Want to install aftermarket improvements?

What you should know about vehicle warranties and what your dealer may tell you.

A message from Gale Banks Engineering.

FANNING FEARS

You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but you're worried about putting the vehicle's warranty at risk. It's no wonder. How many times have you heard someone at a dealership say that installing aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed - even though it is completely false.

Wrap-up: Dealers don't like warranty work, which pays less than normal repairs. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers manage to avoid such low-paying work and charge the prime rate for service which is rightfully under warranty.

THE TRUTH

Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer's original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well, which provide further protections for vehicle owners.

In other words, a dealer can't wiggle out of his legal warranty obligation merely because you install aftermarket equipment. To find out if any aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle's warranty, check the owner's manual, usually under a heading such as "What Is Not Covered." Although the language may be negative, remember your vehicle manufacturer is simply saying he does not cover the aftermarket products themselves. He is not saying that the products would void the vehicle warranty.

(Separately sold "extended" warranties vary and may be subject to restrictions not addressed here.)

Wrap-up: As of the 1998 model year, no properly installed equipment manufactured by Gale Banks Engineering has ever voided any vehicle manufacturer's warranty. And, to protect your investment, Banks warranties every power product they manufacture.

VEHICLE DEALERS' OBLIGATIONS

Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that you've installed aftermarket equipment - a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.

An example of how ridiculous this can get is the man who was denied warranty coverage by a dealer on his power door locks, because he had improved his exhaust system! Sounds nuts? It really happened - because that man did not know his rights and challenge the dealer's decision.

Wrap-up: A dealer must prove - not just say - that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.

YOUR RIGHTS

Point out to the dealer the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act. Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he can't - or his explanation sounds questionable - it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.

Wrap-up: If you are still being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty law. Direct complaints to the FTC at (202) 326-3128.

BANKS' PROMISE:

If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealer, and you are the original purchaser of Banks equipment, promptly call our Customer Service representative at (626) 969-9600, weekdays between 8AM and 5PM, PST.

Note: Be sure that you call us before you allow any repairs to be performed. If you let the dealer start any repairs, it may cost you the opportunity to prove the true source of the problem, and you will likely be charged for work that is under warranty. Our representative will contact the dealer to assist you in fairly resolving the issue. We want to see that your rights are protected.

In the unlikely event Banks equipment becomes an issue during your vehicle manufacturer's warranty period, you have our promise that Banks Engineering will be there for you. If a proper engineering analysis shows that Banks equipment damaged parts of your engine during your vehicle's factory warranty period, and we are notified before repairs are started, then Banks will cover the affected parts and labor at the prevailing flat rate.

Wrap-up: Although a problem caused by Banks equipment is not impossible, it is extremely rare. Banks products are not only designed to make your engine run stronger, but longer as well. We run a durability study as part of the engineering of our power products to ensure that all Banks equipment adds to engine life. If it doesn't, we don't build it (you have to go to our competitors for that!) And, our company's product warranty assures you that your Banks equipment itself is built to last.

The bottom line: No properly installed Banks equipment will void your vehicle manufacturer's original warranty.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

Federal Law:

"In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by means of a written warranty shall . . . fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules . . . require inclusion in the written warranty of any . . . exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty."

- Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, section 2302(a)

Dodge Motors:

"Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment"

- 1997 Warranty Information supplement to Dodge Owner's Manual

Ford Motor Company:

"Installation of a non-genuine Ford item . . . does not, in and of itself, render our warranty void."

- Ford Owner Relations Division

General Motors Corporation:

"If a Chevrolet part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship not related to {an aftermarket product} or the labor to install it, Chevrolet would be responsible for covering the failed part."

- Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center

(This page was reprinted with permission from Gale Banks Engineering)

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