Will Installing a Custom Gear Shift Void Your Extended Warranty?
If you’re a car enthusiast, you know that a vehicle is more than just a means of transportation. It is an extension of your style and personality. Therefore, every detail counts when it comes to your vehicle’s style to ensure that it reflects you, the owner. Most car owners would customize the paint, the wheels and rims, and other aspects of their vehicle. But one detail is often overlooked – the gear shift. Yes, you can customize the design and look of the gear shift to match your unique personality. Before you do that, it’s important to know a few things. Will installing a custom gear shift void your extended warranty? Let’s find out below!
Key Takeaways
• Upgrading to a custom gear shift allows car owners to personalize the look of their car’s gear shift, ensuring that it enhances the overall interior style.
• Installing a custom gear shift won’t void your extended warranty nor do any aftermarket parts, especially when installed properly by a professional.
• A custom gear shift is necessary when the stock one is cracked, worn or has degraded in quality due to wear and tear.
Why Customize Your Gear Shift?
Match the look of your gear shift with your car’s permission. Here are the benefits for customizing a gear shift.
Personalized Style
The car interior is a canvas that awaits your customization to suit your personality and style. A custom gear shift injects more style into your car’s interior. You can choose a sleek and minimal design or a bold and eye-catching one. Either way, it showcases your unique taste and lets your car stand out.
Enhanced Driving
The gear shift is pivotal in your overall driving experience, especially when making gear changes. Upgrading to a custom gear shift is not just about looks; it can also improve the precision with which you perform gear changes. Specifically, it makes the transition smoother and more efficient. For example, a gear shift made with weighted materials allow for easier gear changes.
Connection with the Transmission
A gear shift is the distinguish feature of a manual transmission car. The gear shift links you to the gear box. While it does not necessarily impact your driving per se, a custom gear shift allows you to be connected with the gear box and transmission. It makes every gear change purposeful and satisfying.
Improved Ergonomics
Finally, upgrading to a custom gear shift allows you to incorporate ergonomic solutions to the gear changing dynamics of your vehicle. Most cars have a mass-produced gear shift and are not fitted to your specific needs. Upgrading your gear shift to a custom one makes your grip more comfortable without causing strain, especially for long drives.
Why Upgrade to a Custom Gear Shift
A stock gear shift or shift knob is good to have, but personalizing enhances the driving experience. The following reasons necessitate a custom gear shift, which means it’s time for an upgrade.
• When the current or stock gear shift lacks in ergonomics or when you’re dissatisfied with the driving feel.
• When your stock gear shift is worn, cracked, or degraded.
• When you want a heavier or longer gear shift.
The gear shift can suffer wear and tear due to heavy use for many years. Therefore, it’s time to consider a custom gear shift when any of the above situations apply to you.
Types of Custom Gear Shift
The most common upgrade when changing the gear shift is to use a new material. It affects the feel and weight of the gear shift, which can in turn transform your driving experience. Consider these materials when installing a custom gear shift.
• Wood – A wooden gear shift is a popular choice with a traditional and timeless appeal. You can use various kinds of timber for this, which can create a unique look based on the grain and shade. The most popular choices are walnut mahogany and maple. Maple offers durability and a smooth surface while mahogany’s deep rich color gives it a more aesthetic appeal.
• Metal – Consider metal gear shift if you want a contemporary look for your car’s interior. Aluminum and stainless steel are popular options that give a more polished look to your vehicle. It also has a cool-to-the-touch feeling that some drivers prefer.
• Leather – A leather-wrapped gear shift is another choice when customizing your vehicle. It gives it a lavish feeling when you hold the shift knob, and they are preferred for comfort. Like wood, leather is available in various shades so you must select according to your preference.
• Acrylic – Acrylic material is another option when you upgrade to a custom gear shift. It is a popular choice for customization because the material can be easily molded to your desired shape. It has the potential to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Will Installing a Custom Gear Shift Void Your Extended Warranty?
No. A gear shift does not necessarily impact the gear box functionality. As long as the installation is performed by a professional and does not damage the internal components, it will not affect your extended warranty coverage. But make sure to review your warranty terms to ensure you don’t violate any clauses and maintain your protection.
FAQs
Does changing shifter void the warranty?
Any modifications on the shifter will not void or affect the warranty. However, you must ensure any changes are done properly by a professional as it could become an issue if you encounter transmission problems.
Does installing gear lock void warranty?
Since gear lock is a safety equipment and installing it does not hamper any vehicle OEM parts, it does not void your vehicle warranty.
Is a shift knob covered under warranty?
The shift knob is covered under a basic warranty and in an extended warranty coverage.