Buying a new car is an exciting experience. The fresh scent of the interior, the smooth ride, and the knowledge that your vehicle is under warranty bring peace of mind. A car warranty is like a safety net, ensuring that if something goes wrong, you won’t be left footing the bill.
However, that safety net isn’t unconditional. Certain actions, whether intentional or accidental, can void your car’s warranty and leave you ineligible for lemon claims in California, potentially leaving you stuck with a defective vehicle.
Understanding what voids your car warranty is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s coverage. Let’s walk through the common mistakes that can lead to a voided warranty, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find yourself in a dispute over your coverage.
7 Common Issues That Can Void Your Warranty
One of the quickest ways to void your warranty is by making unauthorized modifications to your vehicle. This includes installing aftermarket parts that the manufacturer doesn’t approve of. Aftermarket parts, while often cheaper and sometimes more performant, can interfere with the vehicle’s operation and cause issues that the manufacturer never intended.
For example, suppose you install a non-approved turbocharger to boost your engine’s power, and it causes engine damage. In that case, the manufacturer is likely to refuse to cover the repair under warranty. It’s important to note that your coverage isn’t necessarily voided for the entire car but rather for the modified component. In this case, your powertrain protection may be voided, but your bumper-to-bumper coverage might remain intact.
Other issues that could void your warranty include:
1. Neglecting Maintenance and Using Improper Fluids
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your warranty valid. If you neglect routine services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, the manufacturer may deny claims related to those parts. It’s not enough to perform the maintenance; you must also document it. Keeping detailed records and receipts of all maintenance work, whether done by a dealership or a certified mechanic, is crucial.
2. Exceeding the Warranty’s Usage Limits
Most warranties have usage limits, such as mileage or time. If you exceed these limits, your warranty will be voided. For example, a manufacturer’s guarantee might be valid for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Once you cross that threshold, the manufacturer’s protection no longer applies.
3. Using the Vehicle Incorrectly
Another aspect of usage that can void your warranty is using your vehicle in a way it wasn’t designed for. This includes racing, off-roading (in cars not designed for it), or using the vehicle for commercial purposes when it’s intended for personal use. Such activities can place undue stress on the car and lead to premature wear and tear that the policy wasn’t designed to cover.
4. Environmental Damage
While warranties cover a lot of potential issues, they typically don’t cover damage caused by environmental factors. This includes natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hailstorms. It also encompasses issues like corrosion from salt on the roads or damage from extreme weather conditions.
5. Odometer Tampering
Odometer tampering is illegal, but some car owners may be tempted to roll back their odometer to increase their vehicle’s resale value or to avoid hitting the mileage limit on their warranty. However, manufacturers can usually detect when an odometer has been tampered with. If they find evidence of tampering, they will likely void the entire policy.
6. Salvage Titles and Total Loss Vehicles
If your vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company and issued a salvage title, the manufacturer’s guarantee is typically voided. Salvage title vehicles are those that have been in severe accidents or have suffered significant damage, rendering them uneconomical to repair.
What Happens If Your Warranty Is Voided?
Discovering that your warranty has been voided can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re facing costly repairs. However, all is not lost. If you believe your coverage was wrongfully voided, there are steps you can take.
First, carefully read through your policy to understand what is covered and what actions might void it. This will give you a clearer picture of whether the voiding was justified.
Next, if a dealership or manufacturer tells you that your policy is void, ask for a detailed explanation in writing. This documentation will be valuable if you decide to dispute the decision.
How to Avoid Voiding Your Warranty
Preventing your warranty from being voided is mostly a matter of common sense and careful vehicle ownership. Here are some tips to keep your coverage intact:
- Stick to the Maintenance Schedule: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule religiously and keep detailed records of all work done on your vehicle.
- Use Approved Parts and Services: Whenever possible, use manufacturer-approved parts and have your vehicle serviced by authorized dealers or certified mechanics.
- Avoid Unauthorized Modifications: Before making any modifications to your vehicle, check with the manufacturer or your dealership to ensure that the changes won’t void anything.
- Drive Responsibly: Use your vehicle within the intended parameters set by the manufacturer. Avoid racing, off-roading in unsuitable vehicles, and other extreme activities that could damage your car.
- Protect Your Vehicle from Environmental Damage: Whenever possible, store your vehicle in a garage or use a cover to protect it from the elements. Regularly wash your car, especially during winter months, to remove road salt and prevent corrosion.
Protect Your Lemon Claim Eligibility by Protecting Your Car
Your car warranty is a valuable asset that can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs, but it comes with conditions. By understanding what actions can void your warranty, you can take steps to avoid those pitfalls and keep your coverage intact. At Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of car warranties and stand by your side in any disputes with manufacturers. If you have questions about your warranty or believe it has been wrongfully voided to prevent you from making a lemon claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team for assistance.
Taking care of your vehicle and adhering to the terms of your warranty will help ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of your coverage, giving you peace of mind and confidence on the road.
