With the rising interest in biodiesel and the increasing popularity of biodiesel-fueled vehicles (as we reported last Tuesday, July 22nd), consumers need to know how they can use the green fuel and still keep their manufacturer’s warranty.
Recently,
biodiesel received ASTM approval for meeting standards for fuel use.
That means that any biodiesel that meets that standard is as safe as
regular diesel fuel. But some auto manufacturers and dealers are being
a little hesitant in giving biodiesel a thumbs up for use. This story from the gas2.0.org web site
has tips from the Northwest Biofuels Association to make sure that
those car makers will honor their warranties, even if you use biodiesel:
* Whether or not a biodiesel blend is “recommended” by your
automaker is separate from the question of whether the use of biodiesel
affects engine warranty coverage. Make sure you know exactly what your
automaker specifies.
* Because vehicle warranties only cover parts and workmanship, fuel is not covered under any vehicle warranty.
* Conversely, if consumers that use biodiesel have an engine failure
unrelated to the use of biodiesel and the cause is found to be faulty
parts or workmanship, then the failure would be covered by the warranty.
* If a customer brings in a vehicle that has used biodiesel and the
customer is told that the warranty is voided solely because the
customer is using biodiesel, this violates the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act.
* A vehicle’s warranty cannot be voided solely due to the use of biodiesel.
The association included the tips with a letter written in collaboration with Oregon auto dealers and Oregonian biodiesel distributors.
