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Warranty Laws: Learn The Federal Law & Become and Informed Consumer Could using AMSOIL motor oil void your new vehicle warranty? Absolutely not. Vehicle manufacturers recommend using motor oils meeting certain grades and American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Whether the motor oil is petroleum based or synthetic will not affect warranty coverage. The manufacturer is required to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets the requirements and was not the cause of the failure. AMSOIL exceeds these requirements and has never been deemed the cause of an engines failure. Even so, AMSOIL has its own limited warranty, protecting you even further. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson-Moss act states that a manufacturer may not require the use of a specific brand of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. * If a car dealership, service center or other business states that using AMSOIL will void your new vehicle warranty, ask for that statement in writing and send it to AMSOIL Technical Services (AMSOIl Inc., AMSOIL Bldg, Superior, WI 54880). If the business won't provide the statement in writing send AMSOIL Technical Services a letter identifying who made the statement, the name and location of the business and what the specific statement was. AMSOIL will then send a letter to the business informing them that their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law. Your name will be held in confidence. A sample of this letter is included below. Could your new vehicle warranty be voided if you don't change your oil according to the manufacturers recommended change intervals, such as when using AMSOIL? Absolutely not. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are guaranteed to run 25,000 miles to 35,000 miles (Series 2000 Severe Service 0W-30 oil) or one year in mechanically sound engines, providing, of course the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendation or when using an AMSOIL Super Duty oil filter changing the filter at 6 months or 12,500 miles (for gasoline engines), whichever comes first. If using the AMSOIL Dual-Remote or Dual-Gard By-Pass Filtration unit then the oil and By-Pass filter is changed as indicated by oil analysis testing. AMSOIL coinded the phrase "extended drain interval" and it has been validated by over 30 years of industry testing and tens of thousands of motorists and millions of over-the-road miles. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide extended drain performance because they don't break down in heat like conventional motor oils do. AMSOIL motor oils don't form performance-robbing deposits, and don't volatize (burn off), which alters viscosity and increases oil consumption. Finally, AMSOIL's superior additive package, a key element in the oil's ability to function, holds up under engine stresses, remaining serviceable for the full 25,000 to 35,000 miles, or indefinitely when AMSOIL By-Pass Filtration and oil analysis is used. Additionally, if there is ever a question of whether or not a particular oil was the cause of an engine failure make sure to get a sample of the used oil in a clean bottle, typically 6 oz. minimum. The oil can then be sent to two independent testing labs for analysis (* labs are located throughout the country). Remember, an informed consumer is your best defense against being taken advantage of by a vehicle dealership or service center. * If you need the address, location, phone number and contact information for an oil testing laboratory(s) please contact me Only if an oil is determined to be the direct cause of an engine problem
can a manufacturer or dealership deny warranty coverage for that specific
problem. In this situation the AMSOIL warranty would apply, and the
AMSOIL Technical Services Department would assist you in processing
your claim and getting your vehicle repaired. That's AMSOIL's pledge
to you. AMSOIL Inc. sells millions of gallons of oil per year and warranty
claims are a rare occurrence. If you ever have a warranty problem with
an automobile manufacturer (or snowmobile, boat, RV, motorcycle, etc...)
or dealership, AMSOIL will assist you by analyzing the problem and
providing data supporting the fact that repairs should be made under
the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. If this does not resolve the problem.
AMSOIL will submit a claim with their insurance company and request
that an adjuster have the vehicle repaired and pursue legal settlement
later if necessary. The fact is there never has been an engine failure
attributed to the non-performance of AMSOIL products, and we do not
expect there ever will be. If it ever did, both AMSOIL and their insurance
company would make certain your problem was resolved. Lets say you are interested in AMSOIL motor oil, but you are concerned that using a synthetic oil or extending your oil drain interval will void your warranty.
You have no need for concern. Congress in 1975 enacted the federal Magnuson-Moss Act to regulate written consumer product warranties. An examination of the law reveals warranties remain intact when AMSOIL Synthetic lubrications are used. The law was meant to give consumers detailed information about warranty coverage before they buy. Congress charged the Federal Trade Commission with creation of the specifics of the law. The FTC set down three rules under the Act: the Disclosure Rule, the Pre-Sale Availability Rule and the dispute Resolution Rule. Those rules require warrantors to title their written warranty as either “full” or “limited,” provide a single, clear and easy-to-read document that spells out certain information about coverage and ensure that warranties are available where the products are sold so that consumers can read them before buying. In passing the Act, Congress meant to give consumers access to warranty information, let consumers comparison shop for warranties, encourage warranty competition and promote timely and complete performance of warranty obligations. While the Magnuson-Moss Act does not require manufacturers to provide a written warranty, it provides specific rules when one is provided. Among those provisions, FTC regulations state: “(c) No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer’s using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service pro vided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection may be waived by the Commission if – (1) the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and (2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest.” (42 U.S.C. 2303(C)) That means your warranty stands when you use AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants. Vehicle manufacturers recommend lubricants according to their viscosity grade and service classification. Any oil, whether it’s conventional petroleum motor oil or synthetic, meeting the correct viscosity grade, 5W-30 for example, and the current API SL and ILSAC GF-3 North American service classifications may be used without affecting warranty coverage. AMSOIL motor oils are recommended for use in applications requiring these specifications. For more information on API licensing, go to “Ask AMSOIL” in the Dealer Zone at www. Amsoil.com. Furthermore, the practice of extending oil drain intervals does not void warranties. Original equipment manufacturers pay or deny warranty claims based on the findings of failure analysis. To affect the vehicle warranty, the lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil didn’t cause the problem the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or length of time in use. Synthetic motor oil was introduced to the automotive public in 1972 by AMSOIL, INC., with the world’s first API rated synthetic motor oil – specially formulated for long service and superior performance and protection to that of conventional oils. Nearly 30 years ago, AMSOIL synthetics represented a vision of the future and technology ahead of their time. Since then, every major engine oil manufacturer has introduced synthetic oils of their own. To be sure, many original equipment manufacturers would like you to believe you can only use their products. However, it’s a violation of the consumer protections set forth in the Magnuson-Moss Act, unless they’re willing to provide you those products free of charge. AMSOIL offers a warranty that covers the cost of repair or replacement of a proven mechanically sound engine damaged as a result of using AMSOIL synthetic moto roil. However, it has never happened. Thirty years of experience proves AMSOIL can be installed in any vehicle with complete confidence. AMSOIL further backs its products with action when a Dealer or customer reports being told their warranty is voided if they use synthetics. If you have been told by any member of a business that the use of AMSOIL Motor Oil or the practice of extending drain intervals will void warranties, send AMSOIL all the details including the name of the business, business owner or manager and the individual making the claims, in a signed and dated letter. Send the letter to AMSOIL’s Technical Services Department at corporate headquarters and an AMSOIL representative will send them a letter explaining the facts. To see a basic draft of what the letter will say, look below.
The Magnuson-Moss Act Protecting tweakers, tuners, and other users of aftermarket equipment. FANNING FEARS You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but you’re worried about putting the vehicle’s warranty at risk. It’s no wonder. How many times have you heard somene of a dealership say that installing aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed – though it is completely false.
Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty – Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well. Which provide further protections for vehicle owners.
Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that you’ve installed aftermarket equipment – a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.
Point out to the dealer the provision of the Magnuson-Moss Act- Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he can’t – or his explanation sounds questionable – it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.
“Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment.” – 1997 Warranty Information supplement to Dodge GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION “If a Chevrolet part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship not related to (on aftermarket products) or the labor to install it. Chevrolet would be responsible for covering the failed part.” – Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY: “Installation of a non-genuine Ford item does not, in and of itself, render warranty void.” – Ford Owner Relations Division FEDERAL LAW In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by means of a written warranty shall. . .fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules . . . require inclusion in the written warranty of any . . . exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty.’ – Magnuson-Moss Warranty & Federal Trade Commission improvement Act. Section 2302(a)
Special Letter From AMSOIL To Your Car/Truck/Motorcycle/Boat/Snowmobile/ Small Engine, etc.. Dealership:
It has come to our attention that you (or employee’s name) have been informing our mutual customers that the use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil voids your manufacturers’ warranty. This claim is not true. Please review the following facts about warranties and AMSOIL synthetic motor oil. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recommend consumers use lubricants of the proper viscosity grade and service classification. Any oil, whether it’s petroleum oil or synthetic, may be used without affecting the overall warranty coverage. OEMs pay or deny warranty claims based on the findings of failure analysis. To affect the vehicle warranty, the lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil did not cause the problem the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of the brand of oil used, or the length of time or number of miles the oil was used. To flatly inform the customer that the use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil voids their vehicle warranty is not true. It is not supported by OEMs and damages AMSOIL INC. AMSOIL introduced the world’s first API rated synthetic motor oil to the automotive public in 1972. Since then, every major motor oil manufacturer has followed AMSOIL’s lead and has introduced synthetic oils of their own. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils exceed the most demanding worldwide performance standards. They are specially formulated to provide superior performance and longer service than provided by conventional oils. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils can be installed and used with complete confidence. AMSOIL INC carries liability insurance and offers our customers complete warranty coverage for oil related failures, should one ever occur. We appreciate your attention to this matter and anticipate there will be no further intimidation of our customers by your insuring no one implies or states that the use of AMSOIL products will “void” vehicle warranties. Thank you. AMSOIL INC. cc: Legal Department To see the complete Magnuson-Moss Act, visit the
Federal Trade Commission web site by clicking here. See the section
called "Tie-In Sales" Provisions. Lubricants and Lubricating Fluids AMSOIL, INC. of Superior, Wisconsin, hereby warrants that its lubricants and lubricating fluids are capable of and suitable for meeting the specifications set forth in the AMSOIL Product Selection Guide, product data bulletins and written recommendations. It is the responsibility of the retailer, installer and/or purchaser to determine if these specifications are adequate and proper for the intended application. AMSOIL, INC. of Superior, Wisconsin, further guarantees its lubricants and lubricating fluids against defective materials, design and workmanship. These products will not cause mechanical damage when used according to the company's recommendations in mechanically sound equipment. THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS: 1. The warranty herein applies only to lubricants and lubricating fluids, which are manufactured and or packaged by AMSOIL, INC. and sold through a registered dealer, retailer or installer of AMSOIL, INC. 2. The liability of AMSOIL, INC. shall be limited to: 3. AMSOIL, INC. shall not be liable for special or consequential damages such as, but not limited to, damage or loss of other property or equipment, loss of profits or revenue, cost of capital, cost of business interruption, and cost of replacement equipment. The remedies to the purchaser herein are exclusive. The liability of AMSOIL, INC. arising out of the manufacture, sale, delivery, installation, technical directions or repair of any lubricant or lubricating fluid -- whether in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise - shall not exceed the value of the equipment in which said product(s) were used. Consumer recourse in this matter requires the submission of a sample of the AMSOIL product used and, at the option of AMSOIL, INC., any damaged or related mechanical parts for inspection. All samples and parts must be submitted, freight prepaid, and accompanied by an inspection fee of $15.00. Should the product be defective, freight costs and inspection fees will be refunded. Any damaged components submitted for inspection will not be returned, unless so requested by the submitting party, in writing. It is suggested that the claimant retain a sample of the product in order to submit such a sample to independent oil testing laboratory, in the event a dispute arises from the determination of AMSOIL, INC. THE WARRANTY MAY NOT BE EXTENDED TO COVER: 1. AMSOIL products that have become unduly contaminated by improper or irregular servicing or deficiencies within the equipment it has been installed in. 2. AMSOIL products which have become unduly contaminated by improper storage and/or handling once they have left AMSOIL's premises. 3. AMSOIL products which have been repackaged, regardless of container, by anyone other than AMSOIL, INC. 4. Any allegedly defective AMSOIL product for which a sample is unobtainable. 5. Any AMSOIL product which is used in applications not found in the AMSOIL Product Selection Guide or without prior written approval. 6. Any AMSOIL product which is used for longer service intervals than recommended by AMSOIL, INC. 7. Any AMSOIL product to which is used to lubricate any mechanical equipment subjected to abuse, negligence, or racing. 8. Any AMSOIL product to which another product not manufactured by AMSOIL, INC., has been added. AMSOIL, INC. further warrants that it is the sole author of this policy and that no other waranties, expresed or implied, are authorized or to be considered valid. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. Warranties And API Licensed Motor Oils
Fortunately, the law does not allow manufacturers to "void your warranty" simply because of the brand of oil you use, the specifications it meets or the miles you drive between oil changes. To be specific, they cannot deny to fix your broken radio, faulty valve or cracked piston because you used an AMSOIL non-API licensed motor oil, or because you've gone more than 3000 miles since your last oil change. Denial of warranty coverage must be specifically due to an oil related failure. All courts of law will find against any manufacturer or dealership that tries these warranty shenanigans. If any automobile dealership insinuates that your warranty will be void if you use AMSOIL products or utilize extended drain intervals, let AMSOIL INC. know the name of the Dealership, the address, the owner's name and the name of the employee that made this statement.
To find out AMSOIL stand on API certification Click Here IF DIFFICULTIES OCCUR, WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING: 1. Contact your AMSOIL representative and try to resolve the matter. 2. If the matter cannot be resolved, you may write AMSOIL INC. attention: I welcome the opportunity to work with you personally as your servicing AMSOIL Dealer. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.
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