A large number of individuals are afraid to install new car audio equipment within their vehicle because they are concerned that doing so will void the warranty they have on their automobile.
This is due to the widespread belief that if you install new audio equipment in your vehicle and it causes any kind of harm to the car in any manner, you will be financially responsible for the repairs.
The warranty on your vehicle will only be voided if it is proven that the fault with the vehicle was caused by the addition of features or changes made to the vehicle after the warranty was purchased.
It is recommended that you consider the potential consequences of adding a subwoofer to your current setup before making any changes to it. This is because certain factors, including some companies, refuse to fulfill their warranties if you make any changes to an existing system.
Considering that the creation of purely acoustic art is the point of your endeavor, perhaps this does not concern you. However, for certain people, it is essential to ensure that their vehicle is kept protected.
Let’s figure out how to make the most of both of them.
Will Installing A Subwoofer Void My Warranty?
In 1975, Congress passed into law what is known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and its provisions declare that the installation of aftermarket equipment (such as a new audio system like a subwoofer for your vehicle) would not render your warranty null and void.
On the other hand, in the event that your brand-new aftermarket subwoofer causes any kind of harm to your vehicle, it will be the maker of the item’s obligation to compensate for any costs or repairs that are caused as a result.
The warranty on a brand-new vehicle is not invalidated by the installation of aftermarket components like subwoofers.
Aftermarket additions are frequently permitted by automobile and truck manufacturers. This is carried out with the objective of improving the overall quality of the vehicle rather than degrading it in any way.
It’s important to have a few things on hand to successfully install an aftermarket subwoofer in a vehicle.
Because the original manufacturer does not sell subwoofers, the products do not come with an internal guarantee of any kind.
Since aftermarket subwoofers are not acquired directly from the manufacturer, you do not need to be concerned that the subwoofer will void the warranty on your new vehicle.
However, certain car and truck manufacturers demand that their authorized dealers install aftermarket parts and accessories.
A Quick Overview of Automobile Warranties
These warranties usually have a restricted coverage area and may be considered null and void if specific conditions are not satisfied.
One of these requirements is the utilization of components and add-ons for the vehicle that was not produced by the automobile’s primary manufacturer and was not installed by an authorized facility.
Warranties on automobiles might differ from one manufacturer to the next, but the standard coverage period is for three years or 36,000 miles.
These warranties cover a wide range of topics but can be broken down into three primary categories:
- Coverage that extends from bumper to bumper, often known as comprehensive coverage, typically protects the vast majority of the components found in a vehicle.
- Certain components, such as power trains and emissions systems, are covered under limited warranties.
- Damages caused by rust can be compensated for by corrosion prevention.
Does Installing An Aftermarket Car Audio Void The Warranty?
It is possible that aftermarket upgrades, such as improved audio systems, can make certain aspects of your warranty void. This is essential to remember in the case that a fault is found to be linked to the upgrade.
On the other hand, there is some positive information surrounding this situation. Because of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, it is against the law for a manufacturer to invalidate a warranty solely on the grounds that a customer has added a piece of aftermarket equipment to their vehicle unless the manufacturer can provide evidence that the aftermarket accessory was the cause of whatever problem you are experiencing.
In contrast to this, the overwhelming percentage of manufacturers insist that trained professionals should only fit aftermarket components.
For instance, if you add your own exhaust system or replace your own tires, the manufacturer may assert that your actions contributed to the issue and refuse to honor the warranty’s coverage responsibilities.
Therefore, if you are going to purchase new tires or have an aftermarket part installed on your vehicle, you should be sure to have it done by a trained professional so that You have the ability to safeguard yourself in the case that there is ever an issue with the way your vehicle performs in the future.
Does Installing A Subwoofer Or New Speakers Void Warranty?
Your original manufacturer’s warranty will not be voided or terminated even if you choose to upgrade your speakers or subwoofer.
As long as you do not do any harm to any of the other components of the vehicle, they will let you make adjustments to the sound system.
For instance, if you put a subwoofer in your vehicle and it causes damage to the cabling that controls the fan, the manufacturer might not pay for the repairs needed.
So long as you observe all of the necessary precautions for safety and act in accordance with the regulations, aftermarket installation should not affect your warranty.
Your warranty will only be voided if you alter your vehicle in such a way that it either causes harm to the vehicle itself or to another component.
Does Upgrading The Car Audio System Void The Warranty?
In a nutshell, updating your car’s surround sound system will not void your warranty if you replace your car’s audio system (and speakers) with an aftermarket unit that is the same brand as the original product and that is made and sold by the same company.
If, on the other hand, you install aftermarket parts in your car that the same company did not produce as the ones that came factory installed, then you will make your warranty void and invalid.
However, if you insist on utilizing aftermarket components, keep in mind that the dealer might not be aware of their existence.
If you take your vehicle to a technician for service and they determine that it needs replacement parts, the mechanic will have to place an order with a dealer in order to get those parts installed.
In addition, the dealer will be aware if certain components are not made by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
After that, you will need to demonstrate that the installation of those parts did not result in any of the damage that was already present in your vehicle. In this stage of the proceedings, things have the potential to get more difficult and drawn out.
You can replace the speakers and amplifiers, replace the entire unit, or add satellite radio to your system.
Is There Warranty Coverage Available For Car Audio Systems?
In most cases, car stereos are known as “aftermarket” parts, which means they are placed in a vehicle after it has been bought from the dealer where it was initially sold.
Nevertheless, there are warranties available that cover not only car stereos but also other aftermarket items.
In most cases, a car stereo will be protected by both the warranty offered by the manufacturer as well as the guarantee offered by the dealer.
The duration of the manufacturer’s warranty can range anywhere from ninety days to one year, but it almost always does not go beyond that.
The warranty provided by the dealer may just cover specific aspects of the stereo, such as labor charges, or it may include everything associated with the stereo itself.
It’s crucial to remember that many consumers overlook checking their warranties before getting new vehicle audio. In the event that the machinery fails for whatever reason, this could result in extremely expensive repairs.
The easiest way to determine whether the warranty on your audio covers any repairs or replacements is to look through the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle or to contact the dealership where you acquired your vehicle.
You might also try looking on the internet by running a search on it for information regarding the warranty that was purchased for your vehicle, and then contact the appropriate manufacturer for specifics regarding the warranty.
Because warranties do not protect your stereo from being stolen or damaged in an accident, purchasing complete auto coverage is the most effective way to safeguard the financial investment you have made in your car audio.
In the awful situation that you are engaged in an accident that resulted in damage to your vehicle, collision coverage will protect you economically. It has the ability to pay for repairs to your vehicle and the systems within it, including the audio equipment.
If you have comprehensive coverage, you won’t have to worry about having to replace your audio if it is stolen from your vehicle while it is parked on the street or in your driveway.
It may even be able to assist with repairs in the event that something, such as a tree falling on your vehicle, causes damage to your car radio system.
Is The Fact That Your Warranty Will Soon Expire Preventing You From Upgrading Your Sound System?
There are a lot of sound professionals out there, and even if they lose their warranties, it won’t stop them from chasing after pure audio excitement.
Many will make changes to their system despite the fact that they are aware it may cause them to lose eligibility for all forms of protection.
It comes down to how much perceived pleasure there is compared to how much perceived fear or loss there is.
Car audio professionals believe that the benefits of achieving pure audio perfection exceed the disadvantages, and as a result, they are prepared to void the warranty in order to achieve their goal.
Things You Must Know About Warranties And The Law.
The legislation in the United States is particular when it comes to insurance policies that protect consumers. Consumers should be aware of their rights because it is their responsibility to do so.
The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act allows for products to be sold without a warranty under certain circumstances.
In this particular scenario, the manufacturer is obligated to provide the consumer with information.
The vast majority of the time, brand new acquisitions of technology products are generally covered by insurance.
There is a maximum guarantee or warranty period of thirty-six months unless otherwise stated. However, there will always be certain terms and limitations attached.
If you want to customize your purchase with an aftermarket system, you need to make sure that you read all of the tiny print first.
1- It Is Required To Be Put In Writing.
Since 1973, Coker Wolfe Insurance has been providing residents of Nashville with insurance services.
They recommend customers speak with their respective insurance companies in order to receive guidance regarding warranty claims.
According to Wolfe’s advice, you do not have any grounds for a claim if it is not in writing.
In most cases, the manufacturers or insurers will not provide written confirmation of the aforementioned information.
Assuming this to be accurate, it’s possible that you’re able to purchase supplemental insurance that will cover the upgrades to the car audio equipment that you desire.
2- Additional Insurance For Modifications
Purchasing additional insurance from a third party to secure your items could be the answer to your problem.
There are a large number of organizations that provide short-term insurance, and many of them are happy to sell you a warranty.
Many companies provide straightforward insurance for changed items that have been outlined explicitly in advance, such as a sub-box.
This cover is a great approach to guarantee that your priceless sound system will continue to be protected against both hidden and obvious flaws in its construction.
These plans ought to also cover other types of losses, like theft and damage.
3- Full Rights To Claim The Warranty
According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, it is possible to cover the entire system or only new components, or just the modification.
The decision lies solely within the authority of the insurer.
The customer is responsible for ensuring that everything is documented in writing and has all important information. In this scenario, they are within their legal rights to file a claim should the situation call for it.
4- A Fundamental Grasp Of The Difference Between The Warranty And The Guarantee
The distinction between a warranty and a guarantee is something else that is very important for customers to be aware of. Many customers are under the impression that these two products are the same.
In most cases, they do not find out that their existing coverage did not sufficiently protect against damage until the time comes to file a claim.
A great number of people find out, often after it is too late, that they are not insured or protected against particular losses.
Damage caused by fire or smoke, for example, could be considered one of these types of losses.
In this situation, it is up to the customer to do extensive research and fully understand the terms of the agreement that they have entered into.
Remember that the terms “warranty” and “guarantee” do not refer to the same thing at all. There is nothing that can be done to assist you in any way if you manage to break something.
Even if something is damaged while being manufactured, the warranty will still cover the cost of fixing it.
Because you did not damage anything else while installing the new component, the manufacturer will not be able to claim that you have breached the terms of your warranty, even if the new component you installed turns out to be the source of the problem.
What Are The Risks Associated With Installing A Sub?
When adding a sub-box to an already established sound system, there is a possibility of experiencing both recognized and unexpected risks.
The coverage is nearly always null and void unless it specifically states otherwise, which is a known hazard.
Concerns regarding compatibility and public liability are among the unknown concerns.
A modification can be thought of as any component that was not specifically intended for the system in question.
1- The Source Of The Power
The power supply is typically one of the first components to fail when anything catastrophic occurs.
It does not take much of an investment to replace or improve a system’s power supply, even in the most demanding configurations.
Many people have given serious consideration to the possibility of adverse outcomes and have come to the conclusion that the potential rewards are worth taking the risk.
2- Fire, A Real Concern
Another risk that occurs less frequently is that of a fire. In extreme circumstances, there have been fires owing to overheating.
If the fire was caused in this manner, the claim might be considered invalid.
Not only will the warranty no longer be valid, but there is also a possibility that your auto and home insurance premiums could increase significantly as a result.
The guarantee would be null and void in the event of damage or loss, despite the fact that the risk is not particularly high and that such an event does not happen very often.
In the event of a fire, a consumer would suffer a severe loss if they were unable to file an insurance claim for their home and its contents, as well as their vehicle.
3- The Law Regarding Public Accountability
Lisa, an expert on public liability, discusses the hazards associated with public responsibility as topical content that is relevant to individuals.
In the event that a modified system causes a fire or electrocution, there may be legal options available to seek justice.
There is a possibility that the consequences will include actual time spent in jail. Just imagine. A fire breaks out in the middle of a concert.
The reason why? Changes that were made to your operating system.
There could be some catastrophic implications as a result. This fire has the potential to cause serious injuries or, perhaps, fatalities.
In addition, if you did not have the appropriate cover, it is possible that you are at fault.
4- Concerns Regarding Proper Pairing:
If they are not properly coupled, several different types of subwoofers might be harmful to the equipment.
In this scenario, there is a possibility that the old system, together with the new subwoofers, may be subjected to needless stress.
Because of this, the majority of manufacturers strongly advise against individuals altering their sound systems by adding an aftermarket audio system.
This caution is necessary due to the related risk, which includes the possibility of voiding the guarantee on the vehicle.
Before you begin, you should do some research and talk it over with a knowledgeable person.
If you plan on modifying your electrical system in order to add a subwoofer, it is highly recommended that you discuss your plans with a sound professional first.
Choose an option that will not put too much burden on the audio system in your vehicle.
A successful pairing has the ability to lessen the damage done by an incorrect matching in the future.
However, making a more informed decision about pairing does not ensure that you will not forfeit any warranties that are already in effect.
As a general rule, the vast majority of manufacturers indicate that any modification will immediately generate a claim that is invalid and void. This clause is included to safeguard the interests of the manufacturer.
5- Severe Consequences
This could come out as harsh, but it is the law, and installing a subwoofer, for example, puts you in a position where there is a possible risk.
Not only does this almost always declare the warranty on your vehicle null and useless, but there is also the possibility that it could lead to serious harm or even death.
This could result in legal repercussions being taken.
A majority of us are susceptible to anxiety and panic attacks whenever we even consider something like this.
The repercussions are significantly more severe than the risks of perhaps nullifying a guarantee or the advantages of experiencing heightened aural enjoyment.
How Do Manufacturer Warranties Work?
Suppose you recently purchased a new vehicle and had a remote starter installed by a third party that advertised their services on Kijiji.
The vehicle will not start a few days later, so you have the dealership haul it away for inspection.
The car dealership discovered that the mechanic who worked on your vehicle damaged the clutch switch, which prevented the motor vehicle from starting. The diagnosis and repair of this issue are not going to be covered by the warranty on the new car.
If your wiper motor or sunroof ceases working a month later, the dealership won’t be able to blame the problem on the audio equipment because it won’t have been installed yet.
They have the burden of proof to show that any modifications made to the vehicle are directly responsible for the problem in order for the warranty coverage to be denied.
The warranty on your electrical system will not be nullified if you purchase new snow tires. A good set of racing stripes won’t do the trick, either.
Problems with new automobile warranties can be avoided in either scenario by having the equipment installed by qualified personnel who have received the appropriate training.
Our Recommendations – Will Installing A Subwoofer Void Warranty?
My 2018 Hyundai celesta now has a subwoofer along with an amplifier that I just installed.
After bringing it up with a few different people, they have brought up the possibility that I may have nullified the warranty, which is something that, to tell you the truth, I never ever considered before.
I can’t believe I didn’t think to phone the dealer first. I feel like an idiot.
My installation was performed by a good buddy of mine who is a certified technician.
According to what I have read online, if the warranty were to be voided, it would only be voided for those things that it may directly touch, such as possibly an electrical component, while everything else would still be fine.
I’ve never heard of an installation of a subwoofer voiding the warranty on a product. Perhaps you could give the dealer a call and ask about it while pretending that you haven’t installed it yet? It’s possible to find out using that method.
Conclusion
If you replace your car’s audio system (and subwoofers) with an aftermarket unit that is the same manufacturer as the original item and that is made and sold by the same company, then upgrading to a surround sound system in your vehicle will not void your warranty. In a conclusion, this is because the warranty will not be voided.
If, on the other hand, you install aftermarket parts in your vehicle that are not manufactured by the same manufacturer as the original factory-installed parts, then you will render your warranty null and void.
Before buying a product, you can avoid this problem by first reading the instruction manual for your stereo and then getting in touch with the manufacturer to discuss any specific problems you might be having with it.
