What Voids a Car Warranty in California?

One of the most valuable protections you receive when you purchase a new vehicle in California is the manufacturer’s warranty. This promise from the manufacturer guarantees that the product will be free of defects for a certain period of time. If you have recently purchased a vehicle, you may be wondering, “What voids a car warranty in California?”

It’s an important question to have answers to, as consumers unnecessarily invalidate their warranty coverage all the time in California. By having a better understanding of what voids a car warranty, you can feel more confident buying and using your new vehicle without fear of losing certain consumer benefits. These are some of the more common actions taken that can void a car warranty.

Unauthorized Modifications and Aftermarket Parts

California has a reputation for its vibrant car culture, especially throughout Los Angeles and the Bay Area, where it is very common to see modified cars for aesthetic or performance purposes. Anytime someone allows their car to be installed with aftermarket parts or has made a modification that is not authorized by the vehicle’s manufacturer, they can void an active warranty.

Nullification of the warranty is especially likely when those modifications cause the defect in question. Some of the most common aftermarket parts that contribute to warranty voids include:

• Performance chips and ECU tuning
• Turbocharger or supercharger kits
• Suspension lifts or modifications
• Any non-OEM (original equipment manufacturer) exhaust systems

Because California has strict emission regulations as part of its climate change initiatives, your chances of fighting a voided warranty are limited when you alter things such as your emission-control components like a catalytic converter. The same applies if you modify your vehicle to participate in illegal activities, such as street racing in San Diego.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Using the Wrong Fluids

Another common way Californians lose their warranty coverage is when they refuse to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. It’s important to comply with these recommendations, as it’s the number one way to keep your car running smoothly and keep from voiding your warranty. Some common mistakes in this category that can void your warranty include:

• Skipping oil changes or using the wrong type of oil
• Leaving your check engine light ignored for a significant period
• Using incorrect coolant, transmission fluid, or brake fluid
• Not replacing timing belts or spark plugs as recommended

Extreme heat can cause engine and battery failures. When incorrect fluids are used, or the vehicle has not been properly maintained, it can stop working properly. The warranty will not be able to save you if a further investigation reveals that the car did not work due to neglectful maintenance.

California drivers also face the highest average repair costs in the country, with Los Angeles drivers facing a 20.75% premium above the national average for repairs. The high cost of maintenance and repair can prohibit many drivers who might otherwise keep on top of these timely adjustments.

Exceeding Mileage Limits and Commercial Use

It’s important to check how many miles you are able to drive before your warranty expires, as most manufacturer warranties have a mileage limit. When you exceed these miles, the warranty is no longer viable. Some of the more common ways mileage voids a warranty include:

• When you exceed the manufacturer’s mileage limit
• When you use the car for commercial purposes, like driving for Uber or Lyft
• When you rent your vehicle out for others to use, such as on car-sharing apps like Turo

Once you surpass that warranty’s mileage limit, the manufacturer may assume the car has been subjected to excessive wear, voiding their obligation to cover repairs. This depends on the warranty’s fine print, so always review the terms to understand what’s enforceable.

Quick Tips to Protect Your Warranty in California

It’s important to steer clear of accidentally voiding your warranty and not being able to realize the benefits it was designed to provide. Following these practices can help:

• Follow all manufacturer-approved service intervals and keep your maintenance records.
• Only use OEM parts and fluids.
• Avoid any unauthorized modifications, especially those that affect emissions.
• Confirm you have warranty coverage before buying a used or salvage-title vehicle.
• Ensure any independent mechanics follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: What Is the Warranty Law on Cars in California?

A: There are a number of strong consumer protection laws in California when it comes to vehicle warranties. One of the most common is the Ley Song-Beverly de garantía de los consumidores. This law dictates that anytime someone purchases a new or certified pre-owned vehicle that presents a number of defects that cannot be repaired, the consumer is entitled to either a refund or a new car.

Q: Does Missing an Oil Change Void My Car Warranty?

A: While it’s important to always run these questions by your attorney, it is unlikely that skipping a single oil change could void your entire car warranty. In most cases, missing one oil change is unlikely to cause mass destruction to your vehicle. If you skipped multiple oil-changing sessions, however, the circumstances could change if your vehicle starts to experience sludge buildup or overheating.

Q: Can a Car Warranty Be Transferred to a New Owner?

A: Yes, many car factory warranties can be transferred to the new owner when you sell your vehicle. This is only if the warranty is still active. Once the transaction is complete, the new owner can benefit from the remaining coverage. Before selling the vehicle, it’s important to verify this with your lemon lawyer, as some warranties are voided if the vehicle is sold to a second owner, particularly for certified pre-owned warranties.

Q: Can Using an Independent Mechanic Void My Car Warranty?

A: In most cases, using an independent mechanic is not enough to void your car warranty. If you choose to service your vehicle outside the original manufacturer or dealership, you run the risk of having someone do something to your vehicle that is not aligned with the terms of your warranty. This could inadvertently void your warranty. To prevent this from happening, either ensure they follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or only take your car to the dealership.

Contact Lemon Law Pro Today

If you have any questions about your car’s warranty or want to make sure you don’t accidentally void its benefits, contact our firm today. Ley del Limón Pro assists clients statewide in California and offers our services free of charge to you.