I added this info to the Emtb forum and got this reply from one of the other members
US law specifically prohibits manufacturers from voiding warranties for allowing third party work, or for causes unrelated to the issue. If you take your car to have a third party shop install custom headlights, and the engine fails, the manufacturer can’t “void the warranty.” If you change out your derailleur and the head tube snaps, that would not be a legal reason to deny a warranty claim. This was passed many decades ago because of that very problem, where someone would try to force people to use their brand dealers. It’s even illegal here to claim that it does void the warranty.
There is also a “warranty of merchantability” where it is assumed that you get a guarantee that the product does what it clearly should do, even without a written warranty. It’s an implied warranty. You can’t be sold a light bulb that won’t light up unless you buy the light unlocking software module.
The only way around this in the US is if the service/part is provided FREE. For example if Giant said, “you must obtain an inspection at six months at a Giant dealer, which will be provided at no cost,” then that would be legal. I had that experience with a generator, and that was fine. The initial service/inspection was part of the price, and if I didn’t have it done, no warranty. Fair.
Copy and paste info:
<h4>”Tie-In Sales” Provisions</h4>
Generally, tie-in sales provisions aren’t allowed. These are provisions that state <i>or imply</i> that a consumer must buy or use an item or service from a particular company to keep their warranty coverage. Here are some examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.
“To keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.”
“This limited warranty shall not apply if the warranty seal has been broken, removed, erased, defaced, altered, or is otherwise illegible,” where a device cannot be repaired without such effects.
However, a warrantor can require a consumer to use select items or services if they’re provided free of charge under the warranty or the warrantor receiver a waiver from the FTC. To get a waiver, you must prove to the FTC’s satisfaction that your product won’t work properly without a specified item or service. Contact the warranty staff of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for information on how to apply for a waiver.
In addition, it is permissible to disclaim warranty coverage for defects or damage caused by the use of parts or service you didn’t provide. Here is an example of a permissible provision in that circumstance:
Necessary maintenance or repairs on your AudioMundo Stereo System can be performed by any company. Damage caused to the AudioMundo Stereo System by you or any non-authorized third party, however, may void this warranty.
Seem right and fair, and under US law I can well believe it. Consumer laws are pretty strict there. Only seems in this country do we get shafted by lack thereof.
