Originally Posted by clinebarger
Originally Posted by rubberchicken
I have no opinion on that oil. But I do have an opinion on your shop, Texas Speed. They are breaking federal law unless they provide that oil for free, for the duration of the warranty, This is covered in the US Magnusen Moss act, which was originally spurred by anti-competitive practices in the computer industry until the act was passed about 1976. The act covers a broad range of "tie ins" and mandatory purchases of accessories and maintenance items across almost any industry, especially computers, consumer electronics, consumer items, and especially the auto industry. If any oil that meets the manufacturers specifications is used, you will be covered under USA law. There are similar laws for most countries. If there is a warranty claim, and the warranty provider disallows the claim due to non-manufacturer provided parts or items, then it is up to that provider to prove that the aftermarket item was at fault. This is key- it is not up to the consumer to prove no fault, rather the warranty provider to prove fault.
Rarely does this problem happen at the manufacturer level, but you do hear about it from misinformed individuals who try to spread FUD and are not aware of the laws. Assuming your shop is in Texas, the Texas AG would not take kindly to this business practice. Certainly the Feds would not take kindly- in fact Hyundai was recently fined and warned about this behavior that was only found in an obscure place on their website.
TSP is a small business that caters to a niche market, This isn't GM or Ford we're talking about here. If one doesn't like their business practices.....Don't buy from them!
I get what your saying, but allowing this behavior just encourages it to spread. Pretty soon your getting warranty claims disallowed because you did not use Chevy wiper blades on your Chevy truck. I see service writers try to pull this stuff , and it gets tiring. Also to take your argument further- you are advocating that only big business has to follow the law, and small business or individuals are exempt ?