Common Questions about Dealership Service Departments
and the answers you need to know!
My "Service Engine Soon" light was on last week and you fixed it. Now it’s on again. Why didn’t you fix it right the first time?
There are over 500 reasons that light will come on as it monitors various components like the fuel injection, emission system, fuel system, electrical system, and transmission (yes, even the transmission) to name a few. There is a chance we didn’t repair your car correctly and there is also a chance that something else has happened to illuminate the light.
My car pulls to the left - is an alignment covered by warranty?
Your vehicle can be aligned under warranty as long as the mileage is between 500 and 7,500 miles, then warranty will do this one time only. After 7,500 miles alignments are considered maintenance.
Are my tires under warranty?
Yes, they are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, for manufacturer defects in material. Tires are not covered for failures due to road hazards, improper inflation, or maintenance.
My vehicle came with a manual transmission. What is the warranty on the clutch?
The clutch assembly is warranted for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that it is considered a wear or maintenance item.
Will warranty pay to balance my tires?
Yes, one time only as long as the mileage is less than 7,500 miles. Regular maintenance for your tires should include rotation every 6,000 miles and balancing every other rotation, or 12,000 miles.
My brakes are warranted for 36,000 miles aren’t they?
No. Brakes, which include pads, shoes, rotors, and drums, are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that they’re considered wear or maintenance items.
My truck has been lowered, is it still under warranty?
Any adjustments or parts needed due to damage, misuse, alteration, or causes other than a material or workmanship defect are not covered by warranty.
What does a Service Appointment really mean?
A Service Appointment is for write-up only. A typical dealership will run 1 or more days behind because of their large customer bases and this, unfortunately, could mean some inconvenience to you. Having an appointment will put you ahead of non-appointments from that time on, however, keep in mind there are probably a lot of cars in from the previous days that are ahead of you.
I get a rental car under warranty, don’t I?
Rental Cars are not part of the factory warranty, however, assistance may be available under certain conditions.
* Vehicle is in shop for 8 hours and in undriveable condition.
* Repair has been diagnosed that will be covered under Basic Warranty
* Shop overload is not a consideration for a rental car nor is the unavailability
of parts.
* When assistance is available, customers can receive up to 3 days of rental
assistance. Insurance and taxes are excluded.
* GMPP Major Guard - covered repairs require 2.0 hours or more manufacturers’
labor time guide hours or vehicle must be inoperable and kept overnight.
Why does it take so long to repair my car?
The complexity of today’s cars and the sophisticated systems that function within the confines of the sheet metal make it impossible to have one person able to make any and all repairs. This means service departments employ specialized technicians, or technicians that are specially trained on certain systems. This also means that your vehicle may have to be seen by more than one technician, which lengthens the amount of time we would need your car, not to mention parts may need to be purchased from another dealership.
Don’t you just hook up a computer and it tells you what’s wrong?
If it were only that simple. Our diagnostic equipment helps us pinpoint problems, however it’s not able to tell us what’s wrong. Think of it as a doctor with a $500,000 MRI machine. He can see inside of you but he still has to give his opinion as to what’s wrong and how to fix it. If you think cars aren’t as complicated as a body, then ask your doctor to fix your car. He has over 10 years of intense training to repair a system that hasn’t changed in a thousand years. Cars change every day with new features, options, and more complex systems.
Thank You for Choosing
as Your Servicing Dealership
Ask your Service Advisor About Question 16.
We will always do our best to make your service visit as quick and painless as possible.
We offer a free shuttle service to and from your destination within a 15 mile radius!
GM Extended Warranties are available. Ask your Service Advisor for terms & conditions.
11300 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77065
281-897-6610
