Does putting a catch can void warranty?
Generally, installing a catch can does not automatically void your warranty. The warranty can be affected if the catch can or its installation causes a failure, or if local emissions rules complicate compliance. The final outcome depends on the specific warranty terms for your vehicle and where you live.
What a catch can is and why people use it
A catch can is a small reservoir installed in the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) line intended to trap oil and moisture that would otherwise recirculate into the intake. Proponents say it helps keep the intake cleaner and may reduce oil consumption, while critics argue the benefits are modest on most street-driven cars. Because it is aftermarket equipment, the hook-up and venting path vary by vehicle and local rules.
- It does not automatically void a warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits manufacturers from denying warranty coverage solely for the presence of aftermarket parts; they can deny coverage if the aftermarket part caused the problem or if installation was improper.
- If a failure is shown to be caused by the catch can or its installation, the affected component can be excluded from warranty coverage.
- Improper installation or incompatible hardware can introduce new failure modes (for example, vacuum leaks or crankcase pressure changes) that might lead to warranty denial for those specific issues.
- Emissions-related concerns can complicate matters. Modifications that alter the PCV system or vent to atmosphere may violate emissions rules in certain regions, potentially affecting warranty eligibility and road-use compliance.
- Documentation helps. Keeping receipts, installation notes, and part specifics can support warranty claims or disputes should questions arise.
- Warranty language varies by manufacturer and model. Some brands allow aftermarket parts with caveats, while others restrict modifications to certain systems; always check your owner’s manual and the dealer’s policy.
In short, warranty protection isn’t automatically removed by adding a catch can; the key question is whether the catch can caused or contributed to a failure, and how your specific warranty is worded. The next sections unpack the legal framework, practical considerations, and regional rules that shape this issue.
Legal framework: What warranty law says
In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs how manufacturers must handle aftermarket parts. It generally prevents dealers from voiding a warranty simply because a consumer used an aftermarket component, but it also allows denial of coverage for a problem that the aftermarket part actually caused or contributed to.
- The Act prohibits voiding a warranty solely for aftermarket parts; a manufacturer must show that the catch can caused the specific failure before denying coverage for that problem.
- If the catch can or its installation contributed to a failure in a component, a warranty claim for that component can be denied or limited accordingly.
- Installation quality matters. Poorly installed catch cans can trigger unrelated issues, which may complicate warranty claims for those issues.
- Emissions and regulatory compliance introduce additional complexity. Modifications that defeat or bypass emissions controls can affect warranty claims related to emissions-related components.
- Keep documentation. Records of the exact part, installation date, installer, and any service records can help clarify responsibility if a warranty claim arises.
The bottom line is that the mere presence of a catch can is not a guaranteed warranty killer. The decisive factors are causation, the exact warranty language, and regional rules. The following sections explore regional considerations and practical steps for owners.
Regional and emissions considerations
State and federal emissions rules can influence both legality and warranty outcomes. In California and some other states, devices that modify PCV operation or vent to the atmosphere may run afoul of emissions regulations, potentially affecting warranty coverage and the vehicle’s ability to pass inspections.
- CARB compliance matters. Some catch-can kits are CARB-approved or designed to maintain a closed PCV system; using non-approved parts can raise emissions and warranty concerns in regulated markets.
- Vent routing is important. In many jurisdictions, catch cans that vent to the atmosphere are not permitted; models designed to route vented oil back into the intake reduce risk of regulatory issues.
- Regional variation. Warranty language and enforcement differ by brand and region; what applies in one state may not apply in another, even for the same car model.
For readers outside California, the rules can differ by state, but the overarching guidance remains: know your warranty terms and local emissions requirements before installation.
What to do if you plan to install a catch can
Preparation and careful selection can help minimize warranty and regulatory risk. The following steps are practical for prospective buyers and installers.
Key considerations before purchase
Before buying, assess how the catch can will be integrated with your engine and whether it is compatible with your vehicle’s PCV design and emissions setup.
Before each list, informative guidance is provided to help you weigh your options and stay compliant with regulations.
- Review your warranty terms and discuss aftermarket PCV modifications with your dealer or service advisor to understand potential implications.
- Choose a reputable kit, and in CARB-regulated states select a CARB-approved unit or one designed to maintain a closed PCV path.
- Have installation performed by a qualified technician who can provide documentation of the exact routing, venting method, and components used.
- Maintain records: part numbers, purchase receipts, installation photos, and service notes to support any warranty discussions.
- Avoid additional modifications that could interact with the PCV system without professional guidance and written documentation.
With careful selection and proper documentation, you can reduce the likelihood that a catch can affects warranty coverage, though the final decision rests with the manufacturer and the terms of your warranty.
Summary
Installing a catch can is not inherently a warranty killer, but it introduces potential questions about causation and compliance. Read your warranty terms, talk to your dealer, consider CARB-approved options if you’re in a regulated state, and ensure professional installation with complete documentation. If a problem arises, request a clear explanation of whether the catch can played a role and provide records to support your position. Thoughtful planning helps balance the perceived benefits of a catch can with warranty and regulatory considerations.
