Could someone fill me in on if doing work on my new truck suck as oil changes and the like voids the warranty. If not do i need to keep a journal of all work done?

 

Records and receipts are good to have, regardless of who does the work.

 

I got the impression from my dealer that if I did anything more than raise the hood to check fluid levels, I would void the warranty. As long as I let them do all the fluid changes, they don't question anything about the truck.

 

The dealer wants you to get that work done by them. I disagree with that for a few reasons. First truck I owned [90 ram diesel]...I took it in for the oil change. Oil filter was loose,lost plenty of oil. Next time was my last time at the dealer for maintenance. I dropped the truck off for oil change and filters. I come back 4 hours later and am told they had not go to it yet. I took the truck home.
I keep all my receipts and use Fleetguard or Baldwin filters where applicable. I have my own journal where I keep records. The cost of maintenance is reduced by at least 60% doing it yourself. If you are even the slightest bit mechanically inclined, it is easy to do. You will pay a lot more money more often to have a dealer 'service' your vehicle. You will learn lots and understand more about your vehicle doing it yourself. It gives me that feel good feeling knowing I did the work and did it correctly...like tighten the oil filter.

You will find lots of opinions and input on what is good and or bad for your truck. Have fun and enjoy!

Another thing for me is most commercial places that are only doing a lube job are going to do it fast. In and Out. Theres a good chance they can miss an item or overlook something. On the other side of the coin, theres a good chance they will find items to change or repair that are not in need of any service. I am not saying all businesses are like this. However, I have had firsthand experience with this. The dealer I do trust has told me...if I have the time and enjoy tinkering...do the stuff I am comfortable with. Up here an oil change can be over 130.00. I can do mine with Rotella 15W40 and a Baldwin filter for 40.00 or less.

Scotty

 

You don't have to use the dealer, just keep receipts and use approved oil and filters etc. I found with my dealer giving them some work and getting to know the service writers can help alot when you need it. When they know your a customer they will close their eyes to things and help with warranty stuff.

 

Thanks I kind of thought that it isn't really a probleme but it doesn't say anywhere in the books they give you.