Will Changing The Cabin Air Filter Myself Void My Warranty

Q: I have to modify the air filter on my Volkswagen. Do I have to buy the original air filter model for the car to maintain the full warranty? Are there any parts that have to be original equipment parts for the warranty to still apply?

—Amanda C. in Toronto

A:A manufacturer cannot require you lot to use their branded replacement role for routine maintenance unless i) it is provided at no accuse as part of a prepaid service program or warranty repair, or ii) they are the merely supplier of the component. When it comes to replacement parts similar an air filter that can have a role in the prevention of internal damage to the engine, the requirement is to use parts of "like kind and quality." This means you can utilize a replacement the part that meets the functioning standards of the original

When information technology comes to replacement parts like an air filter that tin can have a office in the prevention of internal damage to the engine, the requirement is to use parts of "like kind and quality." This means you can use a replacement office that meets the functioning standards of the original role merely is fabricated past an independent supplier. This type of component is chosen an "aftermarket" function in the industry.

Reputable aftermarket parts to maintain your engine are typically well-nigh 30% cheaper than the "original equipment" components supplied with your vehicle; you may be surprised to learn they sometimes promise superior quality and are more expensive! In some cases, the original and aftermarket parts are one and the same, since the automaker is likely ordering their part from a major independent supplier to meet their specifications, only putting it in a box identified as their brand.

In some cases, the original and aftermarket parts are one and the same, since the automaker is likely ordering their role from a major independent supplier to run across their specifications, but putting it in a box identified as their brand.

It's not viable for yous to actually examination an air filter to see if it matches the performance of the original equipment. The culling is to stick with a make proper name aftermarket supplier; for air filters, FRAM, MANN, Purolator, and WIX come to mind. This is what about non-dealer repair shops do, and unremarkably, they, not the vehicle owner, are the ones making the decision on what parts to utilize for service and repairs.

In the alternative, when a component has to encounter an industry standard, your owner's manual may specify that standard (near notably for engine oil). You could expect for that standard on the packaging of the aftermarket replacement parts, which is an indication of "like kind and quality."