Will the 4S shop still provide warranty if I install a dash cam on my new car by myself?
4 Answers
If you install a dash cam on your new car by yourself, the 4S shop can still provide warranty. Adding a dash cam to a new car has no impact on after-sales service. The video footage recorded by the dash cam: Can be used as evidence in traffic accidents or in cases of fraudulent claims, serving as favorable proof. It legally safeguards the driver's rights and helps avoid disputes. It also records the distance traveled by the vehicle, making it an excellent choice for friends who enjoy self-driving tours. Functions: The dash cam for motor vehicles can record both video and audio during the vehicle's operation. After installing a dash cam, it can document the entire driving process, including video and sound, which can serve as evidence in traffic accidents. When used as evidence, the video must not be edited; once edited, the video will be considered invalid.
I've dealt with this issue many times. For new cars under warranty, 4S shops usually promise to cover factory defects. But if you modify the car yourself, such as installing a dashcam that involves the vehicle's electrical system—especially if you tap into the fuse box or alter wiring—it may void the warranty for related parts. The reason is simple: the 4S shop may suspect the problem was caused by improper installation, like a short circuit blowing a fuse or damaging a sensor, rather than being a defect in the car itself. If you must do it yourself, I recommend using a dashcam powered by the cigarette lighter socket to avoid cutting or modifying the factory wiring. This way, if an issue arises, the 4S shop can't use it as an excuse to deny warranty coverage. Additionally, it's best to keep photos of the installation process and records of the car's original condition, just in case you need evidence later to prove the issue wasn't caused by your modifications. A new car's warranty is important, so it's best to avoid tampering with the factory system if possible.
I learned a lesson from my own experience. When I first bought my car, I tried to save money by installing a dash cam myself, wiring it to the circuit under the dashboard. A few months later, the car's screen malfunctioned. The 4S shop checked it and said my installation caused poor contact, affecting the entire system. In the end, the warranty for that part was denied. I really regretted it, as I had to spend a lot on repairs. Now I understand: the new car warranty is valid for manufacturer-related issues, but any external modifications may void the relevant parts, and dash cams are no exception. Unless you use a product that doesn’t modify the wiring, like one powered by the OBD port or cigarette lighter, and the installation process is flawless, it might not affect the warranty. It’s best to ask the 4S shop about their policy before installation, or even have them check if your plan is feasible. Protecting the new car warranty should be the priority.
According to the warranty terms, the 4S shop may cancel the relevant warranty due to self-modification. If you install a dashcam and modify the original vehicle circuit, such as wiring causing a short circuit or damage, the warranty will not cover that part. However, if the issue occurs in an unmodified part, the warranty should still be valid. The key lies in the installation method: avoid cutting wires and simply use an adapter for power supply. To minimize risks, consult the 4S shop beforehand or choose products with simple installation.
