Warranty void with Larger tires?

[Jellysick]

I have been wanting larger tires on my explorer forever now. And it is getting about that time (40k on the odometer now) to start researching. I do have an extended warranty through ford (through February 2007, or 75,000 mile) - and I am thinking that if I get larger tires then my warranty will be void. I found this thread, and the pics of the explorer with the larger tires looks EXCELLENT!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129423

I did call ford and ask them this question, and they said that if it is something with the drivetrain broke and they feel that they can relate the problem back to the oversized tires, then they would say it the warranty would not cover it. I just have a hard time thinking of what kinds of 'problems' would occur specifically due to the bigger tires. If something was going to break, It would break with stock tires no? Then again, I can see them blaming the problem on the larger tires just so they can get more money out of the work.

I might call another dealership and see what kind of answer I can get out of them, however I still want some other opinions.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I can see them blaming the problem on the larger tires just so they can get more money out of the work.

That is exactly right - and no matter what, they will point the finger at those tires. You could have a nasty rattle in your door or something, and they'll say that the tires cause worse vibration than stock tires and caused the pieces to fall apart/break loose. I mean, whatever. Now - I did my lift before my 75,000 mile mark and I had lower ball joints replaced and tie rod ends replaced. Now, I took my truck to my shop and just let them take care of it - but I don't know if they did any "special favors" and told the warranty company that it was still stock or just didn't say anything. Anyway -- Call up other shops and ask them if they will void the warranty as well. It's worth a shot

-Drew

 

[Positive Vibes]

Just keep your set of tires. Buy new ones and when you do have it serviced swap in the original tires. They will never know.

 

[grumpy]

My 2002 came stock with 235/70/R16 and I went to 245/75/R16 on it. I think I saw in the owner's manual that the Eddie Bauer edition came stock with a bigger tire anyway.

 

[Jellysick]

I think I might have to play it safe and get the same size that came on the truck when I bought it. I hate that though because it looks cheesy with the size tires on there now. Oh well - thats life I guess.

Thanks for the help though!

 

[351wExplorer]

no no no, get bigger ones, i mean positive vibes hit it on the head. if you ever run into any problems, switch the tires back to the smaller ones and ford will never know

 

[Jellysick]

Well the problem is that I live in a Condo, no garage to keep the smaller tires. IF I could keep the bigger ones, the smaller ones would be sitting on any wheels, so IF something went wrong, I'd have to take them to get them mounted on the current wheels that the bigger tires are on etc. Just sounds like a hassle to me.

Maybe my best option is switching to Synthetic Oil and hope the thing still runs likenew at 110k when the new set of tires have about had it. Think its too late to switch with 41k on the ticker?

 

[ExplorerSportNu]

It's not like your going to be running 35's on there ...

 

[Jellysick]

Thats 100% true, however I dont think that arguement will hold up when I need something covered under warranty to be fixed. They will point fingers right at the tires...

 

[ExplorerSportNu]

Thats 100% true, however I dont think that arguement will hold up when I need something covered under warranty to be fixed. They will point fingers right at the tires...

I agree a 100% on this point, they will tell you to stick it just to get out of warranty work IMO, I just don't think you will expierence many if any problems on the dreivetrain with a tire change like this.

 

[grumpy]

They won't even notice that you have one size larger tires. You're not talking about putting mudders on it are you? I was told Walmart won't install tires on a vehicle other than the size on the door sticker, but they did on mine. No one is going to void a warranty because of tires one size larger than the originals.

 

[spindlecone]

Look up and read the Magnasson Moss act, (spelling may be wrong) ford dealers get paid by ford to do warranty work, is not like it is free, out of dealers pocket.
Granted, dealers can get pissy, most look the other way.
Also if your ford dealer gives you ****, take it to a lincoln merc dealer, are far better to deal with IMO

 

[Jellysick]

I know that they get paid to do the work, regardless if its out of my pocket or from Ford. And its another good point that they are only the next size up.

 

[spindlecone]

Jelly
Sounds like you are afraid to deviate from the owners manual, bottom line is do your mods and take the chance (we all do)
Or wait till your out of warranty to do anything, your asking questions that have been coverd over and over on these forums.
To mod or not to mod, your gamble