Overhaulin'

If I buy a car, will modifications void the warranty?

Hello, if I buy (not lease) the new Camaro or Challenger, can I make modifications to the car like headers and exhaust, or will something happen like I will have to pay out of my pocket for vehicle maintenance. basically i know if ur under warranty they help fix car problems, but if i modify the car will i get in trouble and not get the dealer to pay for my other mechanical problems> im talking like straight piping my car

Public Comments

1. If you modify it, you will have to pay. It even says it on the packages of the modification products you buy. It may void your warranty, which means it will.
2. The warranty will usually define it word for word. And you can keep the OEM parts and reinstall them before you go back to the dealership to get work done. But it probably isn't a problem with exhaust. Maybe headers. And you should do intake too. :)
3. If you modify the car you will void the entire warranty. If you don't believe me, ask the dealer.
4. yes it will void it. think of it this way. a builder would guarantee the structure of a building. well if someone goes and makes changes on the structure it will comprise the quality. unless you get the dealer to make those mods then the warranty will be good because they did the work. hope that helps!
5. You'll blow your warranty! Also, make sure a manufactures approved supplier does any non urgent repairs and servicing too,,,using a cheap option can screw it up as well.
6. Most auto dealerships are stingy and jerks; they will say modifications to your car will void any warranties on your car. It's best to read and clarify the terms & conditions listed on there. Truthfully, many mechanics in these dealerships won't know the difference even if you made modifications to the car (if the mods you put on the car is done professionally). If you made modifications to your car, just don't mention it when you take your car back for maintenance. True auto mechanics, which are few in these big auto dealerships will know the difference, but it's best not to mention anything unless they ask. Dealerships will also add modifications themselves to cars to get them to sell quicker. Most buyers don't realize this, but it's true. They may NOT tell you they put these extra things into the car or swapped out the rims or done some engine work on the car because they're only interested in how the car looks just to get the car to sell faster. On my car, I made some modifications as well to my car regardless what warranties I had on my car. All modifications done to my car were done professionally as well either by myself or another reputable shop. If you are doing just headers and exhaust, you shouldn't have any problems, unless you buy a cheap eBay knockoff. Just remember to do some research. Here's a tip, going with a large exhaust piping probably won't do you any good and you might lose HP even if you decide to put a turbocharger in your car. You have to take into consideration the flow of exhaust that's moving through your exhaust piping. The lesson to learn here is: bigger isn't always better!
7. VOID
8. I know personally that GM and FORD will automatically void the Warranty if they discover any engine or drive train mods. And you cannot get the warranty back if you revert the car back to stock either. Their take on it is that they don't test the cars in these configurations, therefore, they don't honour the warranty after the car has run with them. These are the only two that I positively know to be true. I can't say what other car makers do.
9. your best bet is to ask your dealer what you an do to the car and not effect the warranty.