Non-dealer mechanics for maintenance services? (20k,30K,etc)

[eGolf2015]

We're just hitting 20k miles on our 2015 e-Golf, and wondering if anyone else has considered using a mechanic other than a VW Dealer for the regular maintenance services?

Aside from tire rotation and a few other minor tasks, the service items for 20k and 30k are all visual inspections, including "Visual inspection for damage" to the various high voltage components and cables.

The dealership wants nearly $300 for what would seem to be, at best, an hours' worth of work for a single technician. The great Audi/VW shop we've been taking our cars to for the last 15 years will do it for about half the price, so it seems like a no-brainer to take it to a shop we trust and pay a lot less.

The only thing that has me concerned is the multiple statements in the USA Warranty and Maintenance book where it says "High voltage components can only be serviced by a certified Volkswagen High Voltage Specialist. For a Volkswagen High Voltage dealer near you, please contact..." Would using a mechanic who is not certified void the warranty on our battery and high-voltage system, even if they are just performing visual inspection and not actually servicing anything?

I plan to contact VW this week for clarification, but I am curious if other e-Golf owners have looked into this already?

 

[forbin404]

We're just hitting 20k miles on our 2015 e-Golf, and wondering if anyone else has considered using a mechanic other than a VW Dealer for the regular maintenance services?

Aside from tire rotation and a few other minor tasks, the service items for 20k and 30k are all visual inspections, including "Visual inspection for damage" to the various high voltage components and cables.

The dealership wants nearly $300 for what would seem to be, at best, an hours' worth of work for a single technician. The great Audi/VW shop we've been taking our cars to for the last 15 years will do it for about half the price, so it seems like a no-brainer to take it to a shop we trust and pay a lot less.

The only thing that has me concerned is the multiple statements in the USA Warranty and Maintenance book where it says "High voltage components can only be serviced by a certified Volkswagen High Voltage Specialist. For a Volkswagen High Voltage dealer near you, please contact..." Would using a mechanic who is not certified void the warranty on our battery and high-voltage system, even if they are just performing visual inspection and not actually servicing anything?

I plan to contact VW this week for clarification, but I am curious if other e-Golf owners have looked into this already?

Using a mechanic to look at a car model that is less than 2 years old. Good luck, that's really dangerous. As if they even have a clue / plan on how to service this car.
And I believe they have to do a software upload. Something no non VW mechanic can do.

 

[DucRider]

The only thing that has me concerned is the multiple statements in the USA Warranty and Maintenance book where it says "High voltage components can only be serviced by a certified Volkswagen High Voltage Specialist. For a Volkswagen High Voltage dealer near you, please contact..." Would using a mechanic who is not certified void the warranty on our battery and high-voltage system, even if they are just performing visual inspection and not actually servicing anything?

From the Federal Trade Commision website:
Do I have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?

No. An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. The manufacturer or dealer can, however, require consumers to use select repair facilities if the repair services are provided to consumers free of charge under the warranty.

That said, there may be certain situations where a repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your mechanic replaced a belt improperly and your engine is damaged as a result, your manufacturer or dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the engine under the warranty. However, according to the FTC, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that it was the improper belt replacement — rather than some other defect — that caused the damage to your engine. The warranty would still be in effect for other parts of your car.

 

[RonDawg]

I don't know about VW, but Nissan specifically states in their warranty booklet that the Leaf must be brought in once a year around the anniversary of the in-service date for a battery inspection, otherwise the two different battery warranties are voided. The first two are free (so most leased ones don't incur a charge for this) but the next ones are not.

The battery is hooked up to a computer with software that is available only to Nissan dealers, perhaps only Leaf-certified ones. This lets the technician (and Nissan USA) know the state of health of the battery, and also if you are abusing the battery such as repeated topping off from a high SOC. You even get a report card consisting of a score of anywhere from 1 to 5 stars.

 

[eGolf2015]

Thank you all for your input.

I contacted VW CARE yesterday and after being placed on hold for 5-10 minutes, the rep I spoke with (Chastity) confirmed that having the scheduled maintenance services performed by a non-VW mechanic will not void the warranty. If someone who is not certified actually does something to the high voltage components and it causes malfunction or damage, then the warranty may be affected. She promised to send me this in writing within 24-48 hours via email.

As far as I know, there is no software update or High Voltage battery diagnostic required during the 20k and 30k services. Please let me know if you have information to the contrary.

I have an appointment at the dealership next week specifically to have the radio and HVAC settings glitches fixed, and I plan to speak with the Service Advisor about this then as well.

 

[NeilBlanchard]

What service is needed? I doubt that a third party mechanic can deal with the EV aspects, and the other aspects should not require anything to be done.

 

[eGolf2015]

What service is needed? I doubt that a third party mechanic can deal with the EV aspects, and the other aspects should not require anything to be done.

Here a link to the 2016 service schedule that someone posted earlier. The one I have for the 2015 looks the same, at least for the first few services.

http://www.myvwegolf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=805


The only items that are specific to an EV are visual inspections . . . except of course charging the battery, which I don't need to pay someone else to do for me.


VW Care did send me confirmation in writing, and I had the 20k service performed by our VW shop the other day.

 

[Unbeliever]

I don't know about VW, but Nissan specifically states in their warranty booklet that the Leaf must be brought in once a year around the anniversary of the in-service date for a battery inspection, otherwise the two different battery warranties are voided. The first two are free (so most leased ones don't incur a charge for this) but the next ones are not.

Magnussen-Moss says that if it's required, it's supposed to be "free" (or included in the initial cost of the car). Once they charge for it, the consumer is free to use any other provider while the warranty is in effect and not affect the warranty.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law#Magnuson-Moss

The "Tie-in Sales" header.

However, a warrantor can require a consumer to use select items or service if they’re provided free of charge under the warranty.

(assuming they didn't apply for a waiver)

 

[RonDawg]

(assuming they didn't apply for a waiver)

They could have done that. Or they could have gotten around it by making it such that the tools and software required to do the job are only available at Leaf-certified Nissan dealers.