What voids my warranty?

Author: Gladys Bergnaum  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Sometimes, even self-repairs or third-party repairs of a defective product can void the warranty. Using a third-party replacement part may or may not risk the warranty. A merchant needs an official waiver to require customers to use parts from its brand exclusively.

What makes a warranty void?

Misuse of Vehicle: While this can be widely interpreted, if it's determined the vehicle has been misused, the entire warranty can be voided. This typically includes using the vehicle for racing or other competitions, overloading the vehicle, or off-roading in a vehicle that was not designed to handle such conditions.

What messes up your warranty?

Environmental Damage: Damages resulting from natural disasters like fires, floods, or earthquakes are typically not covered under warranties. Aftermarket Parts or Modifications: Installing aftermarket parts or making modifications to your vehicle can void a warranty, especially if they cause damage to the vehicle.

What are 5 common acts that void your vehicle's warranty?

What can void a car warranty?
  • Off-Road Driving.
  • Racing or Reckless Driving.
  • Overloading.
  • Natural Disasters (flooding, fire, earthquake, etc.)
  • Poor Car Maintenance.
  • Using Improper Fluids.
  • Some Aftermarket Parts or Modifications (see above)

What voids warranty status?

A number of things can void your car's warranty, including misuse of the vehicle, an altered odometer, environmental damage, and an insurance company declaration that the vehicle is a total loss.

Tips for Modifying Your Car and NOT Voiding Warranty

Can a dealership deny warranty work?

In fact, it's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections.

Can driving fast void warranty?

Your car warranty provider can void your warranty claim if your covered parts are damaged due to over-speeding or other reckless driving behaviors. Avoid other negative driving behaviors that can cause damage to your car, such as engine braking or revving the engine while it's still cold.

What voids a bumper to bumper warranty?

Improper Maintenance: This is the biggest reason for warranty voiding. Failure to properly maintain and service your vehicle moves the responsibility on to you if something should fail. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.

Does a late oil change void the warranty?

Does Missing an Oil Change Void My Car's Warranty? You're responsible for maintaining your vehicle, and your warranty only covers flaws in manufacturing, not repairs caused by a lack of service. Therefore, if you miss an oil change or don't change the oil in a timely fashion, your warranty may be voided.

Which condition would void the warranty?

You Significantly Altered the Product

Sometimes, even self-repairs or third-party repairs of a defective product can void the warranty. Using a third-party replacement part may or may not risk the warranty. A merchant needs an official waiver to require customers to use parts from its brand exclusively.

What can I do to my car without voiding the warranty?

What are some modifications that don't void a car warranty? Wheels, tires, shocks, cat-back exhausts, lighting, exterior styling upgrades, and manufacturer-approved parts/tunes allow added performance or customization without warranty conflicts.

Does wheel alignment void the warranty?

Dealership warranties do not cover wear-and-tear maintenance, such as wheel alignments, oil changes, brakes, fluids, etc. These jobs are critical to the life of a vehicle, so if an alignment issue results in a more serious mechanical problem, that part of the vehicle warranty may be void.

What does warranty not cover?

Manufacturer's warranties

They generally do not cover the cost of routine maintenance or parts that wear due to normal wear and tear, or abuse.

What makes a car warranty invalid?

Improper Use of the Vehicle

Although “improper use” is a broad term that can mean a lot of different things, it typically refers to activities such as street racing, overloading, and off-roading. Basically, any driving that takes place outside the realm of everyday driving is grounds for a breach of warranty.

What leads to breach of warranty?

In short, Breach of Warranty is a legal term that refers to a situation in which a seller has failed to meet the standards of a warranty, resulting in financial losses to the buyer.

Does changing your exhaust void your warranty?

NO. It's also illegal for a dealer to deny you the OE warranty because you have changed the exhaust system. This is an often asked question.

What cancels a car warranty?

If your car was in an accident and the cost to repair the damage is high enough that your state requires a salvage title or your insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss, your warranty is void.

How bad is it to be overdue for an oil change?

Overdue oil changes can also lead to a decrease in your vehicle's overall performance. You might notice sluggish acceleration, reduced power, or even stalling. If your car doesn't respond as it used to, consider it a red flag indicating the need for an oil change.

Does going to Jiffy Lube void warranty?

“You can have your car serviced anywhere and still maintain the manufacturer's warranty. You can bring the car to a place like Jiffy Lube, to an independent shop, or even another dealership that's not the same car brand as your car.”

Will a cold air intake void the warranty?

The simple answer is no.

What invalidates a warranty?

Skipping Regular Maintenance

Missing a service can risk invalidating your warranty. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake checks, and routine inspections, ensures your car remains in top condition. Pro Tip: Keep detailed records of all services and repairs, including receipts and invoices.

Are ball joints covered under warranty?

If your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer's new vehicle warranty, which typically lasts for a certain number of years or miles, ball joints might be covered if they fail due to manufacturing defects or premature wear.

Will dealerships void warranty?

In fact, it's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage because you had routine maintenance or repairs done by someone else. But if the warranty says that the work will be done for free, the dealer or manufacturer can make you use repair facilities it chooses.

What condition voids warranty?

The Warranty stands void for theft, abuse, misuse, neglect, vandalism, or environmental conditions (fire, floods, rust, corrosion, sand, dirt, windstorm, hail, earthquake, or exposure to weather conditions).

Does driving with check engine light on void warranty?

Ignoring the check engine light and failing to address the problem in a timely manner could void your warranty. Most manufacturers require that any issues triggering the check engine light be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to keep your warranty in good standing.

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