Will I Void My Warranty if I Change My Car’s Exhaust System?

Will I void my warranty if I change my car's exhaust system?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
As a general rule of vehicle warranty, you cannot modify your vehicle’s exhaust system if it involves any smog-related component, such as catalytic converters, while your vehicle is still under an emissions warranty. Emissions warranties are valid for a longer period of time and for a higher amount of mileage than regular vehicle warranties. Replacing emission control devices with aftermarket upgrades, not service replacements, would void your manufacturer warranty and the cost of repairs would be your responsibility if something were to go wrong.

Some exhaust system components like headers and high-flow catalytic converters can be upgraded if the components have been tested, certified, and approved by the state for use as a replacement emissions control component. Keep in mind that doing so will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty on those components. It you install these components after the emission control warranty for your vehicle has expired, then you don’t have to worry about voiding the warranty or not.

There are upgrades that you can do to your exhaust system that don’t interfere with emissions warranties. Generally, these upgrades to your exhaust system are referred to as "cat-back" systems because they replace the exhaust system from the back of the catalytic converter to the rear of the vehicle. The catalytic converter is not replaced in this situation.

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Adding an aftermarket exhaust system generally won`t void your Toyota warranty—but this isn`t a guarantee. If an aftermarket modification causes damage to components covered by the warranty, that part of the warranty will probably be void**. That said, it depends on the dealership you take your car to. policy.
There is no such thing as “void the warranty “. If the aftermarket part caused the problem, then the car company will not fix anything under the warranty. If you have an aftermarket exhaust, and the front wheel bearing goes out. They have to honor the warranty.
If the catalytic converter needs to be replaced due to a defect or failure covered by the warranty, then the replacement should not void the warranty. It is always best to check with the manufacturer or the dealership to determine how the warranty may be affected by any modification to the vehicle.
The truth of the matter is that adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your vehicle will not void your warranty in most cases. Note that phrase, “most cases.” If your new system does not cause any damage to other components on the vehicle, then your warranty will be fine and remain intact.
No it does not. They can only refuse warranty service on a part that can be directly linked to harm by a modification you`ve done.
Other vehicle components such as exhaust systems, tires, and batteries are not generally covered under a manufacturer vehicle warranty, but depending on the vehicle, may be covered by their own individual brand warranty.
For example, car manufacturers must still honor warranties if you modify your exhaust system but begin to have trouble with your transmissions. But, if your cat`s back exhaust system directly or indirectly causes damages to other areas of your car, car manufacturers may have the right to refuse warranties.
About the only vestiges of the traditional tune-up still around today are replacing your engine air filter and spark plugs, and neither is likely to void your warranty. With spark plugs, chances are your warranty will expire long before it`s time to replace them.
Reckless driving includes racing, off-roading and overloading the vehicle. Even vehicles designed to be driven fast or off-road can be denied warranty coverage, so think twice before taking part in any risky activities with your car.
If you are considering installing a downpipe in your car, you must understand every aspect of it. #1- Downpipe Will Not Void the Entire Warranty: In case of damages, a catless or catted downpipe will not void the entire car warranty. Instead, it will void the warranty of your stock downpipe, exhaust, and turbo.
A new exhaust system will boost the overall value, performance, and fuel efficiency of your car. Benefits of a new exhaust system include: The ability to rev the engine up faster. Better fuel economy due to reduced backpressure.
Adding aftermarket exhaust systems can improve your vehicle`s fuel efficiency by increasing airflow to the engine and allowing the fuel to burn more cleanly.
But in most cases, muffler deletes won`t void your BMW warranty, as long as you don`t damage the car in the process. and specialized coverage for your customized parts and equipment. .
While you`re right to be concerned, an aftermarket exhaust will not void a Ford warranty. There are gray areas, though. If your Ford`s exhaust was covered by the factory warranty, the exhaust will no longer be covered if you choose to replace it with an aftermarket part.
Usually, adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your vehicle will not void your warranty.
Depending on your car, an aftermarket performance exhaust system could give you as much as 50 extra horsepower or as little as 2-3 HP. To learn more about the benefits of upgrading your exhaust system or get an estimate of the horsepower benefits one might give you, try asking an expert.
The engine`s internal parts are also covered, so your crankshaft, pistons, timing belt, gears, intake, exhaust valves, and oil pump are part of the powertrain.
Aftermarket exhaust systems can also reduce the backpressure of your engine which reduces the stifling effect. It is important to note that backpressure isn`t bad for your engine and that some of it is still needed in order to keep your engine`s air-fuel-ratio as optimal as possible.
The warranty period has expired. The defect or part is not covered. The product failure is due to misuse or lack of proper maintenance. You have made significant alterations to the product, affecting its performance.
The warranty will be voided in the event of the vehicle being “Written Off” (that is, the vehicle has been damaged to the extent that renders repair of the vehicle impractical or uneconomic) or disposed of by an insurer. KAU does not recommend the fitment of non-genuine, unapproved or unauthorised accessories.
No. Under the Magnuson Moss Act modifications don`t automatically void your warranty. If the modifications cause some type of failure or damage to the vehicle then repairs would not be covered under warranty. Seriously, the dealers want your warranty voided as soon as you drive it off the lot.
A poorly functioning exhaust system means lower fuel efficiency, decreased power, and could even lead to costly damage down the line. More importantly, the exhaust system`s primary function is to guide the poisonous gases produced in your engine away from you and your passengers and safely out the tailpipe.
Most of our exhaust products are warranted against blowouts and defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle on which it was originally installed. The warranty is void if the exhaust products are not installed properly on the vehicle for which it is designed.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Will I Void My Warranty if I Change My Car’s Exhaust System?
ANSWER : As a general rule of vehicle warranty, you cannot modify your vehicle’s exhaust system if it involves any smog-related component, such as catalytic converters, while your vehicle is still under an emissions warranty. Emissions warranties are valid for a longer period of time and for a higher amount of mileage than regular vehicle warranties. Replacing emission control devices with aftermarket upgrades, not service replacements, would void your manufacturer warranty and the cost of repairs would be your responsibility if something were to go wrong.

Some exhaust system components like headers and high-flow catalytic converters can be upgraded if the components have been tested, certified, and approved by the state for use as a replacement emissions control component. Keep in mind that doing so will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty on those components. It you install these components after the emission control warranty for your vehicle has expired, then you don’t have to worry about voiding the warranty or not.

There are upgrades that you can do to your exhaust system that don’t interfere with emissions warranties. Generally, these upgrades to your exhaust system are referred to as "cat-back" systems because they replace the exhaust system from the back of the catalytic converter to the rear of the vehicle. The catalytic converter is not replaced in this situation.

Debating on changing Exhaust system on my 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
ANSWER : Hi There,
Adding any kind of performance exhaust system to your vehicle should increase your fuel economy slightly. Some things to consider are also having the computer remapped to account for the change in exhaust flow. This will allow the motor to run smoothly as the change in exhaust flow will impact the way the engine runs and how the oxygen sensors read the fuel and oxygen content coming from the exhaust. As to the warranty, you will need to refer to your local Chevrolet dealer to find out if this will impact the warranty.

Car is idling at high rpm’s and when the days are hot the car cranks but doesn’t turn on and also exhaust is smoking when i rev it
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest worn piston rings or valve stem seals (smoking), and a possible air leak in the intake, or idle air control valve sticking open (high idle). Both are signs of a higher-mileage engine with significant wear. I recommend an engine inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

I have changed the car battery on my Renault Grand Scenic and used the car that day on the sunday. However 3 days later the car wo
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. If the new battery has also failed to hold a charge, the alternator is likely not working correctly. You can test the alternator at home with a voltmeter, or you can remove it and have it tested at most automotive parts stores. It will need to be replaced if it has failed. You will also want to make sure all of the electrical connections are clean, dry, and tight. For more help testing or replacing the alternator, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Had changed thermostat for heat. Had changed and now car overheats when idle.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have some cooling fans that may not be working correctly. The coolant fans are triggered to come on at specific temperatures and controlled by a cooling fan relay. When this relay goes bad, this may cause the fans to come on intermittently, all the time or in some cases not at all. This is noticeable by an erratic temperature fluctuation, especially at idle speeds as you have described. I would recommend having a professional from YourMehcanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your cooling system.

I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

I have a loss of power when acceleration the car does not drive pass 10 or 15mph I change the plugs and also change the fuel filte
ANSWER : This may be result of a failing or dirty mass airflow sensor. This is a unit that is responsible for regulating the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. When this is not working properly, this will cause an imbalanced air/fuel mixture resulting in a stalling or surging in the vehicle’s performance. The knocking sound may also be a result of the struggling acceleration which is common when the engine struggles to develop power. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to take a look at your vehicle, and possibly replace your mass airflow sensor at your earliest convenience.

Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.