How to Know Which Modifications Will Void Your Car’s Factory Warranty

Modify Your Car Without Voiding Your Warranty

If you've just purchased your vehicle, odds are you're still giddy about your new purchase and are simply thrilled to be driving it. But, soon enough, you'll get the itch to start modifying the car to make it your own. Whether you want your car to be unique from the others out there on the road or you're looking to boost your power to meet your performance goals, there are modifications you can make to your car while still maintaining the factory warranty.

First, let's establish that virtually no modification will void your vehicle's warranty entirely; modifications will only void warranty claims in specific instances for the specific components they affect. Let's cover how to distinguish which mods are safe for your factory warranty and a few examples of warranty-friendly modifications, then some that you might want to be cautious of.

Knowing Warranty Law & Your Car Modifications

When considering modifying your car under warranty, the main thing to keep in mind is that you've got the law on your side. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, your modifications must be proven as the cause of a defect to merit the denial of a warranty claim. Remember, your vehicle is more than likely covered by several warranties. There's typically a powertrain warranty, a corrosion warranty, a basic coverage warranty, and typically more ancillary warranties, all with several distinct components within them, so modifying your car isn't typically an end-all-be-all for your car's warranties. In fact, it's illegal for a manufacturer to void the full warranty based on select aftermarket modifications.

There are, however, a few things that certainly will void your warranty. A salvage title, poor maintenance, and unreasonable use (like rally racing) can all verifiably void your factory warranty. You'll have to reference the manufacturer terms for the specifics of what each of those means for your car. Then, if you didn't buy the vehicle new off the lot, most manufacturer warranties apply differently to secondary owners (if at all). Certain modifications won't exactly void your warranty, but there can cause your warranty claim to be denied. Luckily, there are many modifications you can make to your car that uphold the factory warranty.

So, while throwing a monster turbocharger on your car isn't at all likely to get your corrosion warranty claim denied (unless you cut up the body panels to install it), you shouldn't expect the manufacturer to cover the bottom end replacement when you throw a rod. With that in mind, many components in your vehicle are interconnected in one way or another, so it's important to be cautious when choosing your modifications. And, of course, know that any parts you add to the car that wasn't part of the original equipment won't be covered under the manufacturer warranty (though those parts will likely have their own warranty from the aftermarket provider). Let's dive into a few modifications that are safe for your car and a few that have some gray areas.

Aero Upgrades & Your Warranty

Aero upgrades that don't require you to drill into steel panels or harm your paint are unlikely to affect any warranty. Screwing a huge spoiler into your decklid will undoubtedly make you solely responsible for any corrosion that happens to the decklid. Still, if your front fenders start rusting out, the manufacturer would have a tough time proving your spoiler caused the damage and your warranty claim would likely be upheld. Adding a front lip or a chassis-mounted spoiler should be a safe bet if you're looking to add aero upgrades under warranty. Browse our Angry Aero upgrades for your Evo and DSM vehicles in our online store.

Performance Brakes & Your Warranty

Another modification to your car that's generally a safe bet when trying to make the most of your factory warranty would be performance brakes. A big brake kit can make an enormous performance leap for those who put in time at the track, so don't hesitate to get some high-quality aftermarket brakes on your vehicle. Of course, we house a variety of high-quality performance brake kits for Evos, DSMs, GTRs, and Supras.

Catback Exhaust & Your Warranty

Exhaust systems are relatively simple and, as a result, are typically a safe bet for modification when properly installed with your warranty in mind. Still, it's best to stick with a catback exhaust system, as modifying the catalytic converter or anything before the exhaust system may cause some issues for your warranty (in addition to varying legality depending on where your car is registered). When you're ready to get a custom catback exhaust fitted to your car, give the professionals at Boostin Performance a call.

Chassis Brace & Your Warranty

Adding some rigidity to your ride is a great way to improve your vehicle's driving dynamics and stability, so components to stiffen up the body are a common choice for aftermarket upgrades. Luckily, chassis braces and swaybars are highly unlikely to void your vehicle's factory warranty except for a few finite components that are directly connected to them (like swaybar end links, for example, but you'll likely be replacing those anyway). With that in mind, browse the selection of chassis braces and swaybars at Boostin Performance today.

Aftermarket Wheels & Your Warranty

Modifying your car with aftermarket wheels can both appeal to your style and also improve performance with a lower rotational mass. Aftermarket wheels with the same dimensions as your factory wheels are unlikely to affect your warranty aside from the warranty that covers the factory wheels. Now, if you're big into fitment and get a thrill out of wheels that ride the fender, you should expect some additional warranties to be affected.

Performance Tires & Your Warranty

Will performance tires void your warranty claim? This can become a gray area, so sometimes yes and sometimes no. If you put slicks on the car and snap an axle when you launch it, the manufacturer would be well within their bounds to claim the modifications added stress that is not consistent with normal use and wear. But, if you're using a street-legal tire, the odds are more in your favor. However, you'll have to refer to your manufacturer's warranty details to be sure.

Will Coilovers Void My Warranty?

No, coilovers will not void your warranty in its entirety, but they can void a warranty claim for connected components. Say, if a ball joint goes bad after you throw on a set of coilovers and slam the car, that ball joint will more than likely not be covered by the factory warranty. Still, the performance benefits gained with a set of quality coilovers are hard to argue with, so when you're ready to fit them to your car, browse our selection of coilovers available in our online store.

Factory Warranty & Aftermarket Modifications

The factory warranty for your vehicle will not cover your modifications to the vehicle, but those components are likely to come with a warranty of their own from the aftermarket manufacturer. Any components that you replace or add to the vehicle that are not part of the standard equipment cannot be reasonably considered under warranty, as they are no longer the product that was originally sold to you. The remainder of the parts, however, so long as they are unaffected by the modifications, will remain under warranty for the predefined duration of the warranty.

Shop Warranty-Safe Aftermarket Automotive Parts at Boostin Performance

If you have any lasting questions about aftermarket automotive components and your factory warranty, don't hesitate to reach out to one of us at Boostin Performance. We might not be warranty attorneys, but we have seen our fair share of modified vehicles come through the shop, so we've picked up some knowledge over our years of experience. Whatever your performance goals, budget constraints, and warranty constraints, we are eager to work with you and build a plan toward your vision. Give us a call today!