When purchasing aftermarket filters and parts for your air compressor, one common concern is whether installing these non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components might void your warranty. The OEM obviously wants you to use their high-dollar parts, but the answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Understanding Warranty Coverage

Manufacturers typically outline warranty conditions clearly, often stating that warranties cover defects in workmanship or materials under normal use. However, many warranties specify that using non-approved or aftermarket parts can void coverage if they directly contribute to a failure or damage. This doesn't necessarily mean your warranty is automatically voided by merely installing aftermarket parts.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from warranty denial based solely on using aftermarket parts. According to this law, manufacturers cannot void a warranty simply because you've installed aftermarket filters or parts unless they can prove that the aftermarket part directly caused the damage.

For example, if your air compressor experiences a malfunction due to a motor defect unrelated to your aftermarket filter, the warranty should still cover repairs. However, if the aftermarket filter caused reduced airflow leading directly to compressor damage, the manufacturer could legitimately deny warranty coverage for that issue.

Best Practices When Using Aftermarket Filters and Parts

To protect your warranty:

• Always use high-quality aftermarket parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. (From Filter Element Store obviously!)
• Maintain thorough documentation of maintenance records, including receipts and installation details.
• Review your warranty carefully and clarify any questions with the manufacturer before installation.

Using aftermarket compressed air filters and parts won't automatically void your air compressor's warranty, but it's important that you are purchasing high-quality parts that meet the OEM specifications. Make sure to review your warranty's terms and conditions to confidently manage maintenance while preserving your warranty protections (and saving money). If your air compressor warranty has expired, you have much less to worry about, except choosing the filter supplier with the most consistently high-quality parts.

All of our ISO 9001 certified air filters, oil filters and air/oil separators are made in the USA. Our coalescing filters are made in the USA or UK, and our hydraulic filters are made in the USA or Canada. We have many customer reviews on our website stating our filters are exactly like or better than the expensive OEM version. After nearly 50 years, we have sourced the best version of each filter to ensure no warranty issues and trouble-free performance.