We at Zap Lube understand our Customer's concerns.  We understand your car is either your largest investment or your second largest investment.  With this in mind, you want to make sure your vehicle is being maintained properly under the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

Consumer purchasers of automotive oil and filter changes are sometimes told by an automobile dealer's service writer or mechanic that a brand of motor oil and/or filter can't be used in the consumer's vehicle during the warranty period.  The claim is made that use of the brands will "void the warranty," with the statement or implication that only the original equipment brand of motor oil and/or filter may be used.  This, of course, tends to cast doubt on the quality of the replacement motor oil and/or filter.

This claim is simply not true!  If the consumer asks for the statement in writing, he/she will not receive it.  Nevertheless, the consumer may feel uneasy about using replacement motor oil and/or filters that are not original equipment.  With the large number of car owners who prefer to have their oil and filter conveniently changed at a quick lube, this misleading claim must be corrected!

Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, 15 U.S.C. SS2301-2312 (1982), and general principles of the Federal Trade Commissions Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of motor oil and/or filter (or any other article) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge under the terms of the warranty.

So, if the consumer is told that only the original equipment motor oil and/or filter will not void the warranty, he/she should request that the O.E. motor oil and filter be supplied free of charge.  If he/she is charged for the motor oil and/or filter, the manufacturer will be violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or other applicable law.

By providing this information to consumers, Zap Lube can help combat the erroneous claim that a brand of replacement motor oil and/or filter other than the original equipment with ""oil the warranty".

It should be noted that he Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that applies to consume products.  The Federal Trade Commission has the authority to enforce the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, including obtaining injunctions and orders containing affirmative relief.  In addition, a consumer can bring suit under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.