Will using an independent shop void my new-car warranty?
Car Care Questions · Barron, WI
Will using an independent shop void my new-car warranty?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the FTC says a manufacturer or dealer can't void your warranty or deny coverage just because someone else did the maintenance or because you used aftermarket parts. They can deny a specific repair only if they show that the outside work or part caused the damage.
The details
What protects you:
- Keep records. Save dated receipts showing the work matched the owner's manual schedule.
- Warranty repairs are different. Repairs covered under warranty are done at an authorized dealer.
- Recalls: look up open recalls by VIN at NHTSA, and have recall repairs done by an authorized dealer for your brand.
Swant Graber does warranty and recall work for Chevrolet, Ford, Ram and Dodge. Our service departments are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday hours are for sales only. We don't service electric vehicles.
Need it looked at? Schedule service in Barron.
Book online or call the service department for your brand. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Maintenance records and your warranty
- Car warranties and service contracts
- How to check recalls by VIN
- Schedule service
- Oil change intervals by model
- Winter gas mileage and warm-ups
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3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Can a dealer void my warranty for using another shop?
Not just for that. The FTC says coverage can be denied only if the outside service or part caused the problem.
Do I need receipts for maintenance?
Keep them. Records show you followed the maintenance schedule if a warranty question comes up.
Where do I get warranty repairs done?
At an authorized dealer for your brand. Swant Graber handles Chevrolet, Ford, Ram and Dodge.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- FTC: Auto warranties and auto service contracts: consumer.ftc.gov
- FTC consumer alert (2022): Companies' warranty restrictions were illegal: consumer.ftc.gov
- NHTSA: Recall lookup by VIN: nhtsa.gov