Can I Buy Gas From Exxon If I Buy My Car From Ford?

Ever hear anyone ask that question? Sound likeapplicable, section of a this large and
the punch line to a bad blonde joke, right? When Icomprehensive Act):
read that question I want to say, "Duh" and makeUnited States Code Annotated
my lips go in a big goofy oval while my eyesTitle 15 Commerce and Trade
cross.Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties
It's inherent to us as American consumers that15 Section 2302
there is no way our government would ever allow(c) No warrantor of a consumer product may
Ford the luxury of making an automobile forcondition his written or implied warranty of such
which only THEY could supply gas or otherwiseproduct on the consumer's using, in connection
void my warranty. We know what would happenwith such product, any article or service (other
- Ford would control the key ingredient to makingthan article or service provided without charge
my new car go - Ford gas. Since my new carunder the terms of the warranty) which is
would be WORTHLESS without Ford's gas, theyidentified by brand, trade or corporate name;
would have me over a barrel and themselves inexcept that the prohibition of this subsection be
an ethical quandary. While Ford is in the businesswaived by the commission if:
or making cars, ultimately, they are in the1) The warrantor satisfies the Commission that
business of pleasing shareholders by makingthe warranted product will function properly only if
MONEY and, since they have me held hostage tothe article or service so identified is used in
purchase a consumable product without which myconnection with the warranted product, and
new vehicle is rendered useless, they could drive2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in
the price through the roof and I'd have to paythe public interest.
through the nose in order to maintain myTranslation: Manufacturers can't void their
warranty. It's a form of corporate bullying and,warranties to consumers when consumers
say what you want about the effectiveness ofpurchase any competitive "articles of service"
the U.S. Government, on this one they are flat(gas, ink, etc.) which make the product they
out spectacular when it comes to protecting thepurchased work as it should.
consumer.2nd Translation: Buy gas wherever you want -
Same game, different question. "Can I buy myyour automobile warranty is still good.
printer cartridge from someone other than my3rd Translation: Buy batteries wherever you want
printer manufacturer, you know like a refilled- your Radio Shack alarm clock warranty is still
printer cartridge?" More specifically the question is,good.
"Will buying a discount refilled printer cartridge (ink4th Translation: Buy printer cartridges (ink or
or toner) from someone other than the companytoner, refilled or otherwise) wherever you want -
whose name appears on my printer void myyour printer warranty, by LAW, cannot be voided
warranty?" Based on the gas example above I'mas a result.
sure you already know, but before giving aBOTTOM LINE: You may be told by other
definitive answer let's take a look at some, gulp,vendors trying to get you to pay premium prices
LEGISLATION.for "articles of service" that the warranty on your
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Actequipment will be voided if you purchase from a
In 1975 Senator Warren G. Magnuson ofnon-OEM 3rd party manufacturer. In response
Washington and Congressman John E. Moss ofyou can ask them a simple question, "Can I buy
California sponsored, and Congress enacted, thegas from Exxon if I buy my car from Ford?"
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act. TheDon't forget to make the big goofy oval with
overall purpose of the Act was to help protectyour mouth and cross your eyes while responding
you the consumer when it comes to warrantyto your own question with a, "Duh", as you walk
related issues. It also spelled out explicitly theaway to make a purchase from one of their
answer to the above question.competitors at a much lower price, with much
Here it is (note that this is only the small,better service.