I purchased a 2024 VW Golf R Mk8 last month and was curious about adding a valved cat-back exhaust. Glad that I called several dealerships and VW head office before I ordered the part. Basically, they each said that ANY modification will potentially void the ENTIRE warranty, and a valved cat-back will CERTAINLY 100% void it, as everything is recorded in the ECU's memory, then uplinked to VW Central when the car is scanned. The most unsettling part of the explanations, was that the punitive result was entirely at VW's discretion. However, I was told that in the last two years the company is simply cancelling warranty coverage ARBITRARILY and COMPLETELY if they find evidence of any modifications. I'm playing it safe and just enjoying the car as it came from the factory, as well as saving money on expensive mods.
I had my 07 Saab tuned at the dealer with a Hirsch Performance chip and the warranty stayed intact. When I bought my Audi I was told if i wanted to chip it I would need to remove the tune every time it went to the dealer for service. I decided that 350hp was adequate.
I have a 2013 F250 Superduty with a Diesel engine. With my chipping device (it is a programmer that reprograms the vehicle’s computer) I pick up and extra 100+ HP and 100+ ft. Lbs. of torque. When in that configuration, it runs like a scalded dog and will burn the tires down to the rims if you don’t pay attention to how you use the “go pedal”. It has three programs in it. One for performance (which is described above), one for towing and one for better mileage. Each of the programs take a few minutes to upload depending on what I want the truck to do. Before each upload, the programmer downloads the current (factory program) and stores it for future use. I upload the factory settings before taking it in for service…..not to hide the fact that I have altered the program but because they routinely upload the latest factory programming (called flashing) into the truck as a free service. When they override my program, I lose it. So I make the change to protect my enhanced programming, not to trick them into thinking I have made any changes because it was out of warranty long ago. Programmers (chips) are great. But it is not like a part that is installed on the vehicle like some might suspect. If you are knowledgeable enough, you could probably do the same thing with a computer. As a matter of fact, with my programmer there is an option to manually go in and retune virtually all the performance features including but not limited to shift points, air to fuel mixtures, etc. I don’t do that because all I would do is screw it up royally. “Chips” are especially useful on diesels because you can get huge gains in performance. Not so much on gas powered vehicles but they work on those too. You just have to shop the different “Chip” companies to get the one that gives you the kind of upgrade you are looking for and they are specific for various cars. One size does not fit all.
The dealer would have replaced the gearbox had the customer paid up front, the issue was who was going to pay? The dealer could’ve put a lean on the car upon doing the work until someone paid, the dispute would still be with the warranty vendor not the dealer who was receiving an instruction to fix the problem.
Can't believe I just noticed that the vault s are actually older podcasts and radio shows. In the back of my mind. I did notice that the bookshelf in the back was different, but I thought you actually just would recording it in a different room to add to the effect of it being your ancillary channel. Is anything on the vault channel new?
Why chip or tune it unless you're ready to buy it? Even if the dealer is technically / legally / whatever incorrect about that - if they tell you 'NO' it gets more complicated. Complicated while you have nothing to drive...
I purchased a 2024 VW Golf R Mk8 last month and was curious about adding a valved cat-back exhaust. Glad that I called several dealerships and VW head office before I ordered the part. Basically, they each said that ANY modification will potentially void the ENTIRE warranty, and a valved cat-back will CERTAINLY 100% void it, as everything is recorded in the ECU's memory, then uplinked to VW Central when the car is scanned.
The most unsettling part of the explanations, was that the punitive result was entirely at VW's discretion. However, I was told that in the last two years the company is simply cancelling warranty coverage ARBITRARILY and COMPLETELY if they find evidence of any modifications.
I'm playing it safe and just enjoying the car as it came from the factory, as well as saving money on expensive mods.
You should be able to do anything to your car and get a 10 year warranty at these current prices.
I had my 07 Saab tuned at the dealer with a Hirsch Performance chip and the warranty stayed intact. When I bought my Audi I was told if i wanted to chip it I would need to remove the tune every time it went to the dealer for service. I decided that 350hp was adequate.
this was a blast from the past \\\.....
I have a 2013 F250 Superduty with a Diesel engine. With my chipping device (it is a programmer that reprograms the vehicle’s computer) I pick up and extra 100+ HP and 100+ ft. Lbs. of torque. When in that configuration, it runs like a scalded dog and will burn the tires down to the rims if you don’t pay attention to how you use the “go pedal”.
It has three programs in it. One for performance (which is described above), one for towing and one for better mileage. Each of the programs take a few minutes to upload depending on what I want the truck to do. Before each upload, the programmer downloads the current (factory program) and stores it for future use. I upload the factory settings before taking it in for service…..not to hide the fact that I have altered the program but because they routinely upload the latest factory programming (called flashing) into the truck as a free service. When they override my program, I lose it. So I make the change to protect my enhanced programming, not to trick them into thinking I have made any changes because it was out of warranty long ago.
Programmers (chips) are great. But it is not like a part that is installed on the vehicle like some might suspect. If you are knowledgeable enough, you could probably do the same thing with a computer. As a matter of fact, with my programmer there is an option to manually go in and retune virtually all the performance features including but not limited to shift points, air to fuel mixtures, etc. I don’t do that because all I would do is screw it up royally. “Chips” are especially useful on diesels because you can get huge gains in performance. Not so much on gas powered vehicles but they work on those too. You just have to shop the different “Chip” companies to get the one that gives you the kind of upgrade you are looking for and they are specific for various cars. One size does not fit all.
Most chips will also control the transmission (shift points) if you have an automatic trans.
What’s your opinion on how to handle a case where a manufacturer will not replace a blown transmission, stating abuse due to the tire wear?
The dealer would have replaced the gearbox had the customer paid up front, the issue was who was going to pay? The dealer could’ve put a lean on the car upon doing the work until someone paid, the dispute would still be with the warranty vendor not the dealer who was receiving an instruction to fix the problem.
Can't believe I just noticed that the vault s are actually older podcasts and radio shows. In the back of my mind. I did notice that the bookshelf in the back was different, but I thought you actually just would recording it in a different room to add to the effect of it being your ancillary channel. Is anything on the vault channel new?
At least one video per week on Friday. Those are only on this channel and not on my main channel.
Steve looks menacing in the thumbnail
Why chip or tune it unless you're ready to buy it? Even if the dealer is technically / legally / whatever incorrect about that - if they tell you 'NO' it gets more complicated. Complicated while you have nothing to drive...
What a serious face. ;)
Have a great day