Things that can potentially void your vehicle warranty

Here are some common examples:

1. Unauthorized modifications – If you make unauthorized modifications to your vehicle, such as installing non-factory parts or altering the engine or exhaust system, this can potentially void your warranty.
2. Neglecting maintenance – If you fail to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake inspections, this can potentially void your warranty. It’s important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual to avoid this.
3. Using non-approved fluids – If you use non-approved fluids, such as non-manufacturer-approved engine oil or coolant, this can potentially void your warranty.
4. Misuse or abuse of the vehicle – If you use the vehicle in a way that it was not intended to be used, such as towing a trailer that exceeds the vehicle’s maximum capacity or using the vehicle for off-road driving, this can potentially void your warranty.
5. Failing to report problems in a timely manner – If you fail to report problems with your vehicle to the manufacturer or dealership in a timely manner, this can potentially void your warranty. It’s important to report any issues as soon as you become aware of them.

It’s important to note that warranty coverage can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific terms of the warranty. It’s always a good idea to carefully read and understand the terms of your warranty to avoid inadvertently voiding the coverage. Additionally, it’s important to keep accurate records of all maintenance and repairs performed on the vehicle, as this can help to support any warranty claims in the future.

Things that will not void your vehicle warranty

Here are some common examples:

1. Using approved parts and fluids – If you use parts and fluids that are approved by the manufacturer, this will not void your warranty. It’s important to use the parts and fluids specified in the owner’s manual to ensure that the warranty remains valid.
2. Performing regular maintenance – If you perform regular maintenance on your vehicle as recommended in the owner’s manual, this will not void your warranty. It’s important to keep accurate records of all maintenance performed to support any warranty claims in the future.
3. Reporting problems in a timely manner – If you report problems with your vehicle to the manufacturer or dealership in a timely manner, this will not void your warranty. It’s important to report any issues as soon as you become aware of them to avoid any delays or denials of warranty coverage.
4. Using the vehicle as intended – If you use the vehicle for its intended purpose, such as normal driving on paved roads, this will not void your warranty. It’s important to avoid using the vehicle in ways that it was not intended to be used, such as off-road driving or towing beyond the vehicle’s capacity.
5. Repairs performed by authorized dealers or mechanics – If you have repairs or maintenance performed by authorized dealers or mechanics, this will not void your warranty. It’s important to verify that the service provider is authorized by the manufacturer to perform the work.

Will Non-Dealer Oil Changes Void the Vehicle Warranty?

No, non-dealer oil changes will generally not void the vehicle warranty. As long as the oil used meets the manufacturer’s specifications and the oil change is performed according to the recommended schedule in the owner’s manual, the warranty will remain valid. It is not necessary to have oil changes done at a dealership to maintain the validity of the warranty.

However, it’s important to keep accurate records of all oil changes and other maintenance performed on the vehicle to support any warranty claims in the future. If there is any question about whether a particular service or repair might void the warranty, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual or the manufacturer for guidance.

It’s worth noting that some manufacturers may recommend or require the use of specific brands or types of oil for optimal performance or to maintain warranty coverage. It’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure that the vehicle is being properly maintained and to avoid any potential warranty issues.

Does Changing the Exhaust System Void the Vehicle Warranty?

It’s possible that changing the exhaust system on your vehicle could void the vehicle warranty, as it may be considered an unauthorized modification. Many vehicle warranties include provisions that require all repairs and modifications to be made using manufacturer-approved parts and procedures. Any modifications that alter the exhaust system or other components of the vehicle could potentially void the warranty if they are not authorized by the manufacturer.

That being said, some manufacturers offer aftermarket exhaust systems that are approved for use on their vehicles, and installing one of these systems would not void the warranty. It’s important to check with the manufacturer or dealership before making any modifications to the exhaust system to ensure that they will not affect the warranty.

Will Changing the Spoiler Void My Vehicle Warranty?

Changing the spoiler on your vehicle could potentially void the vehicle warranty if it is considered an unauthorized modification. Many vehicle warranties include provisions that require all repairs and modifications to be made using manufacturer-approved parts and procedures. Any modifications that alter the aerodynamics or other components of the vehicle could potentially void the warranty if they are not authorized by the manufacturer.

That being said, some manufacturers offer aftermarket spoilers or body kits that are approved for use on their vehicles, and installing one of these systems would not void the warranty. It’s important to check with the manufacturer or dealership before making any modifications to the spoiler to ensure that they will not affect the warranty.

Will Changing the Battery Void My Vehicle Warranty?

No, changing the battery on your vehicle should not void the vehicle warranty as long as the replacement battery meets the manufacturer’s specifications and is installed correctly. A battery replacement is a common maintenance item and is not considered a modification that would void the warranty.

However, if the replacement battery is not the correct size, voltage, or amperage for the vehicle, or if it is not installed correctly, this could potentially damage the vehicle’s electrical system and void the warranty. It’s important to follow the specifications and instructions in the owner’s manual or consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership to ensure that the replacement battery is appropriate for your vehicle.

Does Changing or Modifying the Suspension Void the Warranty?

Changing or modifying the suspension on your vehicle could potentially void the vehicle warranty if it is considered an unauthorized modification. Many vehicle warranties include provisions that require all repairs and modifications to be made using manufacturer-approved parts and procedures. Any modifications that alter the suspension or other critical components of the vehicle could potentially void the warranty if they are not authorized by the manufacturer.

That being said, some manufacturers offer suspension upgrades or performance packages that are approved for use on their vehicles, and installing one of these systems would not void the warranty. It’s important to check with the manufacturer or dealership before making any modifications to the suspension to ensure that they will not affect the warranty.

If you do decide to make modifications to the suspension, it’s a good idea to keep the original components and documentation in case they need to be reinstalled in the future to maintain the validity of the warranty. Additionally, it’s important to carefully research and select the appropriate suspension upgrades to avoid any potential damage to the vehicle or issues with safety compliance. It’s also a good idea to consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership to ensure that the modifications are appropriate for your vehicle and are installed correctly.

Does a cold air intake void warranty in Canada

The answer to whether installing a cold air intake voids your vehicle’s warranty in Canada can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In general, adding aftermarket parts like a cold air intake may not automatically void the entire vehicle’s warranty, but it may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts.

Under Canadian law, car manufacturers cannot simply void a vehicle’s warranty because an aftermarket part was added to the vehicle. However, if the aftermarket part causes damage to the vehicle or leads to a failure of a covered component, the warranty may not cover the repairs related to that specific component.

It’s also worth noting that some vehicle manufacturers may have specific policies or guidelines related to aftermarket parts and warranty coverage. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle to avoid any warranty issues down the line.

FAQs

Here are some common FAQs related to what will and will not void your vehicle warranty in Canada:

Q: Will using aftermarket parts void my vehicle warranty? A: Not necessarily. Adding aftermarket parts to your vehicle does not automatically void your vehicle’s warranty, but it may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the aftermarket parts cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component.

Q: Can I take my car to a third-party repair shop and still keep my warranty? A: Yes, you can take your car to a third-party repair shop and still keep your warranty. However, it’s important to ensure that the repairs are done according to the manufacturer’s specifications and that any replacement parts used are either OEM or equivalent quality.

Q: Will using non-manufacturer recommended oil void my warranty? A: It depends on the specific warranty agreement. Some manufacturers require the use of specific oil types or brands, while others do not. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what type of oil to use.

Q: Will modifying my vehicle’s suspension void my warranty? A: Modifying your vehicle’s suspension may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will adding accessories like a roof rack or trailer hitch void my warranty? A: Adding accessories like a roof rack or trailer hitch should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the installation is done properly and does not cause damage to the vehicle. However, any damage caused by the accessories may not be covered under the warranty.

Overall, it’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what modifications or repairs may impact your warranty coverage.

Q: Will installing a performance exhaust system void my warranty? A: Installing a performance exhaust system may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will using a different brand of tires void my warranty? A: It depends on the specific warranty agreement. Some manufacturers require the use of specific tire types or brands, while others do not. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what type of tires to use.

Q: Will using aftermarket brake pads or rotors void my warranty? A: Using aftermarket brake pads or rotors should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the parts are either OEM or equivalent quality and the installation is done properly. However, any damage caused by the aftermarket parts may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will using aftermarket spark plugs void my warranty? A: Using aftermarket spark plugs should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the parts are either OEM or equivalent quality and the installation is done properly. However, any damage caused by the aftermarket parts may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will adding a turbo or supercharger void my warranty? A: Adding a turbo or supercharger may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will tinting my windows void my warranty? A: Tinting your windows should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the tinting is done properly and does not cause damage to the vehicle. However, any damage caused by the tinting may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will installing a new stereo system void my warranty? A: Installing a new stereo system should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the installation is done properly and does not cause damage to the vehicle. However, any damage caused by the installation may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will modifying the engine or transmission void my warranty? A: Modifying the engine or transmission may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will using non-manufacturer recommended parts or fluids void my warranty? A: It depends on the specific warranty agreement. Some manufacturers require the use of specific parts or fluids, while others do not. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what parts or fluids to use.

Q: Will neglecting regular maintenance void my warranty? A: Neglecting regular maintenance may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the lack of maintenance causes damage to the vehicle or leads to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and keep records of all maintenance and repairs done on the vehicle to ensure that your warranty coverage remains valid.

Q: Will using aftermarket air filters void my warranty? A: Using aftermarket air filters should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the parts are either OEM or equivalent quality and the installation is done properly. However, any damage caused by the aftermarket parts may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will changing the exhaust sound or volume void my warranty? A: Changing the exhaust sound or volume may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will modifying the suspension or ride height void my warranty? A: Modifying the suspension or ride height may impact the warranty coverage for certain parts if the modifications cause damage to the vehicle or lead to a failure of a covered component. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Q: Will adding a backup camera or other safety features void my warranty? A: Adding a backup camera or other safety features should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the installation is done properly and does not cause damage to the vehicle. However, any damage caused by the installation may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will using a different type of fuel void my warranty? A: It depends on the specific warranty agreement. Some manufacturers require the use of specific types of fuel, while others do not. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what type of fuel to use.

Q: Will adding a trailer hitch or towing a trailer void my warranty? A: Adding a trailer hitch or towing a trailer should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the installation and use is done properly and does not cause damage to the vehicle. However, any damage caused by the hitch or towing may not be covered under the warranty.

Q: Will using winter tires or all-season tires void my warranty? A: Using winter or all-season tires should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the tires are of the appropriate size and speed rating for your vehicle and meet the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what type of tires to use.

Q: Will using a different brand of battery void my warranty? A: Using a different brand of battery should not void your vehicle’s warranty as long as the battery is of the appropriate size and capacity for your vehicle and meets the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s important to review your vehicle’s warranty agreement and consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about what type of battery to use.

Q: Will performing maintenance or repairs on my own void my warranty? A: Performing maintenance or repairs on your own should not automatically void your vehicle’s warranty, but any damage caused by the repairs or use of non-manufacturer-approved parts may not be covered under the warranty. It’s important to keep records of all maintenance and repairs done on the vehicle and to consult with your dealership or manufacturer if you have any questions about specific maintenance or repair procedures.

Q: Can I purchase an extended warranty for my vehicle? A: Yes, you can purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle. Extended warranties provide additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s original warranty and can help protect you from unexpected repairs or expenses. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of any extended warranty before purchasing to ensure that it meets your specific needs.