What Would Void a Car Warranty?

What would void a car warranty? Few things are as reassuring to a new car buyer as a long car warranty. It’s great to know that even if your car isn’t as reliable you thought it would be, you won’t be held responsible for the repairs for the next several years. While the warranty can be a source of reassurance at the time of purchase, however, it can turn into a point of contention when the dealer claims your car warranty has been voided.

When a vehicle has been declared as a total loss by an insurance company, it gets a salvage title which would immediately void your car’s warranty. Even if the vehicle is repaired to work as good as new, it will no longer be eligible for warranty repairs.

Reckless driving includes racing, off-roading and overloading the vehicle. Even vehicles designed to be driven fast or off-road can be denied warranty coverage, so think twice before taking part in any risky activities with your car.

This condition of the warranty is often confusing for consumers. While many people think that it means they cannot make any alterations to their vehicle at all, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 says that the dealer must prove the aftermarket part led to the problem in order for it to void the car warranty. If it’s not clear whether or not the aftermarket part caused the failure, the dealer has to run a diagnosis. Also, it’s worth noting that performance aftermarket parts can cause a dealer to become suspicious of racing and possibly void the warranty on grounds of reckless driving.

Most warranties require the vehicle to be serviced regularly. This means that if the engine failed because of dirty oil buildup, for example, the repair wouldn’t be covered by the warranty. While your vehicle is under warranty, get the oil changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. You don’t have to have it maintained at the dealer, but make sure you keep all maintenance receipts with careful records.

No car warranty will cover damage done by nature. This includes environmental disasters like fire, flood, and earthquakes.

The most important thing you can do to keep the warranty of your car from being voided is to read all of the fine print. Many warranties contain conditions not listed in this article, and you’ll be out of luck even if you accidentally violate them.