It's a familiar sight, auto dealerships selling cars from different manufacturers. Little do most people realize, reorganizations in these businesses can complicate your new and extended auto warranty claims process.

It’s a familiar sight, auto dealerships selling cars from different manufacturers. Little do most people realize, reorganizations in these businesses can complicate your new and extended auto warranty claims process in unexpected ways. Dave Cass in Galesburg, IL learned this lesson the hard way just recently.

Warranty Claims When Dealerships Divorce Manufacturers

Galesburg Honda Toyota in Galesburg, IL split manufacturers last September and became simply Galesburg Toyota. The Honda portion moved to West Burlington, Iowa and became West Burlington Honda—both owned by the same franchiser. Some manufacturers do not like sharing the same dealership, so the story goes, and this was the cause of the split. Most people did not realize that this happened, or what that meant to their warranty claims.

Mr. Cass bought a Honda from this dealership back in 2009. A few days ago, he tried to get a warranty-covered repair done at the dealership based on a notice he received from Honda about a safety recall. He soon discovered that this dealership was no longer under the Honda umbrella.

How This Change Aggravated Dave’s Warranty Approval Process

Naturally, Mr. Cass could not have the repair done at Galesburg Toyota under warranty. The problem for the Honda-owning residents of Galesburg is that all of the nearest Honda dealerships are at least 40 miles away. West Burlington Honda is about 42 miles away, Bob Lindsay Honda in Peoria is a little over 42 miles away, Zimmerman Honda in Rock Island is about 40 miles away, and Lujack Honda in Davenport, Iowa is about 43 miles away.

Jeff Everhart, Galesburg Toyota’ General Manager mentioned that customers should contact their Galesburg salesperson for help resolving this problem. He commented that the change of venue was Honda’s decision, and his sales staff is trying to accommodate their customers. He mentioned that they will even drive the customer’s car to West Burlington in some cases.

For CARCHEX and Dave Cass, the Fix is Not Worth the Headache

Dave Cass, naturally, is not satisfied with this arrangement. He declared that he would never buy a Honda again unless he could get it from a local dealer. He also wrote Honda and gave them a piece of his mind.

We at CARCHEX agree with Mr. Cass, that Galesburg Toyota’s customer assistance is not enough to truly fix the problem. Of course, that problem is not in the dealership’s hands. What we believe where Dave Cass is incorrect is in his vow about buying Hondas and in writing a complaint letter to Honda. All too often, these measures do not benefit the consumer in any real way. Instead, we suggest that he get a CARCHEX extended car warranty so he can get his Honda—or any other vehicles—repaired by any qualified technician, not just ones employed by the manufacturer. Whether his manufacturer warranty or an extended auto warranty was in effect, having one of our warranty plans would have prevented a lot of hassle for him.

On the surface, the E15 fuel waiver can be viewed as a victory for the environmentally conscious consumers. However, this victory also spells disaster for nearly every auto warranty claim out there.

The Environmental Protection Agency has managed to get their recommendation to increase ethanol content in gasoline from 10% to 15%. On the surface, this can be viewed as a victory for the environmentally conscious consumers. However, this victory also spells disaster for nearly every auto warranty claim out there. We at CARCHEX are not opposed to being environmentally conscious, but there are several problems with this particular measure.

Why Ethanol Gas Voids Car Warranties

Ethanol gas, simply put, can put your vehicle under excessive wear and tear. This is especially true if you have a car older than the 2000 year. The fuel filters, piston rings and valves were not made with consideration of ethanol being in the system in older cars. Ethanol is highly corrosive to these parts, and can damage them in a fairly short amount of time. Also, ethanol has a shelf life of only two weeks, so unless you drive enough to keep burning it off, you can face even more problems.

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as choosing not to use ethanol at the gas pump. According to pure-gas.org, there are only slightly over 4000 gas stations in the U.S. who offer pure gasoline, and many of these are concentrated in oil producing states and rural areas. It’s not that the prevalence of E10 gas stations is mandatory—according to the EPA, the endorsement of E10 fuel was merely a suggestion.

Vehicle Warranties and the E15 Endorsement

Eventually, auto manufacturers were able to produce engine components that could cope with the E10 fuel. Now they are up in arms about the endorsement of 15% ethanol fuel. The concern is that the E15 endorsement by the EPA will make it as prevalent as the E10 fuel is. Of course, most people will want to take the “environmentally friendly” alternatives, and that ultimately means there will be a spike in engine breakdowns. Incidentally, ethanol decreases gas mileage in the short term, which contradicts the idea that it is more eco-friendly.

One thing is certain—vehicle warranties, even if the claims are honored, will not be able to adequately address the problems of E15 fuel. Leaving the question of car warranty qualifications alone for a second, the manufacturers simply have not been producing components that are capable of handling the increased abuse that E15 fuel will put your engine through. Until such a time as they manufacture these components, engine problems from this fuel will increase, and unfortunately, it cannot be covered by most warranties.

Take it from us, even if E15 helps save the environment, it definitely spells trouble for your cars and your auto warranties. Avoid it as much as you can to protect your warranty.

A Mazda extended warranty can be used just like your original manufacturer’s warranty. When any covered repairs are necessary, you take your car to a licensed repair facility. Manufacturers do not provide extended warranties, though. A common misconception is if Mazda does not provide the extended car warranty, then you must use it elsewhere. This is simply not true. Mazda dealers accept extended warranties, also called vehicle service contracts, as well.

The only problem you may have is labor costs. Some warranties have labor limits. Dealers typically have a higher labor cost than other repair facilities. Choose dealers only if you have no labor limits on your warranty. With limits, you are responsible for any costs over the covered amount. All parts are still included.

Other Mazda Extended Warranty Repair Centers

Having a Mazda extended warranty removes the restriction on where to have your Mazda repaired. If you have a favorite mechanic, you can now take your car to them instead. You are able to take your Mazda where you feel most comfortable. You can find a repair center close to your home. This is perfect if a Mazda dealer is not located anywhere close to you. Being able to choose where to use your auto warranty offers you freedom and peace of mind. No matter where you are, you can find a licensed repair center to handle any Mazda repairs covered by your warranty.

CARCHEX Fan Will Lays It On THICK to America's Trusted Mechanic

In this week’s episode of the CARCHEX video series, “Stump Pat” we remain on the hunt for real people with real questions for  MotorWeek’s “Master Technician” Pat Goss. Once again, the CARCHEX team hits the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland on the hunt.

Here, we meet Will from Maryland. With summer behind us, CARCHEX Fan Will is unsure what type of motor oil to use heading into Maryland’s colder months. Is Will’s question too thick for America’s Trusted Mechanic?

Watch this week’s episode to find out!

To get protected with an extended auto warranty, visit www.CARCHEX.com today!