With the Kerala government recently legalising a host of aftermarket modifications and accessories, vehicle customisation has again become a hot topic among enthusiasts. But beyond the question of legality, users are often confused about the implications of fitting an accessory on the car’s warranty. The good news, however, is that some accessories can be installed without violating the warranty clauses. Here’s a detailed explainer on those.
Note: An aftermarket accessory does not void the car’s entire warranty. If a component is affected by a modification, a manufacturer can only deny warranty claims for that component, meaning that the coverage for unrelated parts of the vehicle remains intact.
Decorative accessories generally do not affect a car’s warranty
Unless drilled or welded into the body, a styling accessory doesn’t affect the warranty
Accessories that are usually fixed to a car without requiring drilling or modifications to its body do not affect a vehicle’s warranty. Examples include door visors, bumper and door protectors, and mud flaps. Even spoilers and roof rails are not an issue as long as they aren’t drilled or welded. Generally, all add-ons affixed to the vehicle with automotive-grade adhesives such as 3M tapes do not affect the warranty.
One of the most common things people do while customising a car is changing the stock wheels. Installing aftermarket alloy wheels does not affect a car’s warranty as long as you match the OEM wheel size. Upsizing, using wider tyres or installing wheel spacers, however, may cause mechanical failure and hence void the warranty.
Non-electrical interior accessories are generally okay
Like exterior accessories, aftermarket interior styling accessories do not void a car’s warranty. These add-ons, including seat covers, steering wheel covers, an adapter for wireless phone connectivity, floor mats, door scuff plates, dashboard ornaments/figurines and window sunshades, do not compromise the warranty. However, special care should be taken if the seats have heating, ventilation and massage functions and are equipped with curtain airbags, as any malfunction caused by aftermarket covers can affect the warranty on the specific part.
One important thing to note is that while the exterior and interior styling accessories are generally warranty-safe, owners must ensure that they comply with legal regulations. For instance, add-ons such as sun films, vinyl wraps and luggage racks could attract fines in certain cities.
Electronic accessories need a more careful approach
‘Coupler-to-coupler’ accessories that draw a lot of power can impact the warranty
Compared to styling accessories, electronic add-ons, including aftermarket dashcams, parking cameras and ambient lighting, which are installed by hardwiring or splicing and cutting wires, can void a part of your car’s warranty. Using ‘coupler-to-coupler’ methods or fuse taps generally does not impact the warranty; some manufacturers impose warranty penalties if the accessory does not comply with OEM standards or is not installed by a professional.
Plug-and-play electronic accessories, powered by a 12V socket or the USB ports, are usually safe. However, if these plug-and-play accessories draw a lot of power, such as aftermarket high-wattage headlight bulbs, infotainment systems, large audio amplifiers and high-pressure air compressors, they can strain the vehicle’s alternator, battery or fuses and cause circuit damage, voiding the warranty.
How to ensure accessories do not void the warranty
Consulting your dealership before installing an accessory can save your car’s warranty
To ensure that an accessory does not conflict with the car’s warranty clauses, it is recommended that you read the car’s manual thoroughly and consult your dealership for guidance before the installation. If possible, conduct all communication via email or WhatsApp so that the discussion is admissible as evidence in case of a legal dispute. Also, ensure you take receipts and bills for all the accessories installed. OEM accessories do not affect a car’s warranty, and if they are installed at a dealership, it could be one less headache.
However, if you need to access the car’s warranty for a faulty part, dealerships may try to claim liability for the malfunctioning part due to the installation of an aftermarket accessory in some cases. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a manufacturer cannot use random clauses to void a warranty if a direct link exists between a failure and your actions. Hence, you will have to prove either that the issue existed before the accessory was installed or that your actions had no effect on the warranted part.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
