ALT-1 Things that can Void a Car Warranty
A car warranty can last anything from 12 months to eight years and cover anything up to 100000 miles. Most everyday problems and maintenance issues that you will encounter with your car will be covered under this warranty. So it’s important not to do anything that will cause it to be void, otherwise you will have to pay for any work that needs done to your car out of your own pocket.
Whilst your car is under warranty you will be required to present it for regular servicing to change the oil and oil filters, check the tyres, brakes and the fluids and ensure that your car is running as it should. This routine servicing is important as you will get your car owners log book stamped to certify that the car is being checked regularly, (which is also important when you come to resell your vehicle). Not turning your car in for this scheduled maintenance will void the warranty. The same applies if you do not maintain your car properly by failing to replace worn out brake pads, tyres or other parts that are identified as needing attention during the service.
If your car is in an accident and is declared a total loss this will render your warranty useless. Even if you decide to restore the vehicle to its former condition your warranty will not be valid because the car was once considered to be a ‘write off’. Likewise any damage as a result of an ‘Act of God’.
Your car’s speedometer, or odometer, shows the mileage of the car. If this has been tampered with in any way then your warranty will be void. And, not only will you void your warranty but you may also end up in trouble with the police, as tampering with the mileage of a vehicle is illegal.
Misusing your vehicle is a sure fire way to void the warranty. If you take part in any activities that are not recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, such as driving off road, drifting, racing or overloading your vehicle then you will be liable for any repairs. Any modifications that you make to your vehicle to enhance or in any way change the normal operation of the car (whether it be to better the performance of your vehicle in any of the aforementioned activities or not) will also void your warranty.
Lastly – and this is a mistake that many people make – do not fill a diesel car up with petrol, or vice versa. Not only will this void your entire warranty but it will cost you a fortune to rectify the damage.
It’s worth noting, however, that not every situation will void your full warranty. Sometimes, repairs for a specific part of the car may not be covered but your warranty will remain intact for the rest of the vehicle, so it’s always worth double checking with your dealer.
