Top five mistakes that can void car warranty: Electrical modifications, irregular service, and more

 

Every time you buy a new car, the automaker offers a certain duration of warranty with that vehicle. A warranty is essentially a guarantee that the carmaker will replace or repair any component on the vehicle that fails due to a manufacturing defect. This is perhaps as important as motor vehicle insurance policy as modern cars are a complex mix of hundreds of hardware parts and software systems. So, a standard warranty for a period of two or three years assures customers of a hassle-free ownership experience (at least till the warranty period). However, many customers make a few mistakes which can potentially render their car's warranty null or void. Let's take a look at some of these mistakes. 

1. Electrical modifications

This is a very common reason that renders car warranty null and void. Many customers make several electrical changes to their vehicles like installing music system, fog lamps, high-intensity headlamps, etc. from unauthorized aftermarket stores. Doing this becomes a strong reason for automakers to not provide a warranty for the vehicle. As per carmakers, such unapproved modifications can often lead to failure of other electrical systems in the vehicle. Most aftermarket car accessory shops now try to install electrical equipment using couplers so that the original wiring is not tampered with. However, in most cases, you will still end up losing your car's warranty. 

2. Irregular service

Every carmaker recommends a specific maintenance and service interval for a vehicle. Failing to service the vehicle on time can often lead to a loss of vehicle warranty. Your car warranty will also be rendered void if you get your vehicle serviced from an unauthorized service centre. As a matter of fact, you will end up losing engine warranty if you use a different engine oil than specified by the carmaker. Similarly, using counterfeit or unapproved spare parts can also become a cause for running the warranty void. 

3. Engine change and retuning

The engine that your car comes fitted with is registered with your regional transport office (RTO). If you replace that powerplant with a different one, then the company is free to not provide a warranty for the vehicle. Similarly, if you retune the engine control unit (ECU) to extract more power from the powerplant, you might get more performance but this will certainly void your car's warranty. 

4. Aftermarket CNG kit

If you ever feel like installing a CNG kit in your vehicle, we suggest you get it one installed from the carmaker. This is because fitting an aftermarket CNG kit will void your car's warranty. 

5. Modifying structure

If you are tempted to modify your vehicle into a limousine or an open-top vehicle, then be prepared to say goodbye to your vehicle's warranty. Cars are an intricate piece of machine and are designed keeping several factors like the centre of gravity, weight, etc. in mind. Similarly, the original structure of a car is designed to absorb and disseminate impact in a particular manner to keep the passengers safe. This is why a carmaker will immediately void the warranty if you make any structural changes to the car.