New headlights for your vehicle can massively enhance your sightline while driving and make your vehicle stand out! The aftermarket headlights such as LED or HIDs, are usually more efficient and fashionable than factory-installed ones. But there’s a question that plagues the minds of many car owners when it comes to aftermarket changes: Will installing aftermarket headlights void my warranty?
The good news is that it is possible to improve your car without invalidating your warranty. In this guide, we’ve covered how to install aftermarket headlights in a way that won’t void your warranty. Let’s take a deep dive and ensure you get the best bang for your buck, new headlights and some protection for your car’s most important warranty.
Vehicle Warranties Explained
But before we get into the installation itself, let’s take a closer look at the various types of vehicle warranties and how they may or may not apply to aftermarket equipment and accessories.
Types of Warranties
- Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Definition and Coverage: This is the factory warranty that your vehicle comes with when you purchase it. This typically covers free defects in materials or artistry, and usually encompasses large components like the engine, transmission, and electronic systems.
- Duration and Restrictions: Manufacturer warranties usually run from three to five years, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. But they might have limitations on certain aftermarket components or changes that would affect coverage.
- Extended Warranty
- What It Includes: Extended warranties give protection beyond the term of the manufacturer’s warranty. They often protect the same parts but can leave out some parts that are covered by the original warranty.
- How It’s Different: Extended warranties tend to have more exclusions, particularly in terms of modifications or aftermarket parts such as headlights.
Warranty Voiding Clauses
Most car warranties have particular conditions that can effectively cancel your coverage if some adjustments are made. Here are a few common ones:
- Unauthorized Alterations: Many warranties contain language specifying that unauthorized aftermarket parts, including headlights, can render any coverage null and void.
- Electrical System Modifications: Because headlights are electronic devices, changing your electrical system could void the warranty.
You will need to read the fine print of your warranty, however, to determine which changes may affect it.
Looking Up Aftermarket Headlights
All aftermarket headlights are not the same, and the right choice will impact your driving experience and the quality of the warranty.
Aftermarket Headlight Varieties
- Halogen
- Pros: Cheap and easy to find, halogens offer no-frills performance and emit a warm, yellow light.
- Cons: Less efficient and shorter-lived compared to LEDs or HIDs.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode)
- Pros: LEDs are energy-efficient (they can last years), and emit a brightly shining, cool white light. They also produce less heat, which is a plus for modern cars.
- Cons: Initial cost is often more than halogen bulbs, and these can be finicky to install because of their electrical requirements.
- HID (High Intensity Discharge)
- Pros: HIDs are brighter overall and more visible during the day, for example, so for night driving, they’re great. They also require less power than halogen bulbs.
- Cons: HIDs often come in more expensive, and some cars require more installation time or modifications.
Fits Your Vehicle
Before buying the aftermarket headlights, verify that it is compatible with your make and model of vehicle. Not every headlight will be suitable, and you will only create problems with your car’s electrical setup by undertaking a process such as this. Here’s what you can do to make sure it works:
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual: This is the starting point for finding out what your headlight specifications are.
- Leverage The Web: Certain websites, such as Amazon, AutoZone, or even manufacturer specific forums can help you find which components can work on your specific make and model of car.
Installation Process
So now that you have done your research and picked your choice of headlights, here’s what you’ll need for the installation.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Tools: Screwdrivers, socket set, wrench, electrical tape, and, depending on how picky you want to be, perhaps a headlight alignment tool.
- Aftermarket Brands: Well-known and reputable brands of aftermarket headlights are Sylvania, PIAA, and Anzo USA. These companies provide premium compatible choices for most cars.
How to install, step-by-step: Install Guide
- Preparation
- Safety First: Make sure to disconnect your car battery prior to beginning installation. This will help prevent any electrical shorts and keep you safe during the process.
- Workspace: Make yourself available in a clean, well-lit work area preferably with access to the vehicle front end.
- Removing Old Headlights
- With your screwdriver or socket, take out the bolts that hold the current headlights in place. Save these screws, you will need them for the new install.
- Start by removing the old headlight wiring harness.
- How do I change my headlights?
- Wire the new headlights to the previous harness. There will be adapter or instruction for your reference.
- Fasten the new headlights using the stock screws and bolts.
- Testing the New Headlights
- Re-connect your car battery. Now, go ahead and turn on your headlights to ensure they work properly. Set your lights at the correct angle so they’re in line and not blinding other drivers.
- Maintaining Your Warranty
You also need to ensure your warranty is maintained, even after the installation is successful.
Documentation
- Retain Receipts: Save all of your receipts for the aftermarket parts as well as the installation guide. It will give you evidence in the event that any warranty issues occur.
- Installation Record: any installation, including any tests or checks made by the builder to ensure it is done right. This can be useful to protect your warranty in case there are disputes.
Consulting with Professionals
Although DIY installation is feasible, involving a professional installer can ensure that your warranty remains valid. Here’s why:
- Certified Installation: An experienced installation will act as proof that the installation was performed correctly, making sure that there are not going to be any issues with your warranty.
- Minimize Errors: Experts are typically less likely to commit mistakes that could lead to a damaged electrical system or a voided warranty, relating to a mistaken installation.
Conclusion
Adding aftermarket headlights is a great way to get better performance and a much better look. But you’ll also want to be sure that whatever you’re installing doesn’t break your warranty. Reading your car’s warranty, opting for compatible headlights, following the right installation process, and all your receipts and paperwork in one place will help give you the rest easy results you want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does it void my warranty if I install aftermarket headlights?
A1. Not really, as long as the headlights are compatible with your ride and you install them correctly, always check the warranty terms.
Q2. How do I know if my headlight is compatible?
A2. Your car owner’s manual and websites, such as car part stores, may help you search for compatible aftermarket headlights for your make and model.
Q3. Can I install the headlight by myself?
A3. Perhaps, but if you have doubts or wish to avoid errors, you should seek out a professional installer for a consultation to make sure that everything is done properly.
Q4. What are the best aftermarket headlights?
A4. LED and HID lights are favored for their energy consumption, brightness, and longevity. But the best one for you is based on your budget as well as what you expect of driving.
Q5. Should I write down how I installed it before?
A5. Yes, recording the installation and the parts used is very important for your warranty. Keep the receipt and packing slip for future reference.
