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Independence suspension

Mike Welch, the entrepreneur behind online tyre retailer Blackcircles.com, is launching a new business venture which aims to explode one of the biggest myths in motoring - that drivers need to return to expensive car dealerships for vehicle servicing, in order to protect their warranties. To coincide with this we've launched a petition. The petition is designed to keep protecting customers' rights and ability to choose. Most drivers are not aware they have this cheaper option, as independent garages simply have not had the collective voice or resources to tell people. Mike Welch is looking to change that. His new venture allows people to book and pay for car maintenance online and have it carried out at one of more than 1,500 independent garages in the Blackcircles.com network with savings of up to 60 per cent compared with dealerships I hope you can lend us your support - if you'd like more information don't hesitate to ask.

Asked on 8 May 2010 by H.S., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
Not a good idea and not recommended. See FAQ at www.honestjohn.co.uk. The information there had been built up from feedback over many years and it is the best summary I have seen of the true situation. Big claims have rightfully been turned down by manufacturers because, though the service garage billed the customer for the correct oil, it could not prove it had actually purchased and used the correct oil. 5 and 7-year warranties are invalidated by independent servicing. And, of course, independent garages cannot carry out TSBs that they are unaware of, leaving cars vulnerable. I support the Right to Repair campaign. But not this.
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