pay attention to road condition choices. For example, try to avoid salt-alkali soil or muddy roads if possible. If unavoidable, ensure timely cleaning. 2. Parking space selection. Avoid parking outdoors, especially at night, as dew can easily condense on the exhaust pipe. Without high temperatures to evaporate the moisture, it can lead to gradual corrosion, similar to steel rusting. Therefore, it's best to park in an underground garage if available. 3. Try to avoid short-distance driving. Short trips where the car reaches the destination before reaching optimal speed can leave water inside the exhaust pipe, leading to oxidation. It's advisable to rev the engine a couple of times to expel accumulated water before turning off the engine.
I've been driving for several years, and it's indeed rare for a new car's exhaust pipe to rust, likely due to manufacturing material issues or storage conditions, such as strong salt spray corrosion in coastal areas. The difficulty in claiming compensation from another location lies in dealers shirking responsibility, but manufacturer warranties usually cover such defects. I suggest first taking photos as evidence, then contacting the customer service of the dealership where you purchased the car, firmly stating that they must address the issue with the new car. If they refuse compensation, directly call the manufacturer's hotline or file a complaint on their official website, uploading the proof. If they still don't handle it, you can consult a consumer association for rights protection, or buy a rust-proof spray to treat it yourself, preventing the rust from spreading and affecting exhaust performance. In the long run, regularly washing the undercarriage and avoiding muddy roads can prevent this, but with a new car in this condition, it's safer to get it repaired sooner. In short, don't delay, as a rusted-through exhaust can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
