A cold air intake helps bring cool air into the engine, allowing superior output. Cold air is dense and hence offers more advantages for engine induction over normal air.
But many car owners fear getting their warranty canceled when they upgrade their car’s cold air intake. Does a cold air intake void warranty? That’s what I would like to discuss here.
In short, cold air intake doesn’t void your warranty, so it will be honored even if something is used or later.
Contents
Does a cold air intake void warranty?
The addition of a cold air intake will not void your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. According to the Consumer Products Warranty Act, any car’s warranty should be honored even if an aftermarket accessory is used or added.
As a result, you no longer need to be concerned about voiding your vehicle’s warranty after installing a new cold air intake. You can install a cold air intake on your new vehicle without voiding the warranty. You can also install the cold air intake on a used car having a valid warranty.
An act was passed by Congress in 1970, named Magnuson-Moss that to safeguard consumers from warranty issues.
What modifications will void the car warranty?
Changing wheels
Car brands do not provide good fat tires as wide, and big tires are expensive and drop the mileage by a significant margin. Commonly, many owners replace the original wheels with these aftermarket tires as they offer a firm grip and deliver a powerful stance. But these modifications are dangerous to the warranty, as the fat and big tires put extra stress on the car’s suspension and other mechanical parts.
Audio setup
The default audio system in many cars is dull and with moderate decibels. The hi-fi enthusiasts, however, modify the OEM sound system. This modification results in the default electrical system bearing additional strain with the newly installed powerful and resource-consuming devices.
The audio systems are generally heavy and may also weaken the suspension due to their extra weight. The aftermarket audio setup compels the car brands to void the car warranty.
Modifications in the electrical system
A wide range of options for electrical modifications is available such as horns, lights, etc. Since these accessories need additional power sources, resulting in tampering with the stock wiring harness of the car.
An extra strain comes on the battery and alternator, damaging or weakening them. That’s why a brand won’t agree to provide a warranty in case of electrical modifications undergone in a car.
Remap the engine
A few of us want the cars to be of supersonic speed. Though practically impossible, they try every other method to enhance the speed. The straightforward way to do it is to remap the engine. A remapped engine can be a valid reason for the car brand to void your warranty. Moreover, other upgrades, such as aftermarket air filters, bigger intercooler, etc., can suffice to void the car warranty.
Exhaust
Exhaust is a vital part of the car and plays a prominent role in the combustion cycle. Several buyers procure a free-flow exhaust set up in their vehicles for better performance.
But, this may result in severe problems in the engine, and the car may start polluting more. Therefore, in such a situation, manufacturers will never offer any type of warranty to the buyers.
What mods will not void the warranty?
Suspension
You can add coilovers with shocks or springs in your car. A good set of coilovers help the vehicle to keep stable at high speeds and corning. You don’t have to worry about the warranty, as the manufacturer covers these coilovers/spring and strut modifications with a warranty.
Lights
Without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty, you can customize the lighting system to suit your personality. Many options are available to help you modify the headlights and tail lights, resulting in powerful light output.
Wheels
Using a lighter wheel that lessens rotational mass offers better performance benefits and appearance. A wider wheel/tire will help the car have a firm grip on the corners. These types of wheels won’t be responsible for canceling the warranty.
Brakes
Upgrading brakes help a superior performance if you are a road racer or autocross person. The hard and long brakes boost your confidence to go faster. Replacing the brakes with a BBK or a simple pad or rotor upgrade won’t affect the warranty.
Sway Bars
Another component that won’t affect the warranty is the sway bars, a part of the suspension mechanism.
Shifter
The shifters are generally allowed, provided they don’t come up with any transmission problems. For a valid warranty, use solid shifter bushings, and avoid using short throw shifters.
Modifications on the outer side of the car
If you plan to do something on the exterior of the car only for looks, there will not be any issue with the manufacturer’s warranty.
Cat-Back Exhaust
Due to their easy installation process, cat-back exhausts are one of the favorite upgrades for any car and won’t affect the warranty.
How can I avoid voiding my car warranty?
Monitor your service schedule
You may have a chance of voiding your warranty if you don’t keep a check on the service schedule. Not all dealers will remind you of your service requirements, but a few will remind you at regular intervals to offer better customer service.
In both cases, you need to keep alert and get your car serviced as per the schedule.
Many new cars already have an indication system of getting oil or coolant content low or something else helping you to get it serviced in time.
But if your vehicle doesn’t have such a mechanism, you need to set a calendar and keep a log of all details, such as kilometers traveled, days passed from last servicing, tires’ life, etc. You can document the timely services and keep them as a record to claim a warranty whenever required.
Read thoroughly and understand the warranty!
It’s crucial to read and understand the warranty before you buy your vehicle. You may compare different warranties from different manufacturers and try to understand the warranty better to avert any unpleasant situation later.
Ignore denials and push through
There may be a humanistic angle to every warranty, and not everyone will be strict and harsh on the terms. You may find any service manager who will help you out of the way. On the flip side, there may be one who won’t compromise a bit.
You can always appeal by escalating the issue to upper officials, and lastly, you can seek help from the FTC and/or State Attorney General, Local Consumer Protection Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a cold air intake void Ford’s warranty?
In general, no. The warranty can only be void if the car starts throwing ratio issues codes for air/fuel, or if the engine gets damaged, the manufacturer may blame it on the cold air intake and deny the warranty.
Does a cold air intake void BMW’s warranty?
Some aftermarket intakes may rarely trip a check engine light. The exception to this is new engines that are clever and strong enough to compensate for these irregularities, such as an increase in air. The warranty can only be void for the cold air intake causes damage directly, which is very rare.
Does a cold air intake void Toyota’s warranty?
Not at all. In the United States, a warranty denied by the manufacturer for using an aftermarket product is illegal.
Does cold air intake void warranty chevy?
No, adding cold air intake into your chevy won’t void the warranty.
Does cold air intake void the Hyundai warranty?
The vehicle’s warranty won’t be void after adding cold air intake.
Conclusion
Cold air intakes help the engine to perform better. Most of the time, car owners add the cold air intake from the aftermarket. Many fear the upgradation might void their warranty.
But that is not true. As per the Consumer Products Warranty Act, the manufacturer has to provide a warranty in case of aftermarket accessories added by the vehicle owner.
But as a car owner, you should be alert and see what to do to save the warranty and not get it denied. Frequent tabs on the servicing schedule will help to keep your car in condition, and the records will establish that you are taking care of your vehicle regularly.
Keep all the documents recorded to get the complete warranty in case of any unfortunate scenario.
If any warranty is denied, despite no fault of yours, and you are in a position to prove that with evidence, you can approach the FTC, and/or State Attorney General, Local Consumer Protection Office for help.