Vehicle tuning is a process of customizing a vehicle for enhanced performance and increased power. It involves modifications to the engine, suspension, or other vehicle components in order to optimize the car’s performance. Most people who tune their vehicles want to increase their horsepower, reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and/or change the look or feel of the car. Tuning also gives drivers more control over how they drive and can even help them get better gas mileage.
However, many drivers are concerned that tuning may void their vehicle’s warranty. Understanding the risks involved with tuning your car is important before you decide to do it. In this article, we will discuss whether or not tuning voids your warranty and how you can make sure your warranty remains intact should you choose to tune your vehicle.
What is Vehicle Tuning?
Vehicle tuning is essentially modifying a car in order to boost its performance beyond what it was intended for from the factory setting. This includes changes such as increasing engine power by reprogramming its computerized parts, modified exhaust systems for better airflow and improved fuel efficiency, changes in suspension systems such us replacing stiffer shock absorbers for increased road handling ability and towing, and modifications to the looks such as body kits, spoilers, and bigger wheels.
How Can Vehicle Tuning Impact Warranties?
Under federal law, vehicle manufacturers are required to honor any warranty claims regardless of what has been done to the car. However, in some cases, modifications can void certain aspects of your warranty. This means that if you experience a problem with an area of your car that has been modified or changed in any way then it won’t be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and you will have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Additionally, some manufacturers may deny warranty coverage even if a part wasn’t directly modified but was impacted by tuning due to its close association with an altered vehicle component.
What You Should Do Before You Tune Your Car
Before you decide to modify or tune your vehicle in any way it is important that you read through your manufacturer’s owner manual as well as any documentation they provide on warranties. This will help determine what parts are covered under their warranties and what parts could potentially be excluded from coverage should something go wrong after tuning. Additionally, make sure you consult a reputable mechanic before making any changes so that they can help identify potential issues and let you know if any parts should be avoided or included in the tuning process.
Benefits of Tuning Your Car
The primary benefit of tuning your car is improved performance. Tuning can help increase horsepower, reduce emissions, and improve fuel economy. It can also give drivers more control over how they drive and provide a smoother ride with better handling. Additionally, a modified and tuned car can look more stylish than it did before with changes such as body kits, spoilers and larger wheels in an array of colors.
Conclusion
Tuning your vehicle can certainly have some benefits but it is important to consider the risks associated with it. If done correctly, tuning should not void your warranty however there are certain parts that may be excluded from coverage should something go wrong after the modification process has been completed. Before you proceed with any modifications make sure to read through your manufacturer’s owner manual as well as any documentation provided on warranties so that you understand what is covered by the warranty and what isn’t.
