Over the years this has been a question asked frequently by our customers as they start shopping for a new car.

In general purchasing one of these dealer maintenance service packages is a bad idea. This locks you into a program so that if you decide that you don’t like the level of service provided by the dealer, you are stuck with them. This is especially true if you have signed up for “dealers’ package” and not a more comprehensive “manufacturer package.”

Being free to have maintenance performed by a company you have an established relationship with has the added benefit of having independent eyes on the vehicle during the warranty period.

What about the cost? Start by reading the “manufacturers recommended maintenance” that comes with your vehicle handbook. It is particularly important to read the “manufacturers recommended maintenance” NOT the dealership maintenance service package. They can vary, and you may be leaving important services out of your new car’s maintenance plan. It is important to note the information highlighted in RED below. Once you have determined what the manufacturer recommends for your model, ask your preferred automotive service provider to price out how much these services are going to cost so you can compare these costs with the manufacturer’s prepaid plans. If this gets too complicated, just give us a call and we will help you sort everything out. Understanding the services your new car needs and setting up a maintenance program that aligns properly with those services is critical to the health of your vehicle.

Manufacturers prepaid plans have this type of disclosure on their promotional literature:

The purchase of a Prepaid Maintenance voluntary protection product is optional, cancelable (subject to specific agreement terms) and not required to obtain credit.

This brochure is a sample of the terms of the Platinum maintenance plan, which are fully described in the Customer Agreement (Agreement). The actual time and mileage coverage, exclusions, and limitations of the Agreement issued to a customer may vary by both the vehicle model and according to the plan chosen by the customer. Services or repairs not covered by your plan are your responsibility, even if additional services are recommended by your dealer or revealed by inspections covered by your plan.

Remember to always consult your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for the factory-recommended service intervals.