Will Changing The Cabin Air Filter Myself Void My Warranty

Q: I have to change the air filter on my Volkswagen. Practise I accept to buy the original air filter model for the machine to maintain the total warranty? Are there whatever parts that take to be original equipment parts for the warranty to still apply?

—Amanda C. in Toronto

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

When it comes to replacement parts like an air filter that tin accept a role in the prevention of internal damage to the engine, the requirement is to utilize parts of "like kind and quality." This means yous can use a replacement part that meets the performance standards of the original part but is fabricated by an independent supplier. This type of component is chosen an "aftermarket" office in the industry.

Reputable aftermarket parts to maintain your engine are typically about 30% cheaper than the "original equipment" components supplied with your vehicle; you may exist surprised to learn they sometimes promise superior quality and are more expensive! In some cases, the original and aftermarket parts are i 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 1 and the aforementioned, since the automaker is likely ordering their role from a major contained supplier to meet their specifications, but putting it in a box identified as their make.

It's not viable for yous to actually examination an air filter to run across if information technology matches the performance of the original equipment. The alternative is to stick with a brand name aftermarket supplier; for air filters, FRAM, MANN, Purolator, and WIX come to mind. This is what most not-dealer repair shops do, and usually, they, non the vehicle owner, are the ones making the determination on what parts to use for service and repairs.

In the alternative, when a component has to come across an manufacture standard, your owner'southward manual may specify that standard (near notably for engine oil). You could look for that standard on the packaging of the aftermarket replacement parts, which is an indication of "similar kind and quality."