A Mopar warranty can be voided by various factors, primarily stemming from damage, misuse, neglect, or unauthorized alterations to the vehicle or its parts. Understanding these conditions is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's coverage and ensuring any future repairs are covered.
Key Factors That Can Void Your Mopar Warranty
Maintaining your Mopar vehicle and adhering to specific guidelines is essential to keep its warranty intact. Actions or conditions that cause damage outside of normal wear and tear, or that indicate a failure to properly care for the vehicle, can lead to the voiding of your warranty.
Here's a breakdown of common scenarios that can void a Mopar warranty:
1. Damage from Accidents and External Events
Mopar warranties typically do not cover costs associated with damage or conditions caused by external, unforeseen events.
- Fire: Damage resulting from a vehicle fire.
- Accident: Any damage incurred as a result of a collision or other accident. This includes impacts that might alter structural integrity or specific components.
2. Abuse, Negligence, and Misuse
Operating your vehicle outside of its intended purpose or failing to exercise reasonable care can lead to a voided warranty.
- Abuse: Intentional damage or severe mistreatment of the vehicle.
- Negligence: A lack of proper care or attention that leads to damage or malfunction. This could include ignoring warning lights or continuing to drive with a known problem.
- Misuse: Operating the vehicle improperly, such as:
- Driving over curbs: Causing damage to suspension, tires, or undercarriage.
- Overloading the vehicle: Exceeding the manufacturer's specified weight limits for cargo or passengers.
- Racing the vehicle: Using the vehicle in competitive events or activities for which it was not designed, which often subjects components to extreme stress.
3. Improper Maintenance and Unauthorized Modifications
Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or making unapproved changes are significant causes for warranty voidance.
- Improper Adjustment: Any adjustments made to vehicle components that are not done according to Mopar specifications or by qualified technicians.
- Alteration: Unauthorized modifications or additions to the vehicle or its parts. This often includes:
- Installation of aftermarket parts that are not approved or installed by Mopar-authorized service centers.
- Modifications that enhance performance (e.g., engine tuning, suspension lifts) if they are not Mopar-approved performance parts installed correctly.
- Failure to Maintain: Not adhering to the vehicle's recommended service schedule, or not performing necessary maintenance. This includes:
- Skipping oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, or other factory-recommended services.
- Not keeping detailed records of all maintenance performed, especially if done outside of an authorized dealership.
4. Environmental and Corrosion Issues
While some corrosion might be covered, certain types or causes of corrosion can void the warranty.
- Corrosion: Extensive rust or corrosion damage, especially if it's determined to be a result of neglect, improper care, or exposure to harsh conditions not typically covered (e.g., prolonged exposure to salt water without proper cleaning).
Protecting Your Mopar Warranty
To ensure your Mopar warranty remains valid, consider these practical insights:
- Adhere to Service Schedules: Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain all receipts and records of maintenance services performed on your vehicle.
- Use Authorized Parts and Service: Opt for Mopar original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and have service performed by authorized Mopar dealerships or certified technicians. This helps ensure proper installation and compatibility.
- Understand Your Warranty Document: Familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your Mopar warranty, as coverage can vary.
Understanding these exclusions empowers Mopar owners to make informed decisions about vehicle use and maintenance, helping to protect their investment and ensure peace of mind. For comprehensive details, always consult the official Mopar warranty statements available on their website, such as www.mopar.com.
