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New wheels/tires--aftermarket installer ok?

mjsmith3

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Is there any warranty issue using a non-dealer aftermarket installer to change the wheels? Seems like it shouldn't be an issue--after all, changing the tires/wheels isn't rocket science. But I'd hate to have a warranty issue down the road where the Hyundai dealer tries to void the warranty due to this....
 
Is there any warranty issue using a non-dealer aftermarket installer to change the wheels? Seems like it shouldn't be an issue--after all, changing the tires/wheels isn't rocket science. But I'd hate to have a warranty issue down the road where the Hyundai dealer tries to void the warranty due to this....
I wouldn't think so, but my dealer just charged me $35 to swap my new tires (already mounted on new rims and balanced) for the OEM's. I don't think Goodyear or other tire merchant would charge any less for the same service, and when you install new wheels with TPMS sensors they have to be re-synced with the TPMS. This is a dealer service - Goodyear, where I had my new tires mounted and balanced - said they could not do that.
 
Hyundai doesn't warranty the tires so they could care less who changes your tires.
 
It's true that Hyundai doesn't warranty tires, but that doesn't address the issue of re-syncing the TPMS when you put on new wheels. I don't know if it's the case that no outside tire merchant can re-sync, but 2 places I checked (Goodyear, Firestone) both said that they are not able to re-sync and that I'd have to go to the dealer.
 
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Tire rack sells a device that allows you to re-sync your wheels. If I recall it is on the order of $200.
 
Tire rack sells a device that allows you to re-sync your wheels. If I recall it is on the order of $200.
That seems kind of pricey. My dealer swaps wheels/tires and re-syncs for $35. I'm not sure it's worth spending $200 for this gadget and then still having to do the wheel swap yourself (or pay somebody else to swap - which I would do in any case b/c I'm getting too old to fool around with jacks and tires) and then use the gadget to re-sync.
 
Mjsmith3,

I can't speak to the warranty issue, but I used a service station (Discount Tire) to install my new wheels and tires two weeks ago and they were able to reset the TPMS.

They did a great job and I would easily use them again.
 
Anyone who answers directly either yes or no your question about aftermarket work "voiding the warranty" does not understand warranties.

Warranties expressly cover manufacturing defects, and not damage or failure as a result of unapproved modification. If the manufacturer can show that the "problem" is a result of work done by yourself or a third party, then they need not cover it.

If they cannot show that the issue is not a "defect" in manufacture, then they are obliged to repair.

i.e. - if you get your oil changed at Bob's Quick-E Lube (disclaimer - invented shop name, I hope) and the engine blows, then the manufacturer would have to show that Bob used wrong oil, or too much, or too little - they just can't say "Oh, you had work done elsewhere, we won't cover".

Obviously, the type of modification can make it easier or harder for a manufacturer to disclaim. Oil/Tires/Brake maintenance will be very unlikely to cause rejection, but if you were to install an aftermarket chip, most manufacturers would challenge any engine problem, and beating them might be a low-odds game involving expensive lawyers, so think carefully about major mods.

A corollary to this - manufacturing defects are only covered for the time limit specified in the limited warranty. Many people think that if a problem is a factory defect, that it should be covered beyond the warranty term. This is not true. i.e. if you suddenly discover a gross manufacturing defect, such as that they forgot to install a part, one day after the time limit is up, they are not legally obliged to remedy, although any reputable firm would make at least some effort to resolve the issue to your satisfaction if it was confirmed to be a true factory screwup.

Wiki "Magnuson-Moss Act"for US specific consumer warranty details.

I do this for a living (albeit not in automotive or consumer products).
 
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