As of early June, Chrysler LLC wants to eliminate 789 dealerships - roughly one-quarter of its total U.S. dealerships - saying that their sales are too low. General Motors seeks to make a similar move. While the final decision rests with the bankruptcy courts, the possible closing of these dealerships has customers concerned: Who will handle the warranty work on their Chrysler and General Motors' vehicles? In the meantime, according to CNN.com, car owners' warranties will remain valid through their term regardless of where the vehicles were purchased, and the required warranty maintenance work can be done at any certified shop.

"Manufacturers like Chrysler and General Motors require that new vehicles be maintained in accordance with the specifications outlined in the vehicle's owner manual in order to protect the new car warranty," says Don Rauch, director of dealer communications for Meineke Car Care Centers. "What owners may not realize is that most Meineke Car Care Centers have ASE-trained technicians who are qualified to perform the maintenance work needed to preserve the new car warranty. We can't perform repair work that is covered by this type of warranty, but we can provide the required maintenance." Rauch notes that restrictions on warranty repair work have accelerated the push for the Right to Repair Act, which would allow independent repair shops to compete for the business now guaranteed only to dealer-contracted establishments. Until recently, car manufacturers have severely limited the number of repair shops that are allowed to have the technology, diagnostic codes and updated repair information required to make some warranty repairs, given today's computer-reliant cars.

For car owners looking to purchase a vehicle service contract, Meineke offers contracts for most automobile makes and models with mileage up to 150,000 miles.

This new program, called "Meineke Vehicle Protection" or "MVP" is available in 26 states. Car owners can log onto www.meinekemvp.com, or call 1-877-670-6877 to see if the program is offered in their state, and to get a quote for a contract.