CARMINE'S IMPORT SERVICE > Our Shop > Policies

WARRANTY, DISCLAIMERS, & PAYMENT POLICIES

VEHICLE OWNER RESPONSIBILITY - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

At Carmine's Import Service ("Carmines"), we are committed to transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Below are our current warranty, disclaimer, and payment policies.

Warranty Policies

Standard Limited Nationwide Warranty

• Coverage: Most repairs and parts are warranted for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), effective October 2013, provided the vehicle is serviced per Carmine's maintenance schedule or approved by management.
• Extended Warranty Option: A 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is available for vehicles following Carmine's comprehensive maintenance schedule without missing a service, effective June 26, 2023.
• Pre-2010 Vehicles: Vehicles with a model year prior to 2010 are limited to a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty, subject to the same conditions below.

Conditions:

- Failure to adhere to the factory maintenance schedule may void the warranty and failure to adhere to the Carmine's maintenance schedule may void any extended or special warranties given to you.

- Warranty repairs must be performed at Carmine's facility and cannot exceed the original repair cost unless approved via our Nationwide Limited Warranty provider.

- Parts must be available for warranty service; no warranty applies to ANY vehicle if parts are unavailable.

-Warranty Voidance: For ANY vehicle, the warranty is void if Carmine determines lack of maintenance or negligence caused the failure, regardless of the warranty period.

- Warranties are non-transferable and require a copy of the original invoice.

Exclusions and Limitations

• No Warranty Coverage:
• Customer-supplied parts, unless explicitly stated.
• Tires (covered only by the tire manufacturer's warranty, requiring proof of rotations and maintenance).
• Wear/service items (e.g., brake pads, rotors), used parts (unless specified), or parts failing due to abuse, neglect, or lack of maintenance, as determined by Carmine.
• Transmission failure after a transmission service.
• Performance parts or track car repairs.
• Pre-existing conditions (e.g., engine oil sludge, low fluids, or driving with warning lights).
• Control module failure during programming (customer responsible for replacement).
• Specific Conditions:
• Brake pad/rotor squeak/squeal covered for 30 days (non-performance models only).
• Fuel/exhaust system components require Carmine-approved ethanol-fighting agent every 5,000 miles to maintain warranty.
• Commercial vehicles: 30-day warranty only.
• New engines/transmissions: 2 years/24,000 miles with proof of service history.
• Internal engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head gaskets, timing cover gaskets) may carry a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty.
• Vehicles pre-2010 may not qualify for full warranty.

Tesla-Specific Warranty

• Coverage: 12 months/12,000 miles on parts only if Tesla accepts our part warranty claim. (labor not included).
• Exclusions: No warranty on electrical parts or batteries.
• Parts Ownership: Approved Tesla repair orders require full payment for parts, even if the customer cancels before completion.
• Note: The 3-year warranty does not apply to Tesla vehicles.

Additional Warranty Notes

• No reimbursement for repairs performed at other facilities for parts installed by Carmine.
• Towing is not covered for repair failures beyond a 25-mile radius of Carmine.
• Carmine is not responsible for voiding manufacturer warranties due to customer negligence or lack of knowledge of existing warranties.
• Per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, manufacturers cannot void warranties for using independent repair facilities or non-OEM parts meeting OEM specifications.

Disclaimers

Vehicle Owner Responsibility

• Authorization: By signing the repair order (in person, electronically, or via SMS), you authorize Carmine to perform diagnostic tests, repairs, and associated charges, including parts, and to operate your vehicle as needed for testing or inspection. You will be contacted for approval if additional repairs are required.
• Mechanic's Lien: You acknowledge an express mechanic's lien on the vehicle to secure repair charges.
• Estimates and Additional Issues: Estimates are based on your vehicle being in good condition at the time of the quote. Any additional issues discovered during service beyond the estimate are your responsibility to cover.
• Uncontrollable Events: Carmine strives to provide high-quality service but is not liable for events beyond our control, including weather damage, theft, vandalism, unexpected mechanical issues, or new problems/warning lights not present before repairs. As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for these incidents, damages, or issues. We recommend reviewing your insurance coverage to protect against these risks.
• Acts of God: Carmine is not responsible for damage due to uncontrollable events (e.g., fire, hail, or mechanical failures unrelated to our work, such as sudden warning lights, flat tires, or electrical/engine malfunctions).
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Failures due to prior damage, neglect, or abuse are not covered.
• Ownership Logic: If a vehicle breaks during or after service due to factors beyond Carmine's control, it remains the owner's responsibility.

Customer Acknowledgment

• By authorizing repairs, you confirm you have read and agree to Carmine's 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary limited warranty (1-year/12,000-mile for model year 2010 and prior vehicles) and terms of service outlined at Carmine's Service Policies & Disclaimers.
• You confirm that, whether signing in person, electronically, or via SMS, you have reviewed and understand these terms.
• You acknowledge the arbitration agreement in the linked policies.
• You agree to arrange payment and collect your vehicle promptly upon notification to avoid storage fees.
• Unless you request otherwise via email or text before approving services, you do not want to receive replaced parts.
• You acknowledge that a 50% deposit is required before work begins, per company policy.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Disclaimer

• ADAS systems are designed to assist, not replace, the driver. You, the licensed driver, assume full responsibility for your vehicle's operation and any incidents caused by misuse or negligence.
• Carmine is not liable for ADAS-related issues or accidents, as these systems are complex and not fully standardized by manufacturers.

Recycled (Used) Parts Disclaimer

• No warranty on used parts unless specified on the invoice.
• Limited warranties on used parts cover only total part failure, not peripheral damage or labor.
• Used engines/transmissions cover only internal lubricated failures; leaks, accessories, or ignition components are excluded.
• Customers are encouraged to opt for new/remanufactured parts for full warranty coverage.

General Disclaimers

• Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Carmine expressly disclaims any and all warranties or representations (whether express or implied, oral or written) with respect to its services or parts, including any implied or express warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, whether alleged to arise by law, by reason of custom or usage in the trade, or by course of dealing.
• Carmine is not liable for loss/damage to vehicles or personal items due to fire, theft, weather, or other uncontrollable causes.
• Dash cameras/recorders may be disabled during service and re-enabled upon pickup.
• Labor charges are based on industry-standard flat rates, not solely actual time.
• Waste storage, shop necessities, and disposal fees may apply, reflecting annualized costs.

Payment Policies

Payment Terms

• Due Date: Payment is due upon completion of diagnostics, service, or repairs. If your vehicle stays into the next week for more repairs or services than what was originally approved you may be required to payout the existing repair order so a new one can be started.
• Accepted Methods: Cash, cashier's check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bosch Credit, CarCareOne Credit. Personal or Certified checks are NOT accepted. Checks from a business may be accepted at our discretion.
• Deposits: A 50% deposit is required before service/repairs begin.

Past-Due Accounts

- 3 days after completion notice: $75 late fee.

- 5 days after notice: 3% daily interest on billed amount (excluding taxes).

- 5 days after notice: $50/day storage fee for unclaimed vehicles.

- 7 days after notice: Carmine may file a mechanic's lien per North Carolina law.

- 30 days after notice: Unclaimed vehicles may be sold to settle debts, per state law.

• Delinquent Accounts: May require cashier's check/money order and a signed waiver; credit cards may be declined at management's discretion.

Third-Party Warranties

• Customers are responsible for any balance not covered by third-party warranties.
• Full payment, including uncovered amounts, is required before vehicle release.

Abandoned Vehicles

• Vehicles unclaimed after 10 days (paid or unpaid) are considered abandoned.
• Paid vehicles will be towed to a storage lot at the owner's expense.
• Unpaid vehicles will be subject to a lien and potential sale to settle debts.
• Customers are responsible for all associated fees (storage, towing, legal).

Loaner/Rental Vehicles

• Must be returned within 24 hours of completion notice.
• Failure to return incurs a $350/day fee plus applicable charges.

Return Policies

Service and Repair Returns

• No returns or refunds on services or repairs.

Parts Returns

• Over-the-counter or online parts purchased directly from Carmine may be returned within 3 days with proof of purchase.
• Parts must be unopened, uninstalled, in original packaging, and with factory labeling.
• Parts carry a 30 day limited warranty, subject to terms and exclusions.

New Tire Registration

• Customers must register new tires at https://www.ustires.org/register-tires using the DOT numbers on the invoice.
• Carmine is not responsible for sending tire recall information if registration is not completed.
• Contact our service department if DOT numbers are missing from your invoice.
• Our system registers your tires automatically and complimentary for you but it is your responsibility to check.

Arbitration Agreement

• Any dispute related to this transaction, including the repair order's validity or breach, will be resolved through binding arbitration.
• Arbitration must be requested within 90 days of the dispute's emergence.
• Arbitration is the exclusive resolution method, and you waive the right to litigate in court.

SMS Communications

• Carmine may contact you via calls, emails, or SMS for authorization or updates.
• Standard message/data rates apply.
• Opt out by replying "STOP" or submitting written notice to our customer service desk.

Additional Notes

• Repair Estimates: For repairs exceeding $350, a signed repair order or estimate is required.
• Completion Dates: Estimated completion dates may be adjusted due to parts availability or other factors; Carmine is not liable for delays.
• Policy Updates: This document is subject to change without notice. Contact a shop representative for details.

By paying your invoice or signing the repair order (in person, electronically, or via SMS), you acknowledge and accept these terms. Thank you for choosing Carmine's Import Service. We value your trust and strive to deliver exceptional service.

Thank you for your understanding our payment policy
To learn more, view our Vehicle Ownership & Responsibility page by clicking here.