Don't Try These Car Maintenance Hacks Unless You Want to Void Your Warranty
Do you think your ingenious do-it-yourself tricks are outsmarting the service manual? Think again. Certain maintenance procedures, such as innocuous improvements or cost-cutting shortcuts, may make your automobile seem great, but they may also ruin your warranty. Read on to steer clear of the fixes that result in finger-pointing and costly out-of-pocket regrets before you bravely pop the bonnet.
ECU Tuning / Performance Chips
Manufacturers frequently set cars to lower performance levels than they are truly capable of in order to comply with emission standards, make sure fuel consumption is low enough to be competitive, and adhere to other restrictions. Don’t mess with these unless you want your warranty voided!
Performance Exhausts
The engine runs more effectively when gases are able to escape thanks to a performance exhaust. More air and fuel can enter the combustion chamber to boost power if they leave more quickly, but it’s not only not safe, it can also obliterate your warranty.
Cold Air Intake
This is an additional vehicle modification that boosts engine performance by adding more oxygen. Compared to the standard OEM intake, the aftermarket intake draws in colder air. More oxygen is introduced into the combustion chamber by the cooler air, increasing power.
Use of Nitrous Oxide
Racing is the primary usage of nitrous oxide, not everyday driving. Nitrous oxide separates into nitrogen and oxygen when heated. More oxygen is now available for combustion as a result. Consequently, more power may be produced by using more fuel. Definitely not covered under a warranty!
Turbochargers
Air is compressed and sent into the combustion chamber by a turbocharger, which improves engine performance. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? However, messing with this powerful update could result in your warranty being voided more quickly than your speedometer increases, leaving you with more headaches than horsepower. Is it worth it?
Aftermarket Wheels and Tyres
One of the most common aesthetic additions to a new car is changing the rims. On the other hand, improperly sized wheels might damage an automobile's suspension. When replacing the wheels or tires on a new car, be sure the parts are the same size as the original OEM ones.
Lowered Suspension
Not only does a lowered suspension look fantastic, but the less air moving beneath the car improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Road handling and cornering skills can also be enhanced by installing a variety of additional suspension parts, but is it worth it?
Lifted Suspension
Raising a car's suspension increases visibility and ground clearance for off-road excursions, two alluring benefits for thrill-seekers. However, be aware that suspension modifications can conflict with manufacturer warranties. Lower coverage, higher ride. Be careful as you go.
Body Kits
Add-on components like a front bumper, splitters, side sills, and a rear spoiler are commonly included in body kits. These enhance aerodynamics and offer a car a sportier appearance. You might look cool, but you’ll soon regret it!
Aftermarket Lighting
Conventional interior or exterior automobile lights can be replaced with a variety of LED lights, ranging from High-Intensity Display (HID) kits to different LED bulbs. However, your warranty might hold them accountable if something electronic malfunctions.
Using Non-OEM
It may seem wise to save some dollars on off-brand brake fluid, but that is until your dealership gives you the "fluid fraud" look. Manufacturer specifications are in place to prevent unknown juice from interfering with the machinery.
Skipping Oil Change Intervals
It would be like delaying dental checkups until a tooth falls out or putting off oil changes because "it still looks golden." Engines aren't very forgiving, and when sludge throws a party, your warranty gets the backlash!
Installing Remote Start Systems
Who wouldn't want to start their car from the comfort of their sofa? However, a single wayward wiretap could cause your ECU to lose its cool. Expect the warranty to disappear if the alarm goes into full techno rave mode.
Flushing Your Own Transmission
Chaos is guaranteed to ensue if the fluid or pressure spikes in the wrong way in your transmission. When combined with dubious technique and a pound-shop funnel, warranties don't like the same excitement you receive from DIY-ing.
Overusing Fuel System Cleaners
While a little cleaning could be helpful, marinating your fuel system every day is like giving your dog a perfume bath. Eventually, you'll smell something burning, and it won't be praise; rather, it's your warranty bidding you farewell.
Using Incorrect-Grade Fuel
It's an immediate regret to feed cheap fuel to a high-performance engine, just like feeding junk food to a racehorse. Later, your turbo will knock, sputter, and throw a fit, and your warranty? At closing time, it will ghost you more quickly than a shady mechanic. Either pay the premium or keep it at a high standard.
DIY Windshield Repairs With Off-Brand Resins
Resin kits seem like a lot of fun until the sensors beneath the glass start acting strangely. Your lane assist may believe that every road is a rollercoaster after one poorly executed repair. Your warranty will flee for the hills.
Aftermarket Alarm Systems
Random honks, system malfunctions, and ignition meltdowns are some of the twitchy drama queens that can be aftermarket alarms. Electrical soap operas are not appreciated by your warranty, particularly if they are guided by the best do-it-yourself solutions on eBay.
Painting Brake Calipers Without Prep
Custom calliper color? Yes please. Your brakes clogged by overspray? Not as fun. Performance deteriorates more quickly than your warranty on safety components after one incorrectly applied coat of paint.
Using Household Cleaners On Sensitive Surfaces
If you bleach your dashboard like a bathroom tile, you'll end up with cracked plastic and suspiciously citrus-smelling seats. DIY chemistry experiments are not covered by warranties, particularly if they result in stains and regrets.
Installing Scented Cabin Air Filters
Your air vents' "lavender breeze" sounds beautiful, but it stifles airflow and causes the HVAC system to wheeze as if it were allergic to fresh air. No matter how peaceful it may smell, warranties don't engage in scented sabotage.
Jump-Starting With Mismatched Cables
Reverse-starting could cause more fireworks than you anticipated, and none of it is good for your warranty. Your electrics will begin writing a three-act tragic opera with just one zap to the incorrect terminal.
Using Magnetic Phone Mounts On Sensored Dashboards
A magnet close to your dash sensors? A brave feat. Halfway through a ghosting session, the warranty will not be your wingman when adaptive cruise becomes confused and starts playing bumper cars.
Uncertified Tinted Windows
You might as well put blindfolds on your safety systems if the tint is excessively dark or tech-blocking. The warranty abruptly ends if your sunshine sensors become grumpy or your radar starts acting out.
Disabling Start-Stop Systems Via Cheap Plug-Ins
Devices that claim to "fix" start-stop systems frequently steal your warranty in order to do so. When unidentified USB devices alter factory software, the system complains, and coverage quietly disappears.
