If an aftermarket part was fitted incorrectly or caused a component failure, a dealer may void your warranty. In this case, you’ll be responsible for paying for the vehicle’s repairs.
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What are the top 5 behaviors that void the warranty on your car?
Another myth is that in order to maintain your vehicle’s warranty, you must only use parts that have been approved by the manufacturer. Also false is this.
If an aftermarket or recycled part was utilized on the vehicle, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also safeguards the owner. So, unless the part is free under the guarantee, manufacturers cannot require customers to utilize brand-name parts.
If an aftermarket component or modification caused the vehicle’s damage, the manufacturer may refuse to honor the warranty. But they must be able to prove that the damage was brought on by the aftermarket component.
What can void a car warranty?
Although purchasing aftermarket components or taking your automobile anywhere other than the dealership won’t nullify the manufacturer’s warranty, there are several actions that would. These include:
- Reckless driving or racing
- Natural catastrophes (flooding, fire, earthquake, etc.)
- Some modifications or aftermarket components (see above)
- Overloading
- faulty auto maintenance
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Using the Wrong Fluids
How to Maximize Your Vehicle’s Warranty
- Consult the Warranty: A standard car warranty, also known as a “bumper to bumper warranty,” usually provides coverage for three years and 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). A powertrain warranty often lasts longer, roughly 6 years or 70,000 miles, and it covers issues with the engine, transmission, and other powertrain components. Additionally, some manufacturers provide warranties for corrosion and pollution. To fully understand what is and is not covered, be sure to read the tiny print.
- Service the Car Frequently: If you don’t adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and execute regular maintenance, the automaker may revoke your warranty. This covers services like fluid flushes and oil changes. Read your owner’s manual and adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to be on the safe side. And be sure to have the car inspected for any covered concerns when the warranty period is about to end.
- No matter who does the service, maintain track of all fixes; you’ll need the documentation if you need to invoke the warranty. Additionally, it may raise the car’s resale value.
- If you have any concerns about how your warranty claim is being handled, get in touch with the manufacturer, a dealer supervisor, or another dealer. If necessary, register a complaint with the FTC, the local BBB, or the attorney general of the state.
What may make a warranty void?
Understanding your warranty’s provisions in full, especially if it is a limited warranty, will help you safeguard your interests and prevent having your warranty revoked. Full warranties, which are legally obligated to cover any repairs or replacements related to faults during the guarantee term, are significantly less common than limited ones.
Therefore, the maker or particular product determines the causes for voiding a limited warranty. Knowing a warranty’s terms and restrictions will typically help you determine when and under what circumstances it can be revoked. It’s also a good idea to keep your receipt because it can be the only proof of the transaction.
When making a significant purchase, ponder the following:
- If the product breaks, does the warranty cover repair, replacement, or a refund?
- Is the retailer a respectable business?
- Who should you get in touch with and how do you get warranty service?
- How long will your purchase be covered by the warranty?
- Exist any unauthorized uses, alterations, or modifications to the product that can void the warranty? Federal law stipulates that in order to void a written guarantee, the merchant must demonstrate that the alteration constituted the root of the fault.
- Does the guarantee also apply to “consequential damages” like the price of damaged food in the event that a freezer malfunctions?
- If a warranty is supposedly “lifetime,” does it refer to the lifespan of the item or the owner?
- Which components and issues fall within the warranty’s coverage? Which are expressly disallowed?
The following are some of the most frequent grounds for which merchants void warranties:
- Misuse of the product or improper maintenance are to blame for its failure.
- You significantly altered the item, which has had an impact on its performance.
- The flaw or component is not covered.
- The guarantee period is over.
What frequently nullifies a car warranty?
Environmental damage: The automaker will not honor your warranty if your car was harmed in a fire, flood, hailstorm, earthquake, or other natural disaster. Modified odometer: The dealership is unable to calculate the precise mileage if the odometer on your automobile has been unplugged, tampered with, or replaced.
Does having your oil changed yourself void your warranty?
The warranty won’t be nullified if you change your own oil. It would be against the law to do that. In light of this, keep a record of your oil change or any other proof in case you need to show that it was carried out.
Is a warranty invalidated if an oil change is missed?
A new automobile warranty is a contract between the automaker and the customer that specifies what must be done to maintain the warranty’s validity. A automobile warranty can be completely or partially revoked. For instance, the automaker will void the engine’s warranty if you neglect to change the oil per the specified maintenance plan and the engine malfunctions. If nothing else was harmed by negligence, the remaining portions of the warranty may still be valid.
Common Ways Consumers Breach Automobile Warranties
- They alter the engine’s performance (common among race car drivers) or utilize aftermarket components, which can lead to the rejection of claims and the voiding of engine warranties.
- The car warranty may be entirely voided if the odometer is tampered with, disconnected from the car, or replaced.
- They alter the suspension or apply unusual tire and wheel combinations.
- They don’t utilize the fluids that the automaker specifies in the warranty for the vehicle. Make sure the shop performing your oil change only utilizes oil that has been approved by the manufacturer to keep your car operating smoothly and your warranty valid.
It is strongly advised that you study the warranty details for your car, which are frequently included with the owner’s manual. Find and read the part titled “What’s Not Covered” as well.
If my automobile isn’t maintained, will the warranty void?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the country’s consumer protection organization, says the answer is no. The Magnuson-Moss Guarantee Act specifically forbids dealers from declining to honor your warranty if a third party makes the repairs.
Does maintenance void the car’s warranty?
One of the biggest myths in the auto industry is the idea that if you don’t take your car to the dealership, your warranty will be null and useless. It is untrue. The rule is that your warranty won’t be affected in any way as long as a certified repairer works on your car in accordance with the logbook.
Is physical damage a warranty breaker?
Among the physical harm include, but not restricted to:
Spills, chips, and scratches caused by liquids on the screen, bezel, and accessories. We will be pleased to repair or fix your notebook if it sustains physical damage, but the work will be treated as an out-of-warranty repair, and you will be charged for parts and labor.
During the Limited Warranty Period, Samsung will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace the product at no cost with new or refurbished parts or a functionally identical product if it turns out to be defective due to manufacturing flaws in materials and workmanship.
Is the Honda hack a warranty breaker?
Do not worry. Your warranty won’t be voided by the alleged Honda Hack. No alteration you make can nullify your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act, to avoid legalese or semantics.
Simply said, you can use the Honda Hack as a result. As an alternative, you may just update your head unit or get a brand-new Honda with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Whatever you choose to do, you can always improve your vehicle with the money you save by using the Jerry app to lower your auto insurance prices.
In approximately 45 seconds, Jerry, a certified insurance broker, can get quotes from more than 55 of the best insurers. Jerry can assist you with purchasing new insurance and canceling your old policy if you discover a fantastic deal. Users save more than $800 year on average.
Does modifying your brakes yourself violate the warranty?
Although many sellers would have you believe differently, your warranty cannot be voided by merely using aftermarket parts or customizing your car.
Does engine tuning void the warranty?
Many people are under the impression that using parts not approved by the manufacturer may void their warranty. Although the producers may like you to think so, this couldn’t be further from the reality. The warranty on your new car won’t be void if you use aftermarket replacement parts. However, adjusting or making changes to your car could void its guarantee. What you should know is as follows.
The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, a Federal act, regulates consumer product warranties in the US. In relation to the warranties they offer with their products, this Act specifies what warrantors can and cannot do. The Act covers everything from lawn mowers to dishwashing machines, but the warranty that comes with a new car is where it affects the average American the most.
Additionally, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act expressly prohibits manufacturers from requiring customers to repair their vehicles with name-brand components.
Is the Honda warranty voided by remote start?
Briefly, NO. Customers likely have the greatest misconceptions and incorrect information about this issue, making it the most frequently asked topic about remote auto starters. The short answer is no, your warranty will not be voided if you have a remote car starter. The Consumer Protection Act makes it legal for you to put gadgets like remote starters in your car. It is important to make sure that the equipment you select and the installation are of a caliber that eliminates warranty issues. The best course of action is to pick a reliable remote start system manufacturer and have a skilled authorized dealer install it. They have the necessary training to operate those systems, and a reputable manufacturer will offer assistance to both you and the installing dealer (us) if any issues or challenges arise. In fact, even if remote starters weren’t factory installed in the car, many dealers will utilize the same devices and frequently have a professional like us install them when the customer buys the car.
Honda warranty voided if muffler is removed?
The Magnuson-Moss Guarantee Act, interestingly enough, permits modification of your Honda without any negative consequences, thus you can remove your muffler without jeopardizing your Honda warranty.
If you ignore the handbook, these components and auto changes won’t be protected. If you wish to make a modification, always refer to the manual or the dealership.
Even if you decide not to create a mod, you might consider it in the future. Where does the funding come from? Jerry. Yep. Jerry deserves a chance.