RedefineRX8

iTrader: (-1)

I wasn't referring to you in my other post. You are new to this whole thing, so I can understand. It's better to learn this way than to learn by having your suspension fail when you're driving. Don't sweat it too much, and just really search around before buying from now on.

yellowjacket523

Just got the Tein springs in, they appear to be authentic. I compared the ones I have to the link posted of the comparison between the conterfeit and authentic and these checked out. Also they were shipped from Michigan so I doubt they would have all the stuff about 100% genuine and garuntees and warranty on their site if it weren't true. I could easily take legal action sense the company is within the U.S. and only a few states away. If I can confirm that it won't void the warranty I'm going to go ahead and put them on.

chrism

take pictures....i would be willing to bet that some people can point out quite a few differences between real and fake.....

yellowjacket523

I'm going by this..

http://www.tein.com/counterfeit/index.html

I checked each point they have listed and all of them match the authentic pictures. I think I got the real thing, but I'll post pictures when I get a chance so that you guys can look for yourselves.

yellowjacket523

Off topic but I was just looking over the warranty papers they gave me and also called the dealership and asked two people if aftermarket lowering springs would void the warranty and have yet to get a straight answer. The first guy I talked to said he couldn't tell me and transfered me to the service department, then that guy said it might be fine, it might just void the warranty on the suspension, or might void the whole thing. Also I don't think the warranty is through mazda, the factory warranty expired and I got an extended one. It looks like it's through a company called Carefree Car Protection. Anyone have any info on this?

chrism

The Magnuson-Moss Act
Protecting tweakers, tuners, and other users of aftermarket equipment.



FANNING FEARS


You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but you’re worried about putting the vehicle’s warranty at risk. It’s no wonder. How many times have you heard somene of a dealership say that installing aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed – though it is completely false.


Fact: Dealers don’t like warranty work, because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers avoid such low-paying work. Instead, they attempt to charge customers the prime service rate for work which is rightfully done under warranty.




THE TRUTH


Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty – Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well. Which provide further protections for vehicle owners.


In other words, that means a dealer can’t wiggle out of his legal warranty obligation merely because you install aftermarket equipment. To find out if any aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle’s warranty, check the owner’s manual. It is likely the language you are looking for appears under a heading such as “What Is Not Covered” Although the language seems negative, remember your vehicle manufacturer is simply saying he does not cover the aftermarket products themselves. He is not saying that the products would void the vehicle warranty.


VEHICLE DEALERS OBLIGATIONS

Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that you’ve installed aftermarket equipment – a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.


An example of how ridiculous this can get is the man who was denied warranty coverage by a dealer on his power door locks, because he had improved his exhaust system! Sounds nuts? It really happened – because that man did not know his rights and challenge the dealer’s decision.


Fact: A dealer must prove – not just say – that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.


YOUR RIGHTS


Point out to the dealer the provision of the Magnuson-Moss Act- Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he can’t – or his explanation sounds questionable – it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.


Fact: If you are still being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct complaints to the FCT at (202) 326-3128.


DODGE MOTORS

“Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment.” – 1997 Warranty Information supplement to Dodge


Owner’s Manual:

GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

“If a Chevrolet part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship not related to (on aftermarket products) or the labor to install it. Chevrolet would be responsible for covering the failed part.” – Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center


FORD MOTOR COMPANY:

“Installation of a non-genuine Ford item does not, in and of itself, render warranty void.” – Ford Owner Relations Division

FEDERAL LAW


In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by means of a written warranty shall. . .fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules . . . require inclusion in the written warranty of any . . . exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty.’ – Magnuson-Moss Warranty & Federal Trade Commission improvement Act. Section 2302(a)

staticlag

"...vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty..."

I would be careful on this one. But then again, they are just springs, if you have any engine trouble or something like that you can always remove them before taking it in.

yellowjacket523

Yeah I've read that law on here already, but like above poster pointed out it's not the "vehicle manufacturer's original warranty" so that law may not apply.

chrism

if you change the suspension you void the warantee on certain parts.....like springs, shocks, etc......but those are considered wear able items any way so no worries.....but they cant say if you drop it and get a CEL that you are not under warantee cuz of springs......or if your window motor breaks.....get it?....the aftermarket part has to be proven ot be the direct cause of malfunction

yellowjacket523

I just found the number on my warranty information for the company. It's actualy called Fidelity Warranty Services Inc. I called and asked them and the conversation went something like this...

Me: I was just wondering if putting after market lowering springs on my car would have any affect on the warranty.

Her: If you did that it would void the warranty on the suspension and steering.

Me: ok

Her: And also the transmission...

Me: Ok... what about the engine?

Her: Well sense there is a chance that modifying the suspension could have an affect on the engine that would be void too.

Me: Ok... so basicaly the entire warranty would be void

Her: Well... everything but eletrical.

Me: Uh... ok... thanks...

Not what I was hoping to hear. Also doesn't make any damn sense as far as I can tell. How is lowering the car going to potentialy damage the engine or transmission?

yellowjacket523

I think I'm just going to say F it and do it anyway... how would they even know about it anyway? If I take it to a dealership are they really going to go out of their way to tell the warranty company about my springs? Wouldn't that just cost them business by preventing them from doing the repairs?