3 Common Reasons Why Your Auto Warranty Could Be Denied
When it comes to protecting your GM vehicle, you’ve gone the whole nine yards.
From scheduled maintenance to only using top of the line products and more, you thought you couldn’t protect your vehicle any further—until you purchased an extended warranty plan.
With an extended warranty, like the GMPP, you have powertrain coverage which protects you from unexpected repair bills and breakdowns—but be careful! There are 3 things you could do to have your warranty claim denied from extended warranty dealers…Join Smith Chevy Warranty as we detail these top mistakes to avoid!
Keep Up On Required Maintenance
Mechanics around the US agree that regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape! Scheduled maintenance includes tasks like changing the car’s oil and air filters, rotating tires, replacing spark plugs, and more, to help prolong the car’s life and to keep it running smoothly.
Some warranty companies also mandate that your car is serviced according to their guidelines, or your warranty could be voided!
For instance, let’s say your warranty provider mandates oil changes every 5,000 miles. Well, you’ve been super busy and let it slide to 15,000 miles…oops. If you were to subsequently have a problem with your engine, your warranty could potentially be voided since you didn’t uphold your end of the bargain…uh-oh.
To prevent this from happening, create a calendar that holds all of your maintenance appointments, this way you won’t forget! Also, ask your extended warranty dealer to provide a list of all scheduled maintenance guidelines. This will prevent any surprises when it comes time to use your warranty later on!
Don’t Modify Your Vehicle…Too Much
We know you have grand visions for your vehicle…most of us do! But did you know that some car modifications can actually void your warranty?
Usually small, cosmetic changes are allowed, like changing the interior of your vehicle or placing little touches like adding a spoiler. However, modifications that affect the way your vehicle actually runs could be dangerous. For instance, changing a steering rack or adding a turbocharger may cause other elements in the car to fail—bye bye, warranty.
When purchasing an extended warranty such as a GMPP, it’s important to ask about modifications. Always make sure you know what can and cannot be done!
Vehicle Misuse
In addition to resisting the urge to modify your car, you must also resist the temptation to street race or go off-roading.
We know, we know. That 2012 Honda Civic at the red light won’t stop revving his engine at you. You know your car can totally take his, but guess what…it could void your warranty!
This can be considered misuse of your vehicle.
Anytime your vehicle is used somewhere where it isn’t supposed to be (like sand duning in your Prius), your warranty could be voided if something breaks.
As long as you use your vehicle for its intended purpose, your warranty should remain intact!
The Importance of an Extended Warranty
Now that you know what not to do when you have an extended warranty, we’ll give you all the reasons why you should have one!
- Avoid paying out of pocket for expensive repairs
- Get roadside assistance when you need it the most
- Increase the resale value of your vehicle
- Drive with peace of mind
For help protecting your GM vehicle, contact Smith Chevy Warranty. In the automotive industry since 1923, Smith Chevy has years of experience providing Silver and Platinum GMPPs to ensure your ride always drives smoothly. For more information on our plans, call (866) 495-6123!