Hey everyone -- brand new to the forum...
I have an '09 Silverado Hybrid 4x4 (9100 miles), and was thinking of switching out the chrome factory 18s to aftermarket matte black 18s paired with 285/65 AT tires (I know, I know, my MPG will take a big hit). Doing so would require a 1.5 or 2" leveling kit to fit the increased tire size.. but that isn't the issue I ran into.

When I spoke to the accessory lead at the dealership, I was told that ANY change of wheels or tire size to "non-factory" would VOID my entire warranty. This is even without a leveling kit or larger tires. I was told that due to complex calibration and electronics, that GM had issued a letter regarding this. Nothing I've heard or seen (after some diligent internet research) seems to confirm this. Has anyone else heard this?

It seems plausible, but bogus at the same time. I've been very happy with the dealership and they seem very knowledgeable, but this came out of left field. Any info that you all can share would be great.

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum bulrey. Looks like we are the only silverado 4x4 hybrid guys so far. Good to know what you have dug up. While I am sure that GM wants to control many issues on the hybrids, I am not sure they can control whose wheels or tires you use. But...I truly don't know, and until someone challenges them, guess they can do whatever they want. I do know this, the hybrid control is sensitive to anything that the truck is doing. So if you change the dynamics of the truck, it will throw off the way it works. It senses everything you could imagine and I am sure wheel speed/weight may have something to do with it. Anyway, welcome to the group. We have some pretty knowledgable guys on here. Maybe they can shed some light.

 

I think the answer depends on the nature of the problem. If they can link the problem you are seeking to fix under the warranty as to being caused (or even just contributed to) by the increased tire size, then they can void your warranty for that problem only. They should not be able to void your entire warranty for unrelated problems. For instance, if I install a lockpic and have lockpic related problems, the warranty is voided for those repairs, according to GM's memo on that issue. But if I have a lockpic and the driver's door falls off, they can't say "you have a lockpic, we won't repair your door."

Probably the best advice is to keep your old tires and rims and put them back on in case you need any warranty repair work.

 

bulrey
welcome to the board
I had to sign on an agreement with my local dealer in Jordan, that it will void the warranty if I change the wheels or tires on my 2010 Tahoe. it could be some new regulations by GM

 

As long as you keep the tire size the same I am sure GM would allow different tire types to accomidate for winter etc. In fact in Quebec Canada it is a law that you must install snow tires for winter.

 

They will to whatever degree they can, push liability and accountability to the end user. There are numerous disclaimers throughout the warranty, owner's manual, and your purchase agreement. For instance, I was reading through the manual and found that they assume NO WARRANTY for our high dollar Hybrid Transmission if you shift while moving. Now this was never mentioned to me by my dealer service or salesman as they barely know the vehicles. But I found it ironic if it was such a big deal, why is it buried in there instead of being a caution to the new owner?

You may be right guys, they may only exclude mpg or ride condition issues if you change the tires/wheels or they may try to get out of everything if you modify the vehicle in any way.

 

...just ask to see it...I doubt that they can show it to you.

 

Someone on here did post a GM letter about voiding electrical issues if any lockpick was installed.

 

The problem is they can do whatever they want even if they can't show you a document that says they can do it. If they can show you a document, it will likely be an internal, self-serving document anyway that really means nothing since it likely is not part of the written warranty.

The bottom line is that if they refuse to do warranty repairs, the only thing you can do about it is *****, complain, sue, etc. which is not much fun and there are no guarantees you would win that fight.

 

Interesting. I was talking about a female dog and it inserted *****. I didn't know that was a word that would offend.