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Have a question? Here are some FAQ's....

These are questions we get 100 times a day...

"Is it legal to modify the height of my vehicle in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?"

The simple answer is Yes dependent on the GVW of your vehicle.

Here is a link to the Massachusetts Laws and Regulations as they stand.

"Will I pass inspection with a lift kit and Big tires?"

The simple answer is Yes. As long as you follow the regulations.

You will not pass a state inspection with bald tires, if the tires stick out too far pass the fender or for million other reasons.

"I know a guy."

We all know a guy who knows a guy who will pass any vehicle.

We are not those guys.

Let's make this easy using my

2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

My Wheelbase: 116"
My Wheel Track(track width): 61.9"

So with the equation: 116" (w/b) x 61.9 (w/t) = 7180.4"

Let's round that number down to 7180"

Take 7180" and divide by 2200*

*This is a "Safety Factor". Safety Factor is a term describing the load carrying capacity of a system beyond the expected or actual loads. Essentially, the factor of safety is how much stronger the system is than it needs to be for an intended load. Safety factors are often calculated using detailed analysis because comprehensive testing is impractical on many projects, such as bridges and buildings, but the structure's ability to carry load must be determined to a reasonable accuracy.

7180/2200=3.2636"

I am going to round this number to 3.25"

"Due to slight variances in production tolerances, violations must be in excess of one inch beyond the Registrar's specifications of approved maximum altered heights."

That means there is a "fudge factor" of 1 inch due manufacturing differences.

So now I can have 4.25" in mechanical lift.

Tire size also uses this equation. From factory the max tire size on my vehicle is a 255/75r17 which equal in inches a 32.1" tire.

That means I can have a 36" tire on a 17" rim.

So my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a 4" lift and 35/12.5r18 is well within the legal height in accordance to Massachusetts Law.

"Can Aftermarket parts void a Dealer Warranty?"

NO!!!

This is a Quote from The Specialty Equipment Market Association better known as SEMA.

In a Consumer Alert issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency confirmed that “The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket part.” The alert outlines key provisions in the law that provides protections to car owners. As defined by the FTC, an “aftermarket' part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer.”

“The FTC’s reference to aftermarket parts is equally applicable to specialty parts,” said Russ Deane, SEMA’s General Counsel. “Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the warranty cannot be conditioned to a specific brand of parts, services or vehicle modifications unless those parts or services are provided free of charge.”

The alert notes that a consumer has the right to patronize independent retail stores and repair shops for parts and service without fear of voiding the new car warranty. The dealer/vehicle manufacturer has the right to deny a warranty repair but they must demonstrate that the aftermarket part caused the problem. The warranty remains in effect for all other covered parts.

The FTC'S Official Consumer Alert PDF

Still have questions? Ask a Mechanic...

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