What if we say you could be ripping up your vehicle’s warranty contract? The warranty is a safety net for expensive repair bills. However, here are 13 foolish mistakes you may make unintentionally, putting the warranty at risk by messing with its terms and conditions.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
A car that refuses to run smoothly due to poor maintenance can threaten the warranty. Dealers or manufacturers can deny your warranty claims by stating that the lack of upkeep is the main reason for the issues. So, adhere to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to claim a warranty when things get rough.
Using Unauthorized Parts
Not sticking to the OEM parts could indirectly result in a warranty wipeout. Who doesn’t want to take advantage of low-price tags and cheap repairs? That’s why many trust pocket-friendly, non-approved parts and call it a day.
Suppose your manufacturer has recommended a safe 500 miles on their part. However, you covered less or the same distance on an aftermarket one, and now troubles have knocked on your window.
Little do you know, the manufacturer can now easily serve you with zero coverage by pointing their finger at that cheap part you have been using, blaming it for the damage caused. Always make sure everything on your car has a manufacturer’s approval.
Improper Maintenance
Sure, you have chosen to maintain your car regularly, but don’t overlook the recommendations. Planning on pouring fresh engine or transmission oil into your vehicle? Reviewing the owner’s manual, oil cap, or dipstick is wise to ensure you feed the vehicle with the correct rating and quality. Otherwise, the manufacturer will not cover the damage caused over time, as the service records will scream that you were using the wrong oil for your car.
Not Keeping Service Records
According to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, passed by Congress in 1975, a manufacturer cannot force you to maintain your car exclusively or from specific centers; you can source an external professional. However, the warranty claim requires proof, and if you fail to convince that your vehicle has always been maintained under a professional, you may fail to attain coverage from the manufacturer. So, ensure you have service records before knocking on the dealership’s door.
DIY Repairs
If you can’t handle the work professionally, stand beside your vehicle and let the experts do their job. A blunder can void the warranty and potentially worsen the damage. Even if you executed the oil-changing job well but forgot to slap in an oil filter, it’s a big NO for the engine. It’ll not work properly and may result in complete failure.
For maintenance, specific standards need to be met, which requires certified expertise that a DIY repair job may lack and can end up harming the warranty. So, leave complex repairs to the professionals.
Damage from Natural Disasters
Hail storms, floods, and other disasters are not the manufacturer’s fault, so why would they take care of the damage that’s done? If you are one of the unfortunates on the flood alert, store your vehicle in a safe area or get ready to be flooded with repair bills because the manufacturer’s warranties are often voided when a car is busted by excessive damage.
Tampering Mileage
So your 2019 Ford Focus with a rusted underbody has completed just 25000 miles, and now you are here for a warranty claim? You are fooling nobody; altering the mileage counter on your vehicle’s odometer is a perfect way to put a full stop on its warranty, as the dealership can no longer detect your vehicle’s actual mileage. In other words, a tampered odometer is considered misleading and shady, making it a solid reason to end your warranty.
Misusing the Vehicle
Going off-road in your shiny new vehicle? If your car is made to withstand rough, bumpy routes and a load of heavy luggage, then fair enough; otherwise, trusting it too much can void the warranty. Abusing your ride in any way, such as being a devil behind the wheel or loading it with a burden it can’t handle, is not what your manufacturer has recommended, so why would they be held responsible for coverage?
Certain Modifications
We car enthusiasts love modifying our rides to get more horsepower or to make them turn heads. Yet, modifying can be off-limits. Getting the ECU tuned? Your manufacturer will not be responsible for the powertrain damage due to the excessive load. Saying goodbye to your muffler and catalytic converter for the new exhaust system? Here comes another reason to void the warranty.
Even simple aesthetic tweaks, such as larger wheels or body kits, could end the warranty contract. So, confirm with your manufacturer to avoid making unnecessary modifications or to have them done professionally.
Totaling Your Vehicle
When the car has gone through a horrible crash enough to require repairs that cost 60 to 100 percent of its value, it’s given a salvage title. Your vehicle is considered unsafe to drive even if rebuilt just as new. Insurance may help you recover the loss, but the manufacturer will not, as you are out of warranty.
Ignoring Recall Notices
A manufacturer issues a recall notice to help you overcome the vehicle’s known defect. Not taking these recalls seriously and continuing to drive puts you and the warranty at risk. Why? An issue that a recall could easily fix didn’t happen because you failed to respond to the manufacturer’s notice.
Neglecting Software Updates
If you are an EV driver, this is for you. Manufacturers constantly develop software to ensure your vehicle goes down the road safely and efficiently. These updates contain bug fixes, security patches, and programs to prevent serious problems. Failing to install them puts your car’s safety and even the warranty at risk.
EV brands such as Tesla mention this. Tesla’s over-the-air updates require owners not to drive the car while the software is installed. Updates also won’t run when certain features are active. Skipping or ignoring these requirements can damage your car, which the warranty won’t cover.
Improper Jump Starting
It is not just the EVs; even the modern-day gas-powered vehicle has a lot of tech inside it. In case of an improper jump, you can fry the vehicle’s ECU and the rest of the essential electronics. Since this is not the manufacturer’s fault, even if the car was just a day old, the warranty is gone, making you responsible for the damage. So, be careful while dealing with modern vehicles, or get professional assistance in these scenarios.
More From Driver’s Drift
15 Reasons to Avoid Automatic Car Washes at All Costs
15 Compelling Reasons to Avoid Buying a Car With a Sunroof
14 Items You Should Never Leave in Your Car
Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
