Will Max Speed Void Your Warranty?
The automotive industry has come a long way in advancing the technologies and pushing the limits of car manufacturing. Thus, modern cars are equipped with enhanced capabilities that make driving a breeze, allowing you to test the limits of your car. However, it is ill-advised to break speed limits for your safety and that of other motorists. While speed adds thrill and excitement to your driving experience, you must think twice before you do. And it’s not just an issue if will max speed void your warranty. You can think about the safety of others and the long-term health of your car.
Key Takeaways
• Driving at max speed could result in many negative effects on your car’s road condition.
• Practice mindful driving habits to avoid any triggers that would cause you to drive over the speed limit.
• Your car warranty provider can void your warranty claim if your covered parts are damaged due to over-speeding or other reckless driving behaviors.
• Avoid other negative driving behaviors that can cause damage to your car, such as engine braking or revving the engine while it’s still cold.
Why Speeding is Bad for Your Car
If you feel the need for speed, you must think about its harmful effects on your car and its engine. It’s part of the reason why your warranty will include a clause about your speed and other risky driving habits.
No matter how well you take care of your car, pushing it beyond its limits too frequently will cause wear that can impact its longevity.
Engine Stress
The primary concern when you drive your car at max speed is the stress it puts on the engine and various internal components. If you drive over 100 MPH, it prompts the engine to produce a higher RPM. Too much RPM can stress the engine and increase its wear and tear. The result is possible damage to the valves, pistons, and bearings.
Excessive Tire Wear
High-speed driving can put a stress on your tires as much as it does on your engine. Your tires are the car’s only point of contact with the road, so it is understandably affected when you drive at higher speeds. It’s also how the term “burning rubber” came to be.
Traveling at high speeds can increase the friction between the tires and road. Excess friction creates high temperatures that cause your tire to experience much wear and increase the risk of the tire blowing out when it gets too hot.
Strained Suspension
Driving at max speed can strain your car’s suspension system. The suspension is vital in absorbing shocks and vibrations, thus improving your car’s stability. If you drive at breakneck speeds, those components are prone to damage. And when it is damaged, it will greatly reduce your car’s ride quality.
Lower Fuel Efficiency
With rising gas prices, improving fuel efficiency is something that all drivers should strive for. If this is a concern for you, you must think about lowering your speeds to maintain good fuel efficiency. The higher your speed, the more you push your vehicle’s engine to work harder and use up more fuel. You end up spending more money on gas for the same distance traveled.
Damaged Brakes
Driving fast reduces your reaction time, forcing you to step on the brakes as hard as you could. Sudden braking is a driving habit that you must avoid at all costs. It can wear out your brake pads and discs, resulting in your car being not worthy for the road.
Safety Concerns
This point isn’t related to your vehicle condition, but it’s an important one. Speed limits are placed there for a reason – to keep everyone safe when driving on public roads. Therefore, it is your responsibility to adhere to these speed limits to avoid accidents.
Will Max Speed Void Your Warranty?
No. Warranty providers cannot void your warranty on the basis of driving over speed limit. However, this driving habit can put a strain on the engine and other internal components. Over time, it can lead to premature wear and damage.
When your engine suffers damage due to frequent over-speeding, it could be a ground for your warranty provider to deny your warranty claim. Still, the burden is on them to prove it.
Driving Strategies to Prevent Speeding
If driving at max speeds has become a habit, it is best to consciously make a decision to improve your driving habit and prevent damage to your car. Here are some tips to help mitigate the risks:
Activate Cruise Control
Many modern cars have a cruise control feature. Make the most of this feature to help maintain your speed while driving on a highway. Once activated, the cruise control ensures you won’t exceed your specified speed limit so you can focus on navigating the road. The feature will regulate your speed.
Know Your Speeding Triggers
What prompts you to hit the pedal and ramp up your speed? Is it because you are running late for work or an appointment? Or is it because you are tired and you want to get home fast? If this is the case, you should always leave ahead of schedule so you don’t feel the need to speed up to make it to work or appointment on time. Or if you are tired, rest before leaving so you are in the best condition to drive.
Identifying your triggers help you become more aware of them when they occur, allowing you to modify your behavior and response.
Check Your Speedometer
Sometimes, you are not even aware of how fast you are going until you check your speedometer. But since your speedometer can get out of alignment, always have it checked during your car’s regular servicing to ensure that it is giving you the right numbers.
Drive a Manual
It’s easy to lose sight of your speed when you are driving an automatic transmission vehicle. If this is the case with you, it might be a good idea to switch to a manual transmission as you have better control of your speed.
The Bottom Line
Driving at max speed runs the risk of damaging your car and its engine. From excessive tire wear to strained suspension, you could inevitably find yourself in a complicated situation when time comes to claim your warranty. You can avoid these complications by driving responsibly and safely, which means driving within the speed limit and avoiding maxing out your speed. It not only ensures you can enjoy your warranty but also maximize your car’s lifespan.
In addition, each warranty coverage is different. The terms and conditions of an extended warranty might be different for other warranty products. It’s always best to consult with the provider to protect your investment.
FAQs
Is speeding bad for your car?
Yes. Speeding can cause damage to your car due to strained engine and internal components. It can also cause excessive wear on your tires.
How can I make my car faster without voiding warranty?
There are many performance upgrades that won’t void your car warranty. These modifications can enhance your car’s performance and speed. However, it is best to check with your warranty provider about any modifications to avoid your claim being denied.
