The warranty may specify a support process or require authorisation before work. Its terms are separate from an independent business's availability.
What the observation means
Work carried out elsewhere is not automatically manufacturer approved. Age alone does not establish whether a particular cover remains active.
A useful next step
Check the warranty documents and contact route with the complete identifiers. Explain immediate safety concerns without continuing unsafe use. Do not assume a brand name on a service website proves an authorised relationship or guarantees reimbursement for work arranged outside the warranty process.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.