Does occasional track use invalidate warrranty?

[lear]

For example, in my manufacturer's warranty terms, there is a general exclusion if the vehicle is used for "competition or racing" (with track days of course being explicitly non-competitive) and an exclusion for damage caused by "improper or irregular" use which, in a contested claim, would presumably require linking the actual damage directly to the track use as opposed to normal driving. Just wondering if anyone has looked at this? Purely hypothetical question of course.

[jleroux]

I'm aware of a few cases where dealers have rejected warranty claims becuase the car had been (ab)used on track. Equally, i'm aware of many more cases where dealers have picked up the bill for work on known-tracked cars.

In summary, i'd say it depends on the dealer, depends on the car, depends on the warranty item in the question etc etc

Jonny
BaT

[Steve Evil]

I'd imagine it also depends on the car, you're more likely to get a dealer to honour a warranty on a GT3 RS than you are an S-class Mercedes for example.

[juansolo]

Steve Evil said:

I'd imagine it also depends on the car, you're more likely to get a dealer to honour a warranty on a GT3 RS than you are an S-class Mercedes for example.

Hmmm, don't be so sure, Porsche take the wording of their warranty to the nth degree. Fit a Halfords battery or non 'N' marked tyres for example and it will be invalid... I kid you not.

[weed]

If they wanted to be difficult, they could do an ECU dump to check the frequency of rev limiter activity.


m

[timarnold]

A friend of mine had a car he purchased brand new with a factory approved conversion intended for track day use (uprated engine, suspension, and track day tyres) sold to him by the main dealer, intended for track day use. It was only tracked three times and not abused on any of those occasions. When the engine blew up catastrophically while cruising at 70 mph on the motorway the manufacturer refused to honour the warranty "because it had been track'd". The replacement engine was £10,000!

[Jeffmaniac]

Oh dear. Only a week ago advised someone over the phone that their insurance would not be invalid if they fitted non porsche recommended tyres. Didnt even think that this would invalidate their warranty. Bit ott i think.

[ARAF]

Jeffmaniac said:

Oh dear. Only a week ago advised someone over the phone that their insurance would not be invalid if they fitted non porsche recommended tyres. Didnt even think that this would invalidate their warranty. Bit ott i think.

Forget it. If there's an electrical problem, there's no way that Porsche can blame it on a tyre.
If there's a blow-out, then that's another matter. They may not re-warranty the car with the tyre though.

IIRC the latest Porsche extended warranty also says that approved parts can only be fitted by Porsche. I had a brake fluid change by a local indie, but the local Porsche dealer said that this would have to be re-done by Porsche technicians if I wanted a warranty.
This extended warranty is not subject to block exemption, as it's an aftermarket product, and not the basic manufacturers warranty sold with a new car.

[GC8]

Halfords batteries and non-N-rated tyres only apply to Porsches extended warranty acceptance. The warranty on a new car is legally enforceable.

[HVAC MATT]

dont tell them you are using it a track day car. all my cars make it to aleast one track even if it just for a giggle.