You must have heard many times that the EV car was under warranty but the dealer has completely rejected the claim to repair the car or replace the parts by giving the reason that the warranty of this car has now ended. When dealer says the warranty has been lapsed it means, you lose the right to make a claim against standard warranty!
But why this happened? Why my EV car warranty is lapsed though some weeks or months left?
Well, the simple answer is that the car warranty has lapsed because you did something wrong which is against the manufacturer’s warranty policy.
Electric vehicle (electric car) warranty voiding is an unpleasant situation that many EV owners have to face each and ever year. Once the warranty is lost, repair and maintenance costs increase significantly. Therefore, it is important to understand what factors can void the warranty of an EV car and how to avoid it.
1. Use of aftermarket parts
Many times, EV owners install aftermarket parts like bigger rims, suspension components, or even the touch-screen lased infotainment systems. These are not approved by the manufacturer and can be seen as tampering in their car. Doing so may void the car’s warranty as it may affect the performance of the battery pack, motor, and other critical components. Using manufacturer approved parts is the only way to be safe and maintain the warranty.
2. Negligence or improper maintenance
It is important to perform regular maintenance of an EV car. It is necessary to perform break check, battery pack checks, coolant level checks, and other maintenance activities at the times specified by the manufacturer. Failure to perform these tasks falls under negligence and may void the warranty.
3. Intentionally damaging a car
Some EV owners accidentally or intentionally damage their car by carrying extra weight, charging incorrectly, or operating the car incorrectly, all these activities are outside the scope of the warranty and can void it. Never ever intentionally damage the car, don’t do stunts or off-roading.
4. Use of non-approved repair shops
You should only get your EV car repaired at the authorized repair shops trained and approved by the manufacturer. For this the company’s own service station is the best and genuine. Getting repairs done at non-approved shops may void the warranty as they may not use the correct parts and techniques.
5. Accidents or collisions
If your EV car is involved in an accident or collision, it may void the warranty. However, some manufacturers provide coverage for such accidents, but this may require additional charges. If you have the valid car insurance, then you can claim the damages under that policy for free.
6. Modifications not approved by the manufacturer
Some EV owners may want to make some modifications to their car, such as upgrading the battery pack or overclocking the motor. However, any such modifications must be approved by the manufacturer, otherwise it may void the warranty. It is advised don’t make any electrical or electronic modification!
7. Failure to comply with scheduled maintenance
It is important to follow the regular maintenance schedule prescribed by the manufacturer (generally after 3 months or once in 6 months). If you do not follow these maintenance periods, it may void the warranty. Therefore, it is important to take care and follow the prescribed maintenance schedule.
8. Use of improper charging equipment
The EV car should only be charged with manufacturer approved charging devices or charger unit. Using non-approved or illegal chargers may damage the battery pack and void the warranty. In case, if you standard AC charger damaged or not working, then buy only genuine AC charger from the authorized stores and don’t forget to take invoice!
9. Overloading beyond specified limits
There is a maximum load set by the manufacturer for every EV car. If you exceed this limit, it may put additional stress on the battery pack, motor and other components (like tires & suspensions) and void the warranty. Best thing is carry only recommended weigh mention in the car brochure!
10. Environmental damage (e.g. flooding)
If your EV car is affected by a natural disaster or environmental damage such as a flood, earthquake or fire, it may void the warranty. If something is advised by the government like don’t travel on this day then listen these warning carefully else the car warranty will be lapsed. However, some manufacturers offer special coverage for such incidents and you need to know before buying!
11. Use of unapproved parts or fluids
Only approved parts and fluids recommended by the manufacturer should be used. Using non-approved parts and fluids may damage various car components and result in serious issue in car working. Hence if something goes wrong then dealer won’t fix it and reason would be – “the warranty of this car lapsed because the owner used the unapproved parts.
12. Not following manufacturer’s instructions
It is important to follow all the instructions and guidelines given by the manufacturer of the EV car. There is a brochure or car booklet which clearly mentions things like dos and don’ts. Therefore it is advisable to always read the booklet from inside out and if you still have any doubts, you can contact Deal or Customer Service.
Final Words
Warranty of electric vehicles is very important as it helps in reducing the repair and maintenance costs. Therefore, EV car owners should avoid all the above foolish things to maintain their warranty. Regular maintenance, careful use, and following manufacturer’s instructions is the best way to maintain the warranty of car. Once the warranty expires, the repair and maintenance costs increase significantly, so it is better to avoid it.
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