Many people believe that, to keep the warranty, a new car must only go to the brand's official garage. That's not true: the law leaves you free to choose. Here it is, explained simply.
The rule in two lines
In Switzerland you can have your car's routine servicing and repairs done by an independent garage even during the warranty period, without losing it. The manufacturer's warranty stays valid, as long as the work follows the maker's specifications and is documented.
Why it's allowed: WEKO and Swiss law
This was set out by the Competition Commission (WEKO). Since 1 January 2024 the principle has been anchored in the Federal Council's Motor Vehicle Ordinance (KFZ-Verordnung), which is now binding on the courts too. The ordinance guarantees independent garages access to technical information and spare parts, so they can service your car to the same standard as a brand workshop.
In plain terms: the manufacturer cannot refuse your warranty simply because you chose an independent garage. It used to be a WEKO recommendation; today it's a rule the courts must apply.
The 3 conditions to keep your warranty
To keep everything in order, just three things:
- Follow the maker's maintenance schedule: the intervals and the work it prescribes.
- Use original or equivalent-quality parts and the correct fluids.
- Keep the paperwork: invoices, stamps in the service booklet and a list of the work done.
So you can go to any garage you like, as long as it's a qualified, certified garage able to handle the complexity of today's cars.
« Two exceptions to remember: leased cars and some paid service or extended-warranty packages may require a specific workshop. In those cases, always check your contract. »
Statutory warranty vs manufacturer warranty: two different things
The statutory warranty protects you against the seller for defects already present at delivery. The manufacturer's warranty is a voluntary promise from the maker, with its own duration and conditions. Using an independent garage voids neither: if a defect isn't caused by the maintenance you had done, it stays covered.
How long does the warranty last? The most common brands
Duration depends on the brand. Here's a rough guide to orient you (figures can vary by model and year).
For electric cars, the high-voltage battery usually has a separate warranty, typically 8 years or 160,000 km. Always check your warranty booklet or contract: the exact terms are set by the manufacturer.
The most common doubts
"Do I have to tell the maker if I use an independent garage?" No. You just need to keep proof of the work done.
"If something breaks, who pays?" If the defect is covered by the warranty and wasn't caused by faulty maintenance, the manufacturer pays. If instead the damage comes from a garage mistake, the garage is liable, and it carries its own warranty on the work.
"Does this also apply to electric cars?" Yes. It applies to petrol and diesel cars as well as electric ones, as long as the garage is equipped and trained for your type of vehicle.