A car warranty is supposed to give you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong with your vehicle, you’re covered. But there are a lot of things that can void your warranty without you even realizing it.
Here are eight things that you might not know could put your warranty at risk.
Do your research before buying a car warranty
When it comes to car warranties, there are a lot of options out there. And while it’s important to find a warranty that fits your budget, it’s also important to make sure you’re not getting ripped off. That’s why it’s always a good idea to read reviews before choosing a car warranty.
There are a few things you should look for when reading reviews. First, see if the reviewers actually used the warranty they’re reviewing. Second, find out if the reviewers felt like they got their money’s worth. And finally, see if the reviewers experienced any problems with the warranty company.
If you take the time to read things like CarChex reviews before choosing a car warranty, you’ll be much more likely to choose a reputable company that will give you the coverage you need. And that can save you a lot of money and hassle down the road.
1. Modifications
One of the most common ways that people void their car warranties is by making modifications after they buy a car. Even something as simple as replacing your tires with a different size or brand can void your warranty.
And if you make more significant changes, like installing a new stereo system, you’re almost certainly going to void at least some portion of your warranty. So if you’re thinking about making any changes to your car, be sure to check your warranty first.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Another way to void your warranty is by not keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This includes things like oil changes, tune-ups, and other scheduled services.
If you don’t keep up with the schedule, or if you don’t have records showing that you did, then the manufacturer can void your warranty. So be sure to stay on top of your car’s maintenance needs.
3. Using Non-Approved Parts or Fluids
If you use parts or fluids that are not approved by the manufacturer, then you could void your warranty. This includes things like using aftermarket parts or using generic oils and fluids instead of the specific brands specified by the manufacturer.
So if you need to replace a part on your car, be sure to get an approved replacement part from the dealership or from an authorized service centre. And when it comes time for an oil change, use the brand and type of oil specified in your owner’s manual.
4. Accidents or Damage
If your car is involved in an accident or sustains any type of damage, then that can void your warranty as well. This includes both accidents that occur while you’re driving and incidents that happen while the car is parked, such as hail damage or a fallen tree branch.
So if anything happens to your car, be sure to take it to an authorized service centre for repairs as soon as possible so that you don’t risk voiding your warranty.
5. Excessive Wear and Tear
Just like with any other type of product, there is such a thing as normal wear and tear on a car. But if the wear and tear is excessive, then that can void your warranty.
This usually happens when people use their cars for purposes other than what they were intended for—such as using a passenger vehicle for commercial purposes or using a sports car on the track—but it can also happen simply from driving too much or not taking good care of the car.
So if you want to avoid voided warranties due to excessive wear and tear, be sure to use your car only as intended and keep up with all recommended maintenance schedules.
6. Driving Habits
The way you drive can also affect your warranty. For example, if you frequently drive on rough roads or in extreme weather conditions, that can wear down your car faster and void the warranty. So if you want to keep your warranty intact, it’s important to drive responsibly and not put too much stress on your car.
7. Misuse or Abuse
Misusing or abusing your car can also void the warranty. For example, if you use your car for off-road driving or racing, that can wear down the components faster and void the warranty. So if you want to keep your warranty intact, be sure to only use your car for its intended purpose. Towing without the proper equipment can also damage your car and void the warranty, so be sure to only tow with proper equipment when necessary.
8. Not Keeping Up With Recalls
If there’s a recall issued for your car, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Not doing so can void your warranty as well as put you and others at risk while driving. So be sure to stay up-to-date on any recalls issued for your car and get them fixed in a timely manner.
A car warranty is supposed to give you peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong with your vehicle, you’re covered; but there are actually a lot of things that can void your warranty without you even realizing it!
To make sure you’re keeping your warranty intact, avoid making modifications to your vehicle, failing to keep up with maintenance schedules, using non-approved parts or fluids, and sustaining damage from accidents or excessive wear and tear; all these are common ways people unknowingly void their own warranty!
