When modifying your car, the last thing you wanna do is make changes that could potentially void your warranty.
While some modifications may seem harmless, they could lead to expensive repairs if the manufacturer denies your warranty claim.
In the article below, I’ll take you through various car mods that are generally safe and won’t void your warranty.
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Table of Contents
Key Points: Mods That Dont Void Warranty
| Modification | Description |
|---|---|
| Exterior Styling | Spoilers, splitters, body kits, window tinting (within legal limits) |
| Wheels & Tires | Upgrading to proper size wheels and tires for your vehicle |
| Interior Styling | Seat covers, floor mats, shift knobs, pedal covers |
| Audio System | Upgrading speakers, amplifiers, head units (proper installation) |
| Maintenance Mods | Air filters, spark plugs, brake pads/rotors (meeting OEM specs) |
| Lightweight Parts | Lightweight wheels, battery, underbody braces |
| Cosmetic Mods | Vinyl wraps, badges, decals |
| Short Shifters | Improve shifting feel without affecting drivetrain |
Exterior Styling Mods
One of the safest categories of car modifications is exterior styling. These mods typically don’t affect the vehicle’s performance or functionality, making them less likely to void your warranty.
1. Spoilers, Splitters, and Body Kits
Adding a spoiler, splitter, or body kit can enhance your car’s aerodynamics and give it a sportier look. As long as these components are installed correctly and don’t interfere with the vehicle’s operation, they shouldn’t void your warranty.
2. Wheels and Tires
Upgrading your wheels and tires is a popular modification that can improve your car’s appearance and handling. As long as you choose the correct size and specifications for your vehicle, installing new wheels and tires won’t void your warranty.
3. Window Tinting
Tinting your car’s windows is a common modification that can reduce glare and provide privacy. Most manufacturers allow window tinting as long as it meets local regulations and doesn’t exceed a certain level of darkness.
Interior Styling Mods
Like exterior styling mods, interior modifications that don’t affect the vehicle’s performance or safety systems are generally safe and won’t void your warranty.
1. Seat Covers and Floor Mats
Adding seat covers or custom floor mats can protect your car’s interior and give it a personalized look. As long as these accessories don’t interfere with the vehicle’s operation, they shouldn’t void your warranty.
2. Shift Knobs and Pedal Covers
Replacing your shift knob or adding pedal covers can enhance the driving experience and add a touch of style to your car’s interior. These modifications are typically safe and won’t void your warranty.
3. Audio System Upgrades
Upgrading your car’s audio system with new speakers, amplifiers, or a head unit is a common modification. As long as the installation is done correctly and doesn’t interfere with the vehicle’s electrical system, it shouldn’t void your warranty.
Performance Mods That May Void Your Warranty
While some performance modifications may not immediately void your warranty, they could increase the risk of denied claims if the manufacturer can prove that the mod caused the issue.
1. Air Intake Systems
Installing a cold air intake or performance air filter can improve your engine’s airflow and potentially increase horsepower. But, some manufacturers may consider this a modification that could void your warranty if it’s deemed responsible for an engine-related issue, and they would certainly try to get away with blaming it.
2. Exhaust Systems
Upgrading your exhaust system with a performance muffler or cat-back system can improve your car’s sound and usually increases horsepower. However, like air intake systems, some manufacturers may consider this a modification that could void your warranty.
3. Suspension Modifications
Lowering your car’s suspension or installing coilovers can improve handling and give your vehicle a sportier lowered look. But, any changes to the suspension system is likely going to result in the loss of your warranty as it relates specifically to the suspension system.
How to Increase Horsepower Without Voiding Warranty
If you’re looking to increase your car’s horsepower without risking your warranty, there are a few options to consider:
1. Tune-Up and Maintenance
Keeping your car well-maintained and performing regular tune-ups can help ensure that your engine is running at its peak performance. This includes replacing spark plugs, air filters, and other wear items as recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Lightweight Wheels, Rim and Tires
Upgrading to lightweight wheels, rims, and high-performance tires can reduce your car’s overall weight and improve acceleration and handling. As long as you choose the correct size and specifications, this modification is generally safe and won’t void your warranty.
3. Performance Chips and Tuners
Some manufacturers offer performance chips or tuners that can be installed by a certified dealer. These modifications are designed to increase horsepower and torque while still maintaining your warranty coverage. Remember: They must be approved by and installed by the manufacturer!
4. Superchargers and Turbochargers
If your car is naturally aspirated, installing a supercharger or turbocharger is probably the best way to juice your horsepower.
However, these modifications are typically considered major and may void your warranty, so it’s important to consult with the manufacturer or a reputable tuning shop before proceeding.
5. Headers
From what I have read, aftermarket headers don’t necessarily void your warranty, BUT, if the manufacturer determines that the headers caused any future problems related to the motor, they will certainly try to blame it on the headers.
My Final Thoughts and Advice
Remember, when it comes to making any modifications to your car, it’s always best to consult with the manufacturer or a trusted mechanic to ensure that your modifications won’t void your warranty.
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/VelosterN/comments/viwwx7/what_mods_can_i_do_without_voiding_warranty/?rdt=47452
- https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/shop-talk/5-things-to-consider-before-making-aftermarket-modifications-on-your-car/
- https://autoid.co/blogs/news-releases-builds/car-mods-that-wont-void-your-warranty
