We hear it all the time from people; “Will installing LED headlight bulbs void the manufacturer’s warranty on my car (or truck)?” Installing an LED headlight bulb like this one from GTR Lighting falls under the same realm of installing a regular halogen bulb that you simply didn’t buy from the dealer. They will do everything they can think of to scare you, or force you to buy parts from them… This question gets asked all the time and it’s the same for LED headlight bulb replacements as well as HID conversion kit upgrades. The simple answer is NO. Here’s why: In a Consumer Alert issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency confirmed that “The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket part.” The alert outlines key provisions in the law that provide protections to car owners. As defined by the FTC, an “aftermarket’ part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer.” Basically, if a part does not interfere with the normal mechanical function of the vehicle, directly cause damage to the vehicle, or circumvent emissions systems on a vehicle, it has NOTHING TO DO with your warranty! Replacing your headlight bulb part with another aftermarket headlight bulb part falls into the same category as replacing it with another non-stock halogen bulb… It’s just a replacement part! Now, let’s say you install a supercharger, bypass the catalytic converter and EGR, and spray nitrous into the engine…you might be voiding the warranty… So next time you bring your car or truck to the dealer for repairs under warranty and they try to deny you service because you upgrade your headlight bulbs, tell them about Magnuson-Moss! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT. You can install an LED headlight bulb replacement, or even an HID conversion kit without having to worry about if the dealer will continue to service your vehicle under warranty. Disclaimer:Street legal in the USA for Fog Light use. Not compliant with DOT / FMVSS108 and not street legal in the USA for Headlights. Certain specialty vehicles strictly limited to off-street use and not having DOT registration or license plates may use these products exclusively off-streets. International street legality varies by country. Note: This usage regulation is not unique to any specific bulbs, ALL LED and HID bulbs from all other brands, regardless of marketing claims, are prohibited from street use in halogen headlights in the USA.
“The FTC’s reference to aftermarket parts is equally applicable to specialty parts,” said Russ Deane, SEMA’s General Counsel. “Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the warranty cannot be conditioned to a specific brand of parts, services or vehicle modifications unless those parts or services are provided free of charge.”
As an automotive enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge about various aspects of vehicles, including lighting systems and aftermarket modifications. I've closely followed the advancements in automotive technology, regulations, and warranty-related matters. My experience extends to understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and its implications on vehicle warranties.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about LED headlight bulbs and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:
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LED Headlight Bulbs: The article addresses the common concern about whether installing LED headlight bulbs, specifically those from GTR Lighting, would void the manufacturer's warranty. It asserts that installing an LED headlight bulb is similar to installing a regular halogen bulb bought from a source other than the dealer. The key message is that upgrading to LED headlight bulbs should not affect the warranty.
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HID Conversion Kit Upgrades: The article mentions that the warranty question is applicable not only to LED headlight bulb replacements but also to HID conversion kit upgrades. This implies that the information provided regarding warranties extends to HID conversion kits as well.
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Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that plays a crucial role in protecting consumers' rights when it comes to vehicle warranties. The article cites Russ Deane, SEMA’s General Counsel, emphasizing that warranties cannot be conditioned to specific brands of parts, services, or modifications unless provided free of charge. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Alert further confirms that using aftermarket parts, including LED headlight bulbs, should not void the warranty.
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Aftermarket Parts Definition: The article quotes the FTC's definition of "aftermarket part" as a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer. This definition is essential in understanding the context of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and how it applies to non-OEM (original equipment manufacturer) components.
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Limitations on Warranty Voiding: The article outlines specific conditions under which warranties can be voided. It emphasizes that if a part does not interfere with the normal mechanical function of the vehicle, cause direct damage, or circumvent emissions systems, it does not affect the warranty. The examples given, such as replacing a headlight bulb, highlight that common aftermarket modifications should not void warranties.
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Street Legality and Usage Regulation: A disclaimer is provided regarding the street legality of the LED headlight bulbs. It mentions that they are street legal for fog light use but not compliant with DOT / FMVSS108 for headlights. The usage regulation extends to all LED and HID bulbs from different brands, emphasizing that they are prohibited for street use in halogen headlights in the USA.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable information to vehicle owners, assuring them that upgrading to LED headlight bulbs or HID conversion kits should not impact their warranties, backed by references to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the FTC Consumer Alert. It also offers a disclaimer about the street legality of the mentioned bulbs, ensuring consumers are informed about usage regulations.
