Voided Warranty

[graphix1998]

I was told today that changing the wheels would void my warranty. I understand that it has something to do with the crash test results. However, if the wheels that I want to use (Brabus, Schmidt or Lorinser) are DOT and TUV approved, what difference does it make?

Can PMG enforce this? Where would the aftermarket wheel business be if the manufacturers said that you could only use the stock OEM wheels?

What's next, I can only drive on specific days, or on certain roads?

[race911]

Well, the first thing is "told" by whom? They care to put that in writing?

Take a look at any car dealer's lot and see all the shiny, chromed 20something inch wheels on everything from a Hummer they can't sell to a.............smart............

In ANY case, they can't void for something that doesn't relate to your problem, e.g. they deny you for a electric window switch when you put these evil wheels on.

[JoeyCrack]

review this
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[kwagar]

I fought this fight earlier with smart USA. Their position is that any changes to the wheels may impact the safety system of the car. They have taken the same position with exhausts--that a non factory exhaust May create problems with the emission systems.

Neither voids your entire warrenty.....however if you have a warrenty problem directly related to the wheels or directly related to the emmission system they might fight that the specific problem is not covered due to the aftermarket additions.

I find this to be shortsighted but several very bright people on this forum indicated that this was standard language for most any auto manufacturer and that I should not be suprized.

What I do find interesting is that some of the smart dealers are selling aftermarket wheels not authorized by smart USA.

The bottom line is do what you want to do realizing there may be a warrenty problem if the specific problem you have can be directly related to the after market parts. Otherwise there is no issue.

[SmartPassion]

If the dealers had their way, painting your OE wheel would void your warranty as it MAY change the composition of the wheels which MAY affect its crashworthiness - unless you bought it from them.

Remember when GM tried to corner the market on "DUB" wheels saying that only "GM" chrome wheels are safe?

Best advice is to read the Warranty Act.

[SmartAzz]

Yep, messing with anything that deviates it from stock can impact warranty coverage on an issue relating to that part (or if they state that merely non factory mechanic tinkering around is the cause they have a leg to stand on there too). Altering a car or parts can be quite the sticky wicket, and if they wish a dealer can actually just simply opt not to service your car for that or any other reason.

Anyway, my advice for non stock wheels is to keep the OEMs and put them on anytime the car goes in for service.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

Anyway, my advice for non stock wheels is to keep the OEMs and put them on anytime the car goes in for service.

Yep that's exactly what we would do too. What they don't know won't hurt them ;)

[mike-in-sa]

Swapping out those wheels might not be so easy as your smart is going down the road on a flatbed.

[eqwalker]

Originally Posted by mike-in-sa

Swapping out those wheels might not be so easy as your smart is going down the road on a flatbed.

Got a point there.

[mike-in-sa]

Point is - swapping out your wheels to keep your warrenty might not be possible if you break down on the highway and are being towed to the dealer and your oem wheels are stacked up in the garage.