Do Semi Truck Grille Guards Void Manufacturer Warranties?

Freight companies interested in grille guards for fleet vehicles likely understand the benefits and how much aftermarket grille guards can reduce downtime — but may still be hesitant with questions about how grille guards affect insurance premiums or vehicle warranties. A common question that we get at RIGGUARD from potential customers interested in high-quality grille guards is if aftermarket semi truck grille guards void manufacturer warranties, and we are here to help answer your questions.

4 Things To Know About Semi Truck Grille Guards and Factory Warranties

There is a lot of conjecture that adding aftermarket parts to your commercial truck will void the manufacturer warranty — but that is not the case. The addition of an aftermarket semi truck grille guard will not void a factory warranty in most cases due to federal law and the burden of proof. With that being said — it is important to understand how a grille guard will affect your truck’s warranty.

Here is a closer look at a few things you need to know about semi truck grille guards and factory warranties: 

1. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Freight companies may not realize that there is federal legislation that protects you and your warranty when you install an aftermarket part on your commercial truck. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that manufacturers cannot refuse to honor a factory warranty just because you have installed aftermarket parts. With this legislation, the installation of a grille guard will not void a manufacturer warranty on its own.

2. Burden of Proof

There is a scenario where a factory warranty can be voided in the event of a collision — but in this scenario, the burden of proof falls on the manufacturer. In the event that a manufacturer denies a claim or voids a warranty, they must be able to prove that the installed aftermarket grille guard directly caused damage to the part of the truck that was under warranty, and that is a difficult thing to prove. 

3. Improper Installation

When you install an aftermarket grille guard, it is important to make sure it is installed properly. If a grille guard is improperly installed and blocks collision-avoidance system sensors, causes airflow issues for your truck, or results in additional damage, it can cause a manufacturer to refuse to cover specific repairs that are under warranty. When you purchase a grille guard for fleet vehicles, ensure that it is installed properly.

4. Grille Guard Design

Freight companies that choose to add grille guards to fleet vehicles need to pay attention to grille guard design. There are grille guards on the market that are considered more aesthetic than protective, and grille guards that are not designed to protect critical engine components may fail or cause additional damage that has the potential to void a factory warranty. 

How To Protect Your Manufacturer Warranty

Trucking companies concerned about the validity of manufacturer warranties for commercial trucks can take a few steps to protect factory warranties and ensure that your grille guard will not have a negative impact on that warranty.

• Professional Installation: Make sure that aftermarket grille guards are installed by qualified service technicians to reduce the risk of improper installation that can cause additional damage to critical mechanical components and void a warranty.
• Make Sure Grille Guards are Compatible: Grille guards are not always universal. This makes it important to find a grille guard that is compatible with the make and model of your commercial truck and does not interfere with truck components.
• Keep Documents: When you have purchased a grille guard for your truck, it is important to keep purchase and installation receipts in your files that can be used to prove the work was done correctly if that question comes up.

READ MORE: What Are the Different Styles of Semi Truck Grille Guards? 

Are you considering a RIGGUARD grille guard for your fleet vehicles? You may have questions or concerns, like — do semi truck grille guards void manufacturer warranties? We have the answers right here at RIGGUARD with this in-depth overview. 

Contact RIGGUARD today to learn more about our high-quality grille guards manufactured in Neenah, WI!