New car warranty – do I have to get my car serviced at the dealership?

Editor

5 minute read|5th Mar 2025

Will I invalidate my new car’s warranty if I get it serviced outside of the dealership network? It’s a question that many drivers ask themselves when it comes to maintaining their vehicle.

After all, using an independent garage to service your car could save you money. However, if you own a vehicle that’s still within its manufacturer warranty and you are thinking of using a non-franchised dealership, then it’s important you do your research.

No one wants to damage or devalue their car by having it incorrectly maintained. That’s why we’ve put together this buying and selling guide to new car warranties and servicing.

Do you need to service your car at the dealership to keep the manufacturer warranty?

No, you do not need to service your car at the dealership to maintain the manufacturer warranty. Under European Block Exemption rules (which were retained by the UK after Brexit), car makers cannot void your vehicle’s warranty if you take it to a non-franchised dealership.

As a result, you are free to take your new car to any garage for its servicing. But you must ensure it is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule and requirements. This means the car must be serviced at or before the specified intervals using the correct parts, oils and fluids.

You should also keep a physical record of the car’s service history, which will prove the car has been maintained correctly.

A stamped service book and itemised invoice that details all of the work that has been carried out to the vehicle will be invaluable should you need to make a warranty claim at a later date. The invoice should document everything the garage has done to the car, right down to the grade of oil used.

You risk voiding the warranty of your car if it is not serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations or you do not have sufficient evidence of the garage using the correct and genuine parts, fluids and oils.

The owner's manual and/or service book for your vehicle will detail the manufacturer's service schedule and requirements. If you cannot find these details or are unsure about the service requirements, contact the manufacturer of your vehicle for more information.

If my car is under extended warranty, can I take it to any garage?

A new car warranty and a dealer extended warranty are two very different things. If you have purchased an extended warranty for your car then you may not be able to get your vehicle serviced at any garage.

Always check the terms and conditions of the extended warranty to see what the limitations are when it comes to having your car serviced.

Do I have to get my MOT at a main dealer to keep the warranty?

A new car will not need its first MOT until it is three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). You do not need to have the MOT carried out at the main dealer to keep the manufacturer warranty.

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets minimum road safety standards. A car warranty may exclude items that may cause a car to fail the MOT, such as worn tyres or brakes.