When you purchase a vehicle, the manufacturer or dealer will provide you with a warranty. This is a contract that promises to care for covered repairs provided that you live up to your end of the bargain. And just as with any contract, a warranty can be voided if you fall short of certain conditions.
Fortunately, not every circumstance can void a seemingly valid vehicle warranty. Sometimes, a repair for a particular part might not be covered by your warranty. However, you will still retain the warranty on the covered components of the vehicle. So when can your car’s manufacturer void or vacate your warranty?
Here are three instances when the car manufacturer can vacate a warranty:
If you misuse the vehicle
This can be broad and tricky, but anything outside the normal use of the vehicle can amount to misuse. Even when the manufacturer indicates that the car can run off-road, there are still plenty of grey areas when it comes to the extent to which you can drive the car off-road and the resulting damages that the warranty will cover. To avoid unpleasant surprises, do your best to use your vehicle in the most responsible manner possible.
If you neglect the vehicle
Just like misuse, it is important that you keep the car in stellar condition as much as you can. And this includes taking the vehicle for routine servicing. Failing to carry out basic routine maintenance like changing the oil can lead to damage to your car’s engine, and the manufacturer can decline to carry out such repairs.
If you modify the vehicle
A vehicle is an intricate piece of machine that is designed with several factors in mind. Thus, you risk losing your warranty if you decide to structurally modify it in a manner that violates the manufacturer’s original intent. From altering the odometer to modifying the vehicle’s structure, any modification that impacts the vehicle’s structure or performance can put your warranty in jeopardy.
No one in their right mind wants to have problems with their vehicle’s warranty. If your car’s manufacturer or dealer is attempting to vacate the warranty, yet you believe they shouldn’t, you need to fight for your rights.