Does a Supercharger Void Your Warranty?

Whether you want to run faster times on the drag strip or track, installing a supercharger is one of the most surefire ways to increase the horsepower of your vehicle. However, as with other aftermarket modifications, there's always the worry you could lose your factory warranty.

Does Adding a Supercharger Void Your Warranty?

Simply adding a supercharger to your engine usually isn't enough to void a factory warranty. But that doesn't mean a supercharger can't ultimately lead to a dealer refusing to fix your car. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, if an aftermarket part isn't related to the repair, then the warranty is still in effect.

In other words, the dealer would have to prove that your supercharger contributed to whatever repair you're trying to get covered under your warranty.

So, if you install an aftermarket exhaust system and have problems with your brakes, they would still have to cover your brakes because the two are very clearly not related.

However, a supercharger is a little more problematic. Because it installs onto your engine, there's a lot more that could go wrong and ultimately be attributed to the supercharger.

It's always a good idea to have your supercharger installed by a dealer or ASE-certified mechanic just to be sure it won't affect your warranty. You can also choose a supercharger with its own warranty protection provided by the manufacturer.

Is Installing a Supercharger a Good Idea?

Forced induction has been a staple of performance modifications for as long as it's existed. However, superchargers aren't the only option when it comes to forced induction.

Turbochargers are arguably more popular and can be found everywhere, including diesel trucks and economy cars. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so check out this article where we compare superchargers vs turbochargers before you decide.

Source: Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act, Federal Trade Commission