Warranty & Maintenance: How to Protect Your Coverage
Regular maintenance is essential for valid warranty coverage. Learn about obligations, intervals and practical tips.
Why maintenance is crucial for warranty
All warranty contracts require regular maintenance. Missing maintenance is the number one reason for claim rejection.
- Reason #1 for claim rejection: undocumented maintenance
- Service booklet as primary proof of correct maintenance
- Independent workshops: valid with OEM-equivalent parts
- Intervals: follow manufacturer or warranty contract requirements
- Regular maintenance also prevents non-covered failures
Recommended service intervals
Every vehicle has manufacturer-specific maintenance intervals. For warranty validity, following them is essential.
- Engine oil change: every 15,000–30,000 km or 12 months
- Filters: every 20,000–40,000 km
- Brake fluid: every 2 years
- Timing belt: every 80,000–120,000 km
- Coolant: every 3–5 years
- Automatic gearbox: every 60,000–80,000 km
- Brakes: check every 20,000 km
How to document maintenance
Complete and traceable documentation is key to warranty claims.
- Service booklet stamped at every service
- Detailed invoices with date, km, work done, parts used
- Parts receipts showing OEM/equivalent quality
- Before/after photos for extraordinary work
- Digital records: many workshops offer online access
- Tip: keep everything for at least 3 years after warranty expires
Common mistakes that void warranty
Some owner mistakes can lead to claim rejection.
- Skipping a service: even one missed service can void coverage
- Using oil that doesn't meet manufacturer specifications
- Ignoring dashboard warning lights
- Unauthorised modifications: chip tuning, sports exhaust, ECU remapping
- Not replacing the timing belt on schedule
- Not keeping service invoices
FAQ
Questions about maintenance and warranty?
Our experts advise you on the right intervals and documentation to keep your warranty valid.