Modifying your Vehicle. Will it void your warranty. The Facts

[twospirits]

Problem:
Will installing/upgrading your vehicle with aftermarket equipment void the warranty?

For example: You take in your modified vehicle for repairs and its still under warranty. The dealership flat out tells you that the warranty is voided. This is done without analyzing the true case of the problem.

This has been said and repeated more than often that owners end up actually believing it. The dealership made a decision simply based on the fact that you’ve installed aftermarket equipment- a covenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.

The fact of the matter is that it is false.

FACT:
Dealers don’t like warranty work , because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers avoid such low-paying work. Instead they attempt to charge customers the prime service rate work which is rightfully done under warranty.

The vehicle owners are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty- Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975.
Under this act, aftermarket equipment (which usually improves performance) does not void a vehicles manufacturers warranty. The only exception to this act is if the the warranty clearly and conspicously states that that the aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statues, as well. These provide more protection for the owners.

A dealership/service department most prove –not just say- the aftermarket equipment caused the need for the repair before they can deny warranty coverage on that basis.

What to do:
1-Famliarize your self with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Read it and keep a copy of it in your vehicle.

2-Familiarize yourself with your manufacturers warranty.
(Not just the small text that the automaker posts on their website, but the actual full length document). see below.

3-If the dealership does give you this problem, then point out to the dealer the provision of the the Magnuson-Moss Act, and the actual warranty, and require that they explains to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem, thus the calim that it voids the warrranty. If they can't or their explanation sounds questionable it is your legal right to demand they comply with the warranty.

With that said, mod away members.

Resources:
The Official Hyundai Warranty Coverage Guide and,
The Hyundai Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Note: for the guide and manual you will need to have Winzip to uncompress the files.


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