Warranty maintenance advice

[Barbeau]

Hi All,

It's getting close to time to get my first maintenance visit on my 2022 2-door base MT (purchased 10/23 with ~6K miles). The only car under warranty I have ever owned was a new 1998 Ranger, and at the time I didn't have the money to pay dealership service rates, so did most of the work myself, and used local mechanics for the rest. So, I'm turning to y'all for some advice.

How important / valuable is it that I get the Broncster serviced at a Ford dealership? Do the added costs of dealer servicing outweigh the headache of documenting maintenance to stay in good graces with Ford's warranty (or other things)?

If yes, I am looking for Ford dealership recommendations with strong service departments with a history of working on manual transmissions in the Columbia/Lexington area of South Carolina. Although inconvenient, I'd even bring her to Greenville or Charleston for dealerships that have mechanics that know how to work on MT.

If not, what are the pros and cons of chains versus independent mechanics with proven histories? If chains, any general recommendations?

Finally, I'm happy for any recommendations on brands, types (synthetic vs oil) of fluids, filters, etc. for the 2.3 MT.

Thanks in advance.

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[RagnarKon]

Ford's statement on maintenance is that it is up to the owner to ensure maintenance is completed correctly and up to Ford's specifications. They do not necessarily dictate who does the work, but the reserve the right to refuse warranty service if the maintenance was done incorrectly.

In my personal opinion, as long as you are using an ASE-certified technician/shop, then that will most likely give you enough ground to stand on to address any potential warranty issues. But I suspect if you get it done at a Ford dealer then that will remove just about all doubt regarding warranty issues.

I do all of my own maintenance and keep records for everything should something pop up. Hasn't been an issue.

---

EDIT— The official verbiage below. This is from the 2021 Warranty guide but it doesn't change too much from year-to-year.

...

Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities

As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance listed in your owner’s manual. Ford Motor Company recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your vehicle, but Ford cannot deny warranty coverage solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance.

...

PROPER MAINTENANCE PRESERVES YOUR WARRANTY

If you do not maintain your vehicle properly, Ford may have the right to deny you warranty coverage.

To have repairs made under this warranty, you may have to show that you have followed Ford’s instructions on properly maintaining and using your vehicle. You will find these instructions in your Owner’s Manual.

....

 

[ChrisB351]

You can do the work yourself or have it done elsewhere just keep receipts and records. Personally for the cost of my time to go to the store to get parts, then getting under the car and doing the work, then having to dispose of the oil its worthe the extra $20-30 the dealers charge.

 

[ATLien]

Hi All,

It's getting close to time to get my first maintenance visit on my 2022 2-door base MT (purchased 10/23 with ~6K miles). The only car under warranty I have ever owned was a new 1998 Ranger, and at the time I didn't have the money to pay dealership service rates, so did most of the work myself, and used local mechanics for the rest. So, I'm turning to y'all for some advice.

How important / valuable is it that I get the Broncster serviced at a Ford dealership? Do the added costs of dealer servicing outweigh the headache of documenting maintenance to stay in good graces with Ford's warranty (or other things)?

If yes, I am looking for Ford dealership recommendations with strong service departments with a history of working on manual transmissions in the Columbia/Lexington area of South Carolina. Although inconvenient, I'd even bring her to Greenville or Charleston for dealerships that have mechanics that know how to work on MT.

If not, what are the pros and cons of chains versus independent mechanics with proven histories? If chains, any general recommendations?

Finally, I'm happy for any recommendations on brands, types (synthetic vs oil) of fluids, filters, etc. for the 2.3 MT.

Thanks in advance.

I'm from SC originally, raised in Greenville, and did College at USC in Columbia. Now living in N.GA. Good to See another S.Carolinian on here!

I generally try to use the dealers for my service, especially since I got points at purchase that I'll use to pay for the first few oil changes. Like you, I did work on my early cars myself (never had a problem with warranty claims either). But these days I don't find it worth it to change my own oil. That said, dealer techs can vary alot, even at the same dealer. I've seen oil plugs not re-torqued correctly, not enough oil refilled, etc. But blatant problems like that are rare, typically basic maintenance is done well enough.

Not sure about Good dealers in Columbia, though I'm sure there has to be at least one large one, if not more. In Greenville, Fairway Ford used to be really good. I've been away so long, I couldn't say how they are now.

 

[indio22]

You can do the work yourself or have it done elsewhere just keep receipts and records. Personally for the cost of my time to go to the store to get parts, then getting under the car and doing the work, then having to dispose of the oil its worthe the extra $20-30 the dealers charge.

I haven't found any oil change places local to me that can get reasonanbly near what it usually costs to do full synthetic change myself. Mutiplied x4 having four vehicles to change. I hear you on oil disposal being a pain, that's why I make my son drop off the used oil jugs at Autozone.

Otherwise oil change time is when I inspect the engine and underbody to get a handle on how things are holding up, so it's not too much wasted time. Buy the oil/filters ahead of time from Walmart or Autozone combo sales. I think I got my last 5 gal jug of full-syth and filter (both Mobil 1) for around $37 on a combo deal.

My last two dealer oil changes both overfilled significantly (Kia and Subaru). You'd think of all places a dealership would get it right.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

Have you already checked what the charges will be?

I own three Fords, all since new, and all of them have only been serviced at Ford dealerships. The dealers in the three most recent cities that I've lived in had competitive prices with any other car service facilities.

Most recent Mustang full service: $84. Most recent Escape full service: $83. Most recent Bronco service: $72.

Yes, I could probably save a few bucks at Jiffy Lube, but I've had poor service in the past from one or two of those and don't trust them.

How much are you hoping to save?

 

[ChrisB351]

I haven't found any oil change places local to me that can get reasonanbly near what it usually costs to do full synthetic change myself. Mutiplied x4 having four vehicles to change. I hear you on oil disposal being a pain, that's why I make my son drop off the used oil jugs at Autozone.

Otherwise oil change time is when I inspect the engine and underbody to get a handle on how things are holding up, so it's not too much wasted time. Buy the oil/filters ahead of time from Walmart or Autozone combo sales. I think I got my last 5 gal jug of full-syth and filter (both Mobil 1) for around $37 on a combo deal.

My last two dealer oil changes both overfilled significantly (Kia and Subaru). You'd think of all places a dealership would get it right.

Avoid the quick change places at all costs.. do google earth search and observe the oil trails leaving their bays. Dealer oil change services are cheap cause they wanna get ya in then try and upsell. I havent paid over $100 after tax for oil change with tire rotation except when I replaced my cabin filter and 2 swolen lug nuts. When I priced out oil and filter to do it myself it was damn near $60 plus taxes so yea the dealer is only a few bucks more and worth it imo. Especially since our daily highs are over 100 degress. Not to mention all your service records are on file if theres an issue and dealers are more likely to work with ya if youre a repeat customer.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Have you already checked what the charges will be?

I own three Fords, all since new, and all of them have only been serviced at Ford dealerships. The dealers in the three most recent cities that I've lived in had competitive prices with any other car service facilities.

Most recent Mustang full service: $84. Most recent Escape full service: $83. Most recent Bronco service: $72.

Yes, I could probably save a few bucks at Jiffy Lube, but I've had poor service in the past from one or two of those and don't trust them.

How much are you hoping to save?

Yeah, my oil change at my local Ford dealer was $58 out the door (with Chicago tax!). Motorcraft semi-synth, so full synth would be more expensive as one would expect, but for time/effort/nuisance for *my* own situation that's a great deal.

As to OP's question, for all the basic maint you would be doing on your own just keep a basic log of dates, services performed, and materials used. Could be a simple as a Google sheets spreadsheet or whatever works for you.

 

[dgorsett]

I had been keeping track on Ford Pass but have now lost that ability and the ability to see my past records. I'm going to take a Pic of oil, filter w/date and mileage written on it.

EDIT: As i wrote that I remembered someone said you can enter records from a computer and not in the phone app. Sure enough, on a computer everything is still there. Uploading receipts/photos may be harder.

 

[Rydfree]

Ford's statement on maintenance is that it is up to the owner to ensure maintenance is completed correctly and up to Ford's specifications. They do not necessarily dictate who does the work, but the reserve the right to refuse warranty service if the maintenance was done incorrectly.

I had to laugh at that last part. That would mean most Ford dealerships work could void the warranty ,lol.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

...for all the basic maint you would be doing on your own just keep a basic log of dates, services performed, and materials used.

I keep track of mine using a simple text file.

Most entries are:

• Date
• Odometer miles at the time
• What was done
• Cost of the service.

I have all of the paperwork in a file folder as well.

I do all of the service for one of my motorcycles and I take a photo of the odometer, the oil, the filter, and anything else so that I can track it down later. That means that I have to have all photos organized as well, which I do, by month. If you're doing your own service, writing it down and having photos should be sufficient evidence of what you did.

 

[Area51BS]

I have the dealer do it during warranty period. Doesn’t hurt to have somewhat of a good relationship with the dealer. We have 3 cars serviced there. I won’t even modify much on the Bronco until after warranty so I don’t run into any issues. I’m a little hesitant based on some reports I’ve read and little voice in my mind that’s skeptical about the reliability of some parts/systems.

 

[Barbeau]

I'm from SC originally, raised in Greenville, and did College at USC in Columbia. Now living in N.GA. Good to See another S.Carolinian on here!

I generally try to use the dealers for my service, especially since I got points at purchase that I'll use to pay for the first few oil changes. Like you, I did work on my early cars myself (never had a problem with warranty claims either). But these days I don't find it worth it to change my own oil. That said, dealer techs can vary alot, even at the same dealer. I've seen oil plugs not re-torqued correctly, not enough oil refilled, etc. But blatant problems like that are rare, typically basic maintenance is done well enough.

Not sure about Good dealers in Columbia, though I'm sure there has to be at least one large one, if not more. In Greenville, Fairway Ford used to be really good. I've been away so long, I couldn't say how they are now.

Awesome! I have been a geology professor at USC for the past 20 years. What was your degree in? My family and I visited Toccoa a few years ago and it was amazing! Thanks for the feedback and ideas.

 

[ATLien]

Awesome! I have been a geology professor at USC for the past 20 years. What was your degree in? My family and I visited Toccoa a few years ago and it was amazing! Thanks for the feedback and ideas.

I was a B/A major: Management Information Systems. Enjoyed my years at Carolina, still try to get back for a Football Game here and there.

 

[ChrisB351]

I had to laugh at that last part. That would mean most Ford dealerships work could void the warranty ,lol.

Ive worked for dealers in the past. Youd be surprised what they can use to deny warranty claims. Seen many engine claims denied cause customer did their own services and didnt keep records. If you cant show at least 3 receipts over a 30k period they will deny that shit quick. Saw an AC repair get denied cause the customer hadnt changed the cabin filter in the appropriate time according the schedule.

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