What are 5 common acts that void your vehicles warranty?
Five common acts can void a vehicle's warranty: modifying the engine or emissions system, installing aftermarket parts or fluids, skipping or using improper maintenance, performing DIY or non-authorized repairs, and using the car for racing or other prohibited uses.
Warranty basics and what can void them
Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and model, and coverage often hinges on whether a defect is caused by a modification, improper maintenance, or improper service. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, consumers are allowed to have work done by independent mechanics without automatically losing warranty coverage, but manufacturers can deny coverage for problems that arise from modifications or improper servicing. In short, the cause of the issue matters: if a modification or incorrect service contributed to the fault, warranty coverage for that fault may be denied; unrelated problems may still be covered.
The following are the five acts most commonly associated with warranty denial, as advised by service technicians and consumer guides.
- Modifying or tampering with the engine or emissions system (examples include ECU remapping, aftermarket turbo/supercharger kits, performance exhausts that bypass or disable emission controls, or removing catalytic converters). These changes can trigger denial of warranty coverage for problems connected to those systems.
- Installing aftermarket parts or fluids that are not approved or specified by the manufacturer (including non-OEM oils, coolants, filters, or sensors). Even when the issue is unrelated, manufacturers can deny coverage for failures caused by these alterations.
- Skipping maintenance or using improper maintenance practices (missed service intervals, using the wrong oil grade or other fluids, neglecting required inspections). Warranty coverage can be limited if a lack of maintenance contributed to the defect or failure.
- DIY repairs or third-party service performed without following the manufacturer’s specifications (unqualified work, incorrect torque, improper reassembly). If such work damages the vehicle or causes a fault, the warranty may not cover the related problem.
- Using the vehicle for racing, competitive events, or other prohibited uses (track driving or commercial racing). Many warranties exclude damage arising from non-standard or competitive use.
To protect yourself, remember that not every issue will be denied automatically because a third party worked on the car. The key is whether the action caused the problem. Keep thorough receipts, use fluids and parts that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications, and consult the warranty documentation or a trusted dealer if you’re unsure about coverage.
Strategies to protect your warranty
Choosing where to service
Know that you can have work done by independent mechanics without automatically voiding warranty coverage, but problems caused by those services or by non-approved parts may be excluded. Always check whether a particular service or part complies with the vehicle’s warranty terms and keep clear records of all maintenance and repairs.
In practice, reading the warranty booklet and confirming any limits with the dealer can prevent surprises. If you’re considering modifications or aftermarket parts, ask how they could affect coverage for related components before proceeding.
Summary
Warranties are designed to protect against defects in materials and workmanship, but they can be jeopardized by modifications, improper maintenance, unapproved repairs, and non-standard uses. Staying within manufacturer guidelines and documenting everything helps preserve coverage and avoids disputes if a fault arises.
What invalidates a warranty?
Warranties are voided by improper maintenance, misuse of the vehicle (like racing or off-roading), aftermarket modifications that cause damage, and environmental damage from events like floods or fires. Tampering with the odometer and an altered or non-existent salvage title also void warranties.
Common reasons for a voided warranty
- Improper or neglected maintenance: Failing to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, such as skipping oil changes or using incorrect fluids, can void a warranty. Keeping detailed records is crucial.
- Misuse of the vehicle: Using the vehicle for activities beyond normal operation, such as street racing, extreme off-roading (unless the vehicle is designed for it), or overloading, will void the warranty.
- Aftermarket modifications: Installing non-approved parts or making significant modifications can void the warranty, especially if the modification can be shown to have caused a failure.
- Important note: In some cases, such as with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the US, a modification may only void the warranty on the specific component it affected, not the entire vehicle, unless the manufacturer can prove the modification caused the failure.
- Environmental damage: Damage from natural disasters like floods, fires, or earthquakes is not covered under a standard warranty.
- Total loss: If a vehicle has been declared a "total loss" and given a salvage title, its manufacturer's warranty is typically voided.
- Odometer tampering: Altering the vehicle's odometer is considered fraud and voids the warranty.
What voids a vehicle warranty?
A car warranty is voided by improper maintenance, vehicle misuse (such as racing or off-roading), aftermarket modifications that cause damage, and damage from events like natural disasters. Altering the odometer and receiving a salvage title are also common reasons for voiding a warranty.
Maintenance and repairs
- Improper maintenance: Failing to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule or using incorrect fluids (like the wrong type of oil) can void the warranty if it leads to damage.
- Aftermarket parts: While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects the use of aftermarket parts, the warranty for a specific component can be voided if a non-original part can be proven to have caused the failure.
- Negligent repairs: Poorly done repairs by an unauthorized mechanic can void the warranty, especially if the incorrect work leads to further damage.
Misuse and modifications
- Misuse of the vehicle: Activities like street racing, off-roading in a vehicle not designed for it, or overloading the vehicle beyond its capacity are common reasons for voiding a warranty.
- Unauthorized modifications: Modifications that go beyond the vehicle's original design, such as performance chips, can void the warranty because they may put excessive strain on components.
- Altering the odometer: Tampering with the odometer is considered fraud and will void the warranty.
Accidents and environmental damage
- Damage from natural disasters: Warranties typically do not cover damage caused by events like floods, earthquakes, or fires.
- Salvage title: If an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss and it receives a salvage title, the manufacturer's warranty is usually voided.
Does going to a different mechanic void the warranty?
One common misconception in the automotive industry is that new cars MUST be serviced at the dealership to avoid VOIDING the Warranty. This is not the case, as the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act explains: “It is illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage if someone else performs your maintenance."
What are valid reasons to cancel a car deal?
If a dealership intentionally misled you into purchasing a car, either through false advertising, failing to disclose the full price or terms of financing, or misrepresenting the accident history or condition of the vehicle, or any other form of fraud, you may have a case for returning the car for a full refund.
