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Old 8th April 2009, 11:33   #1
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What can make your car's warranty null and void?

Mods & Team : I searched through the forum and found that there are specific issues discussed related to warranty. But in this thread I would like to discuss different factors that can make your car’s warranty null and void. If this thread is redundant, please close it.

I recently came to know that using synthetic oil can void the car’s warranty, and realized that there so many factors that we don’t really know which can affect the car’s warranty. Of course different manufacturers have different clauses of warranty but here I want to list down common and generic factor that can essentially void the warranty.

And what parts are covered under warranty and extended warranty.
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Old 8th April 2009, 11:44   #2
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Parts which are covered under warranty and extended warranty are listed in your vehicle's manual/warranty booklet.

As for what voids warranty? Well, the easiest answer is, whatever the dealer thinks will. If you have a good rapport with the dealer, you can have a FFE, CAI and still have warranty. If you don't, one little aftermarket horn and it is byebye warranty for electricals.
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Old 8th April 2009, 11:57   #3
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This is a very broad topic that you are choosing to cover. In a nutshell, whatever mechanical parts come stock with the car are covered under warranty. Extended warranty is the same (covers all parts), except it provides an extension of time.

A car's warranty can be broadly classified into - engine warranty, cycle parts warranty and electricals warranty. Items not covered are tyres, batteries (separately warranted by the battery manufacturer) and seats.

If you carry out modifications to any one part, it leads to warranty of that part getting void. For example, fitting engine performance enhancers of any kind (which change mechanicals inside the engine) void the engine warranty. This could include synthetic engine oil (as it is different from the manufacturer's prescribed grade of engine oil), replacement air filters, tuning boxes etc.

Similarly, fitting HIDs instead of stock headlights, or aftermarket ICE accessories voids the electricals warranty - as all these involve tampering with the stock wiring of the car.

Fitting aftermarket shock-absorbers or struts voids the cycle part warranty.

What is the way out? Simple, either have the dealer/service centre as your friend. Or fit parts which can be taken out/replaced with stock before going in for service. For example, I have been offered a solution for underbodybody neons where no wires are cut. The wires drawing power for the Neons are merely clipped on to the existing electrical system. Before going for the service, simply remove the neons (and clips) and your car is as good as stock. A similar method is fitting Pete's tuning kit, which can be taken out before going for service.
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Old 8th April 2009, 12:20   #4
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Godzilla owners have it really bad
Corner-Carvers Forums - View Single Post - New Infiniti Skyline GTR


As one of the forum members there have posted, essentially, it is equivalent to saying
Quote:
"Congratulations on your purchase of an evening with one of the most beautiful call girls in the world. You'll be expected to lavish expensive gifts, sublime meals, and a penthouse suit hotel room on her. You can look at her all you want, and you can put your arm around her in public. You may not actually have intercourse with her."

Nissan Escort Service
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Old 8th April 2009, 12:25   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by predatorwheelz View Post
This is a very broad topic that you are choosing to cover. In a nutshell, whatever mechanical parts come stock with the car are covered under warranty. Extended warranty is the same (covers all parts), except it provides an extension of time.

Extended warranty is not same as warranty. It is more like an "insurance". This insurance is underwritten by some General insurance company and Dealer has to liaison with them for any claim.

So, insurance company would add additional paperwork and chances of claim being denied.
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Old 8th April 2009, 15:39   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by throttleking View Post
I recently came to know that using synthetic oil can void the car’s warranty
Synthetic oil will NOT void your warranty as long as you use a synthetic that meets the minimum grade & the exact viscosity required by the manufacturer.

Most common ways to lose your warranty:

1. Not getting the car serviced / maintained as per the manufacturers recommended schedule.

2. After-market electronic accessories (lights etc.).

3. After-market performance accessories (free flow etc.).
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Old 8th April 2009, 15:44   #7
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Be very careful when installing ICE.
Some installers end up cutting the wires instead of using the harness.

This can happen at both a dealer and an external sale shop.
Take care.
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Old 8th April 2009, 20:49   #8
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To retain the warranty have any new parts/modifications installed by the authorised service station using OEM parts. That will ensure the warranty is not voided. I recently got my windshield replaced under warranty since there was a crack on it.
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Old 8th April 2009, 22:37   #9
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Most important ones:

After market CNG / LPG fitting.

After market servicing / repairing.
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Old 9th April 2009, 00:00   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loving_alaap View Post
Most important ones:

After market CNG / LPG fitting.

After market servicing / repairing.
After buying my car i10 I installed Autocop remote central locking with reverse siren. Due to the difference in cost I did not fit it in the showroom and I opted to fit it in a nearby shop. Does this mean my car's electrical warranty is gone ??? As fitting the remote central locking involves some alterations in the electrical wiring in the car.
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Old 9th April 2009, 12:27   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sam_boy View Post
After buying my car i10 I installed Autocop remote central locking with reverse siren. Due to the difference in cost I did not fit it in the showroom and I opted to fit it in a nearby shop. Does this mean my car's electrical warranty is gone ??? As fitting the remote central locking involves some alterations in the electrical wiring in the car.
Depends on your dealer, but generally no. The newer gen autocops don't require substantial wire splicing either. I haven't really come across any warranty claims (including mine) being denied for an after-market autocop install.
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Old 9th April 2009, 17:56   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay View Post
Extended warranty is not same as warranty. It is more like an "insurance". This insurance is underwritten by some General insurance company and Dealer has to liaison with them for any claim.

So, insurance company would add additional paperwork and chances of claim being denied.
Ok so if there is no extended warranty provided by the Dealer/Manufacturer, then can one get something similar directly from an Insurance company?
Also, do you mean that extended warranty is not of much use?
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Old 9th April 2009, 19:15   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WheelWake View Post
can one get something similar directly from an Insurance company?
I don't think there is such a product directly for end users.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WheelWake View Post
Also, do you mean that extended warranty is not of much use?

It is quite useful but you need to read the fine print to verify what is covered and what is not.

For example : this thread talks about seat belt that is NOT covered by extended warranty

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/access...-warranty.html

This thread talks about specifically what is covered for a specific car

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...able-here.html


Some good info:
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/buyin...es-yes-no.html (ARTICLE: Extended Warranties. Yes or No?)
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Old 9th April 2009, 19:17   #14
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@ WheelWake: I have actually had a good experience with extended warranty on my earlier car. The heater went bad and was replaced under warranty, no questions asked.
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Old 9th April 2009, 21:18   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
3. After-market performance accessories (free flow etc.).
just wondring how will this void warranty. where as it should'nt be.
just my opinion.
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