Will an After Market Installation Void My Vehicle’s Warranty?

I am sure that most retailers would agreed that a common question we always hear is “Will this installation void my cars warranty.” The car dealer told them that if they had an after market product installed, their warranty would be voided. Nothing is further from the truth! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 specifically forbids the use of”tie-ins” by any manufactures. One example of a “tie-in” is a vehicle manufacturer requiring that the consumer use a specific brand of motor oil or the warranty will be voided.

Since “tie-ins” are made illegal by federal law, a dealer cannot void a warranty just because you choose not to use their product. The only way that they can require you to use their product is if they are offering it to you at no charge. For an easy to understand translation of the act, click here.

Of course, a dealer or manufacturer cannot be responsible for faulty workmanship or poor quality after market products. If an after market product is found to have caused a defect in the vehicle, the dealer can refuse to warranty that specific problem. To this end, it is even more important that you choose a reputable shop to do your after market installations.

I don’t want to make it sound like all car dealers are bad and out to refuse warranty claims. By far, most dealers try to stick to the law and do the right thing. In most cases, it is a poorly trained service manager who is unfamiliar with the law. Unfortunately, in some instances, your dealer may just be deceptive. These are the cases that deserve some attention. One option is to contact the Federal Trade Commission at (202) 326-3128 or www.ftc.gov

There are endless upgrades available for your vehicle. When properly installed by a professional, you can rest assured that you warranty will be intact and the results will be fantastic.

Posted by Mitchell Schaffer

Owner of Mobile Edge in Lehighton, PA

Mobile Edge is a leading provide of quality aftermarket accessories and installations in Eastern Pennsylvania

www.MobileEdgeOnline.com

mitch@mobileedgeonline.com