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aftermarket-parts-void-my-car-warranty

Can Aftermarket Parts Void a Car Warranty?

Some drivers are happy with their vehicle just the way it is while others want to upgrade parts here or there to make the car more customized. There are also times when drivers need to use parts for repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear or unexpected breakdowns.

There are two ways that drivers can go about this.

First, they can take their vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs.These dealerships use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts that are the same as what was originally in a vehicle.They are also covered under the vehicle's warranty should failure occur within a specific timeframe.

The other thing that drivers could do is to go to a non-authorized dealership and use aftermarket parts to make repairs to a vehicle. However, there are several things that drivers should keep in mind before doing this.

The Downside of Using Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts may save drivers some money up front, but they can also cost more money in the long run.That is because using aftermarket parts on a particular part or system could result in the warranty being voided on that specific area.

Modifying a vehicle will never cause the entire warranty to be voided. However, warranty work on a particular part or system damaged by a modification or use of an aftermarket part may be denied. For example, a driver might add a turbocharger to their vehicle. If that turbocharged engine puts too much power on the transmission, causing the transmission to fail, warranty coverage on that repair could be denied because it was caused by an aftermarket part.

Using OEM Parts

A manufacturer or dealership cannot force drivers to use specific parts or centres for repairs in order to keep the warranty intact. But they may deny warranty coverage for a car that has been modified with aftermarket parts.

For this reason, it is advisable to replace worn-down or broken parts with OEM parts. Firstly because they are the specific parts that the car was built with, and the vehicle is made to run with that part. Secondly, they should be used because they continue the vehicle's warranty coverage and come with an additional warranty themselves in case of early failure.

The same is true for accessories that drivers want to add to the vehicle. Modifying a car to meet a driver's needs or expectations is great, but it should be done at an authorized dealership with OEM parts to ensure that everything fits together and works the way that it should.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

There are right and wrong places to use aftermarket parts. Accessories, both interior and exterior, have little chance of affecting other systems and voiding certain warranty work. Anything under the hood, however, should be closely examined. Using aftermarket parts will never void a vehicle's entire warranty, but it can get certain warranty repair work denied. When in doubt, drivers should choose OEM parts to extend the life of a vehicle and provide a warranty against defects or breakage, allowing drivers to enjoy stress-free driving for longer.