What Voids a Car Warranty?

A warranty is a legal agreement between you and the automaker. If you keep the vehicle up to standard expectations, it guarantees to take care of any necessary repairs. But like any agreement, it can be broken if you don't fulfill your half of the bargain. It's critical to understand what situations render your guarantee null and useless.

How to Know What Voids a Car Warranty?

How does warranty work on a car? Not all situations will completely nullify or void your warranty. In some cases, the guarantee on the vehicle's balance will apply even if the repairs for a particular part are not covered. The best way to maintain a car warranty is to read the terms and conditions to grasp your rights. 

When you take your automobile to the dealership for warranty work, the retailer must submit a claim to the manufacturer or warranty provider to be compensated for the job done. 

The claim will be rejected, and the dealer won't be compensated if the repair bill isn't covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This can mean you are paying for the bill out of your own money, and a dealer will often decide if your automobile is insured before a claim is filed.

So, a manufacturer or service provider who prepares the service contracts may void your warranty if you don't follow the rules outlined in your contract. Some things cancel your warranty partly, and some circumstances will cancel your entire warranty, making it impossible for you to submit claims for repair bills.

What Causes a Void Warranty

The following situations may cause a car warranty to be canceled, partly or fully, depending on their impact on your vehicle.

• Aftermarket Parts: If you modify your car or install aftermarket parts, most manufacturers will void the warranty. Many aftermarket parts void the warranty, and most are illegal to use in many states. Check for the aftermarket part's accreditation before use. Pedal Commander doesn't void your warranty; it is also a performance aftermarket part. Pedal Commander assures this by owning a CARB certification, making it legal to use.
• Ineffective Maintenance: Avoid this at all costs if a warranty still covers your car. The dealer is not liable for fixing engine damage if you neglect to bring your vehicle in for service during routine maintenance. You must adhere to and record your factory-recommended maintenance schedule to maintain the validity of your warranty. 
• Use of Wrong Fluids: Made an enemy who poured foreign fluids into your car, or you forgot to use diesel fuel while your car was running on gasoline? The damage to your vehicle caused by “wrong fluid use” is not covered under warranty. Always check your owner's handbook to be sure you're using the proper fluids.

What Voids an Entire Car Warranty?

• Vehicle Abuse: Your warranty will be void if you use your car for activities other than regular driving, like off-roading or racing. This also applies to employing unsuitable fluids.
• Extreme Environmental Damage: If your product was harmed by a natural disaster such as a fire or flood, your warranty would no longer be honored.
• Odometer Tampering: If the odometer has been altered, the dealer won't be able to determine the vehicle's actual mileage, which could void your warranty.
• Complete Loss: Your warranty is canceled if your car received a salvage title following a severe collision. With certified pre-owned vehicles, it's not a concern to unknowingly buy a salvaged car. Bear it in mind if you're planning to buy an old used car from a person or an independent used car shop. We advise ordering a vehicle history report if you are unclear about a car's background.

How do You Check if Your Car is Under Warranty?

You may ask, “How do I check if my car is under warranty?”. How can you tell if the manufacturer's warranty is still valid? Try out the actions below to find out if your vehicle is still under warranty.

Locate the VIN Number

The first step in digging for the factory warranty on your car is to locate the VIN or vehicle identifying number. This number is unique to your car and functions similarly to a person's social security number. 

Each vehicle has a distinct location for the VIN, but let's list two for clarity. A little metal plate (may vary) should be visible on the driver's side of the windshield, immediately above the dashboard. Your VIN is represented by the letters and digits on this license plate. 

The driver's side door's edge (the position may vary) is another area to look for the number. The VIN will be one of many pieces of information on the sticker that is already there.

Contact the Dealership

The only reliable approach to determine your vehicle's factory warranty if you cannot locate the VIN number is to contact or go to your dealership. They can tell you with certainty what is and is not covered, if anything at all, but they will require the VIN number to dig up the information. 

The factory warranty on your car goes into effect when it is first sold. Therefore, the manufacturer guarantee on your 2020 automobile might still be in effect today if it remained on the dealer's lot until it was sold in 2022. Calling the dealership is the only way to be certain.

How to Handle a Modified Car Warranty?

If you’re modifying your vehicle, a helpful habit is to keep papers if you ever want to sell your car, as well as proof that you kept up with vehicle maintenance. Save the documents for the purchased parts and fluids if you perform maintenance on your vehicle.

If you believe your warranty claim is being handled unfairly, speak with a dealer supervisor, the manufacturer, or another dealer. If necessary, register a complaint with the FTC, the local BBB (Better Business Bureau), or the state attorney general.