Neglecting Scheduled Services: A Warranty Red Flag
Make sure that your car goes for its services and check-ups at the intervals and distances stipulated by the manufacturer. Keep a close eye on this; if you don’t adhere to these rules, you may find yourself out of warranty. There is a grace period, but it’s usually not very long.
Is a car's warranty transferrable? Find out here.
DIY Repairs and Record-Keeping: Pitfalls to Avoid
Rather, leave your DIY aspirations to the experts—in this case, your manufacturer-approved workshop staff. Even just changing your own oil yourself can void your warranty. Be sure to keep all service records and receipts so that you can prove that you’ve been taking care of your car. That full service history is gold when the time comes to sell.
Related: How do scratches affect how much my car is worth?
Abuse, Misuse, and Neglect: A Warranty Risk
If you damage your car by taking it off-road or taking it for a swim in the river, your warranty is a thing of the past. The same goes for racing or overloading. If you’ve gone years without putting the necessary liquids in your car, this is seen as neglect and will most certainly make things difficult for you. Always make sure that you use the correct fluids; damage from putting diesel into a petrol engine can be detrimental, and you’ll lose your warranty in most cases.
Related: Used Car warranties - The Law and Your Rights
Another issue will arise if the dealer cannot determine the exact mileage, such as when the odometer was tampered with, disconnected, or replaced.
How much does it cost to fix car dents? Find out here.
4. If Your Car’s a Write-Off: Warranty Implications
If your car is declared a 'total salvage' or loss after an accident, your warranty may also be voided. Always ensure you understand the conditions under which a car accident can impact your warranty.
Does any car accident void a car warranty? Find out here.
Aftermarket Modifications: Navigating Warranty Territory
If you’re thinking about ‘upgrading’ your ride with a few key aftermarket bits and bobs, will your factory warranty still be valid after you have done so?
Not all modifications are created equal—some will, and some won’t void the warranty—but it’s a little more complex than that. Unless the manufacturer or dealer can prove that the aftermarket part created the issue that needed to be fixed, the modification won’t void your warranty. However, you may have added a few aftermarket parts, and when an engine failure occurs, it may or may not be a result of the modification.
But how easy is it to prove that this is (or isn’t) the case? However, we can be sure that the manufacturer will be reluctant to pay for a completely new engine, especially if it has errant aftermarket accessories. Rather, play it safe and make sure you know all the ins and outs of the car’s specific warranty by reading the fine print. If a huge problem does occur, the manufacturer can surely blame those ‘alien’ parts or upgrades, which may leave you with a rather hefty repair bill.
Manufacturer-sanctioned upgrades are always a good idea if you’re keen on going that route; these parts usually carry their own individual warranties as well, so these won’t void your existing warranty. Yes, they may be a little more pricey, but at least you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you have the real and reliable thing that won’t end up costing you megabucks in the end.
Proceeding with Caution: Upgrades and Warranty Concerns
Always ask before ordering upgrades, but as a rule of thumb, most dealers will abstain from the installation of modifications, etc., if it will void a new car’s warranty.
In the end, you just have to be streetwise. Stay away from unknown, unproven parts and brands you’re unfamiliar with. Speak to your dealer or contact the manufacturer directly, and ask what falls into the ‘acceptable’ category. Further information is also available in your car’s owner’s manual. AND ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT before putting pen to paper or making changes.
For further info on what is covered under a car warranty, please click here.
