Protecting Your Investment

Hi, I’m Marsha, the receptionist at Wareing Sturgis Ford.

We all know there are some topics that generate more heat than light. So I know better than to weigh in on whether someone should purchase an extended service contract. There are two camps on that one — and both are well-fortified.

The decision is more involved than ever these days. Service contracts can now be customized for automobiles, RVs, motorcycles, and powersports. You can bundle protection or choose coverage for specific features like electronics, windshields, tires, fabric, and leather.

There’s also protection for key replacement, dent and ding repair, GAP coverage, and lease protection.

If you have questions about any of these options, feel free to visit with one of our sales consultants or our business manager, Nolan. We answer these questions every day. In fact, as I’m writing this, a customer just called to ask Nolan about an extended warranty on a modified Dark Horse Mustang.

But whether or not to purchase a service contract isn’t the question today.

What I’d like to visit about is this: how to protect the protection on your investment.

A warranty is a contract between you, the vehicle owner, and the manufacturer. It protects you from costly repairs caused by factory defects or faulty components.

But like any contract, it comes with responsibilities.

There are certain situations that can invalidate a manufacturer’s warranty — and an extended service contract if you’ve purchased one. Here are a few important examples:

• Skipping scheduled maintenance: You are responsible for following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. If neglect leads to a failure, that repair may not be covered. Keep records of all maintenance — especially if you do it yourself.
• Aftermarket parts and modifications: It’s perfectly fine to use aftermarket products, but if those parts cause a failure, the manufacturer may not cover the repair. For example, if a lift kit causes suspension damage, that repair likely won’t be covered. When in doubt, research carefully or check with the manufacturer first.
• Vehicle misuse: Using a vehicle outside its intended purpose — such as off-roading in a non-off-road vehicle, racing, or exceeding towing and payload limits — can void warranty coverage. Make sure you understand your vehicle’s capabilities.
• Electrical modifications: Changes to factory settings, including ECU tuning or aftermarket electrical upgrades, can lead to system failures. Something as simple as installing higher-powered headlights could damage wiring or blow fuses.
• Environmental damage: Damage from floods, storms, or other severe conditions isn’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty — though it may be covered by insurance.
• Total loss or salvage title: If a vehicle is declared a total loss or issued a salvage title, the manufacturer is no longer responsible for warranty coverage.
• Odometer tampering: This not only voids your warranty — it’s also a serious crime. So definitely don’t do that.

I hope this has been a helpful investment in your knowledge.

Thanks for your time, and as always, feel free to call or stop by if you have any questions.

— Marsha