Having a brand-new car sure feels good. Compared to older cars, newer cars are less of a hassle to take care of because they’re still in mint condition. Everything works just as fine, and if there’s a problem, you can quickly use the car warranty to fix it.
In Malaysia, new cars typically come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. But to maintain it, owners must not violate the conditions of use set by the manufacturer.
In this article, we will share six reasons that could cause your car warranty to be void, so you can learn to take care of it.
Speed modifications
Modifying cars for better performance is common. People modify their vehicles to improve speed and acceleration, including engine components, transmissions, shock absorber systems, springs or other original parts.
Changing these to other components to improve vehicle performance beyond the parameters set by the manufacturer affects the car’s warranty. In a mishap where the owner opts to claim a warranty, the manufacturer may reject the claim.
Changing tyre rims
Your car’s warranty is at stake when you change existing rims to larger ones than the car manufacturer originally gave you. Larger rims call for larger tyres which will, in turn, affect the overall diameter of the tyres.
Larger tyres can create excessive pressure on the driveshaft, transmission system, brakes and suspension system. If the manufacturer can identify this to be the cause of problems in your car, they can deny a warranty claim.
Lowering or lifting
Some car manufacturers may void your warranty when you lower the car by modifying the suspension system (springs and shock absorbers) for any attempts to lift it.
It’s best to refrain from doing these during the warranty period to reduce losses if damage occurs. Major modifications such as lowering or lifting can be identified as the cause of problems. This can lead to the cancellation of your car’s warranty as well.
Convulsions of nature
If your car is exposed to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes and storms, its warranty could be void within five years. This is because the repair cost for natural disasters usually costs a fortune.
Unless your car has special perils coverage that typically includes damages due to convulsions of nature, it won’t be repaired under warranty. So, adding special perils protection when you renew your car insurance is highly recommended.
Irregular service
Regular service and maintenance are necessary for the upkeep of new cars. Hence, servicing according to the schedule set by the manufacturer is important. Usually, manufacturers set service specifications according to their respective brands and vehicle type.
For example, some car manufacturers require vehicles to be serviced for the first 1,000 km, followed by every 5,000 km or 10,000 km. So, ensure you follow the schedule in the service booklet and bring your car to the service centre accordingly.
Service at unauthorised workshops
As new cars require regular service, the financial burden can concern owners. So, many choose to service their vehicles with unauthorised third-party workshops.
Failure to perform warranty at designated panel workshops or authorised service centres can affect the vehicle’s warranty. Third-party workshops often use replacement parts that are not original, leaving the vehicle’s condition at risk.
And if your manufacturer finds out about this, they can withhold your warranty. So, for the first five years, sending your car to authorised service centres for repair or maintenance is highly recommended.
Protect your car warranty
Warranty is important for many products we purchase, especially for bigger items like cars. Hence, protecting it is vital so you don’t end up spending a fortune in case of a repair.
Your car is valuable and needs to be taken care of. Remember to keep these six things in mind, and avoid making unnecessary modifications to your vehicle while it’s under warranty.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
Read more:
