Oil changes: who’s right – automaker or dealer?

TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

The owner of a 2009 Ford Escape, like this one, has a question about the timing of oil changes.

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: I bought a new 2009 Ford Escape last August. When I picked up the car, I was shown in the owner’s manual that the oil change interval is 6-months or 12,000 km. As expected, it says to change more frequently in severe operating conditions.

I took it in for its first oil change in February with 7,000 km on it. When I got it back, the window sticker said the next service date is May 5, 2010 or 10,867 km. That would put the next oil change at 3-months and 3,900 km, which seems like over-servicing to me.

The letter I received dated May 7, 2010 from the dealer said: “Our records indicate that your 2009 Ford Escape is due for its next scheduled maintenance. Regular scheduled maintenance reduces the risk of costly repairs; maintains your warranty; and maximizes resale value.”

Is the dealer suggesting my warranty is void if I don’t take it in according to their own schedule of 3-months or 4,000 km, as opposed to the automaker’s stated 6-months or 12,000 km service interval?

Being retired, I’ve only put on 1,700 km since the last oil change. And most of that was highway driving at normal operating temperature, rather than frequent short trips in cold weather that would constitute severe operation.

A: Kerri Stoakley, communications manager for Ford of Canada, replies:

Proper maintenance protects you from major repairs resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance, and may even help increase the resale value of your vehicle.

As per the Customer Information Guide (in your owner’s manual package), Ford of Canada recommends a dealership service visit every 6-months or 12,000 km, under normal operating conditions, for an oil and filter change, as well as a multi-point inspection.

A dealer may recommend a more frequent interval if you make frequent short trips, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle for long periods, drive in dusty air conditions, tow a trailer or live in a cold-weather region.

As the vehicle owner, you know your driving habits best and can decide if your vehicle may require more frequent service as outlined in your Customer Information Guide.

Q: Is my new car warranty void if I have oil changes on my 2009 Ford Escape done anywhere but the dealership. For example, if I took it to an independent garage or even did the job myself?

A: Kerri Stoakley, communications manager for Ford of Canada, replies:

Regardless of who performs the maintenance, it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to make sure that all of the required scheduled maintenance is performed, and that the parts and fluids used meet Ford engineering specifications.

Failure to perform scheduled maintenance as specified in the Scheduled Maintenance Services section of the Customer Information Guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by improper maintenance.

Ford dealerships have factory-trained technicians and use only Ford-approved parts.

Make sure that receipts for completed maintenance work are retained with the vehicle and have the dealer complete the Scheduled Maintenance Validation Record.

Eric Lai adds:

If servicing the vehicle yourself, consult your owner’s manual for the correct grade and viscosity of motor oil for your vehicle (e.g. SM 5W20).

Though any Ford-approved aftermarket oil filter will suffice, if you wish to install the identical Ford Motorcraft oil filter and/or motor oil that the dealership technicians would use – and thereby eliminate any debate that the parts used meet Ford standards – it’s available to do-it-yourselfers at the dealership parts counter.

Retain all receipts for parts in case of a warranty claim.

You can send your non-mechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Include year, make, model and kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number. Personal replies cannot be handled due to volume.

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