Cam modifying your car void your warranty?

[Ryan]

I am looking into getting a 2002 civic coupe, and I want to put some better rims on it. I want it to look like this: . Will it void my warranty? http://www.7thgencivic.com/members_rides/members/Pedrito/image1.jpg

 

[flot]

It should not. Some a__hole dealers will try to claim that almost anything violates a warranty, but that is untrue. Of course, since they are the ones you'll be asking to fix your car - better to get their blessing on any changes.

Correctly fitted rims should never void a warranty. You could potentally void the warranty if you went with rims that were way, way off - stuck out of the sides of the car. This could put undue stress on the axles/suspension components, and would in fact be a totally legitamate reason for them to void the warranty ON THOSE PARTS OF THE CAR. However if you put low rider wheels on your car, and the dealer refused to fix a problem with, say, the alternator - chances are you would have a very valid complaint with the manufacturer, and the dealer would fix it.

Rims = no big deal for warranty.

Supercharger/nitrous/etc = will probably void 80% of your warranty.

 

[bunker]

If the rims are not the same size as the OEM rims you could possibly run into some problems. I can see some arse in a service dept. saying "sorry, since those wheels aren't the original size we can't fix your suspension under warranty".

I'd ask the service shop of the dealership you buy from.

 

[StandardCell]

You shouldn't run into any problems if it's just rims unless it's something very very extreme. IMO if the tires are the same diameter, even a wider width wouldn't be enough to void your warranty. Think about it this way - if you had your rims smashed or your wheels/tires stolen, what obligates you to get the same stock rims? Nothing, that's what. It's your car from that perspective.

The other people here are right, dealers and auto makers are notorious for being bastards about things like this. If you have any chance to buy them through the dealer and have them installed, I doubt there would be any problem whatsoever. Engine mods will almost always void your warranty, especially any kind of nitrous or forced induction. I know a woman who works at VW warranty claims, and VW is very very picky when it comes to mods, even going so far as to inspect vehicles for mods on any type of service and voiding warranties on the spot, even if the requested work was unrelated to the mods! So, be careful out there...and if you want to mod a car's engine, get something used first with solid aftermarket support.

 

[Mill]

According to SEMA, it should not. Wheels or different tires will NOT void your warranty. Hell I had a tons of mods on my car and every dealership I ever went to kept my warranty.

 

[Jugernot]

As long it matches the factory ride height and clearance, no it won't affect your warranty. Like a bunch of the other guys have said, new rims aren't a big deal for warranty stuff. WHat I hate to see if those damned low riders... those guys have no warranty left on their suspension! Especially the ones with axels that look like tootch picks that aren't bent better than 20degrees.

 

[Jerboy]

<< I am looking into getting a 2002 civic coupe, and I want to put some better rims on it. I want it to look like this: . Will it void my warranty? http://www.7thgencivic.com/members_rides/members/Pedrito/image1.jpg >>




If I remembered correctly, they can't legally void warranty on parts unrelated to modification given that there is clear line showing its unrelated.

Failing to keep evidence of required maintenance can void your warranty however. Get a notebook for that car. Paste in every oil change invoice, write down the mileage and anything else you notice.

 

[toant103]

just put your old rims back in if you need the dealer to take a look at your car. nice rims

 

[Ryan]

<< just put your old rims back in if you need the dealer to take a look at your car. nice rims >>



I was thinking about doing that

 

[virtuamike]

Slightly related or unrelated is car stereo and alarm. Does installing those void warranty on things like electrical?

 

[b0mbrman]

<< I am looking into getting a 2002 civic coupe, and I want to put some better rims on it. I want it to look like this: . Will it void my warranty? http://www.7thgencivic.com/members_rides/members/Pedrito/image1.jpg >>



It shouldn't...they're just wheels after all.

 

[Imported]

It shouldn't.. I put an intake in my car and they had no problem with it.. Then again, the owner of the dealership modifies and races cars anyways.. and owns a S2000 with a Comptech S/C, Volk TE-37s.. and all the good stuff.. ;

 

[prodigy]

Not if you just put stickers on.