Drivers of used cars in New York may worry that with the realignment of General Motors and Chrysler that has led to the closure of more than 1,000 dealerships, many of which no longer retain their service departments, it may be necessary to drive further to find a dealer-sponsored mechanic.

While that could be a concern for some who think that only mechanics at a dealership can do repairs on cars without voiding the warranty, the Car Care Council says that that is not the case.

“Legally, you can have maintenance performed by any mechanic without affecting your warranty,” notes a recent Conumer Reports advisory piece. “Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim.”

Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, customers can be sure that their warranties will remain in effect even if they use one of the 130,000 local shops around the country.

While the shops now cover more than 70 percent of repairs for used cars in New York and other states, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, those looking for quality will find that repair shops with ASE-certified technicians and good customer references may provide better service.