Upgrading a new car comes with a lot of red tape. If you’re not careful about the modifications you choose and how they’re installed, you can void your factory warranty, potentially leaving you on the hook for expensive repairs that would’ve been covered.
That's not to say all aftermarket upgrades are off-limits. While high-impact modifications like a turbo kit or engine swap can jeopardize your coverage, many smaller, more common upgrades are perfectly safe. Keep reading to learn which changes are worth considering—and how Parts Via can help you make smart choices that keep your warranty intact.
Your Right to Modify
One thing worth keeping in your back pocket is that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act offers some solid protection when it comes to aftermarket parts. While we’re not lawyers and can’t offer legal advice, we can give you a quick overview of how the law protects gearheads.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that was passed in 1975 to make consumer product warranties clearer and fairer. It does this by requiring manufacturers to lay out exactly what a warranty covers, how long it lasts, and how to file a claim if something goes wrong. It also limits how companies can avoid responsibility through fine print and gives consumers stronger options if a product doesn’t hold up. While the Act applies to all sorts of consumer goods, it was passed with the auto industry in mind, which is why you may know it as the “federal Lemon Law,” as it is more commonly called.
For drivers and DIYers who want to modify their vehicles, the act offers an important protection: it prevents manufacturers from voiding a warranty simply because you’ve used aftermarket parts or non-dealer service providers. In other words, they can’t force you to stick with OE parts or dealership service just to keep your coverage intact.
However, that protection has limits. If a manufacturer can prove that an aftermarket part—or a bad install—caused the problem, they’re within their rights to deny the warranty claim. So, while the act shifts the burden of proof to the manufacturer, it doesn’t give you free rein to bolt on whatever you want without consequences. That’s why it helps to know which mods are less likely to raise red flags, and to stick with trusted brands and reputable installers.
Warranty-Friendly Bolt-On Mods
The following performance modifications are generally considered warranty-friendly—provided you choose high-quality parts, have them properly installed, and keep thorough records. While nothing is guaranteed, taking these steps can go a long way toward protecting your coverage.
1. Wheels & Tires
Perhaps one of the most impactful—and safest—upgrades you can make, aftermarket wheels and tires can reduce unsprung weight, improve traction and handling, and completely change the look of your ride. Best of all, they’re unlikely to affect your factory warranty. You’d have to go out of your way to cause a problem here, so you’ve got plenty of room to experiment.
2. Brake Pads and Rotors
Upgrading your braking system is a great way to improve the performance and safety of your vehicle. Most pad and rotor swaps are completely warranty-safe, especially when done by a qualified technician. Just be aware that poorly chosen parts or sloppy installs can be easy targets if something goes wrong. As long as the work is sound, you’re in the clear.
3. Air Intake Systems
Cold air intakes are one of the most popular entry-level upgrades. They can boost performance and fuel economy a bit—and they generally don’t mess with your warranty. Even intake manifolds and aftermarket throttle bodies usually don’t cause issues. Turbos and superchargers, however, are a different story. For vehicles that didn’t come with forced induction from the factory, these upgrades can seriously alter your engine’s behavior and will almost certainly lead to denied warranty claims.
4. Performance Exhaust
Cat-back exhaust systems are another low-risk upgrade, mainly because they leave your factory emissions components untouched, which is key to staying compliant. Once you start deleting those parts or tampering with emissions gear, though, you’re asking for trouble—not to mention risking inspection failures. Keep it clean, and you’re good to go.
5. Tuning Chips and Programmers
Aftermarket programmers and performance chips exist in a gray area. While using them won’t necessarily void a full warranty—nor will they impact many parts in general—they are likely to have a direct effect on the warranty coverage of your emissions equipment. This is true whether you’re working with handheld programmers or a full-on custom tune, so it's important to keep that in mind before you invest in an aftermarket tune of any kind.
6. Suspension Upgrades
Suspension upgrades also live in the gray area. Any direct-replacement parts that bolt in place of the factory equipment and don’t do anything to radically change the vehicle’s geometry are generally accepted. But lift kits and lowering springs are a different story, as they can impact warranty coverage of steering and suspension components.
7. Exterior Mods
Spoilers, splitters, nerf bars, auxiliary lighting—these upgrades all add personality, and in some cases, even a touch of function. And while they might not move the needle on performance for most street vehicles, these types of exterior mods are generally free and clear of warranty drama (as long as they’re properly installed, of course).
Shop Warranty-Friendly Upgrades from Parts Via
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to customize your ride without jeopardizing your warranty. When you shop with Parts Via, you get access to a wide inventory of warranty-friendly upgrades—and the freedom to choose how they're installed. Whether you prefer to wrench it yourself or work with a pro, our flexible shipping options make it easy. Take advantage of our fast, FREE ship-to-store feature to send your purchase to a nearby dealer for easy pickup—or connect with a trusted installer who can help you finish the job right.