Installing a lift kit on your 4x4 can be an exciting upgrade, opening you up to a whole new range of off-road possibilities. A lift kit is designed to provide your vehicle with greater ground clearance, allowing you to take on rough terrain with more stability and protection from hazards. But before you take on the best and most challenging routes, you need to consider the other ramifications of adding a 4x4 lift kit. This kind of modification can affect your vehicle’s warranty and insurance in various ways. As 4WD enthusiasts ourselves, the team at Machter suggests learning about these effects before you take the leap—doing everything you can to make an informed decision.

How Does a Lift Kit Work?

A lift kit works by elevating your 4x4’s body or suspension system, creating additional ground clearance and allowing for larger tyres. This modification involves installing components such as spacers, longer shocks, and modified control arms, depending on whether it’s a body lift or a suspension lift. By raising the 4x4, a lift kit improves off-road performance, but it also alters the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This can affect handling and stability, especially during sharp turns or sudden manoeuvers. Installing a lift kit can additionally impact your 4x4’s alignment, which could mean making further adjustments to ensure safe and smooth operation. These factors are all relevant when it comes to your vehicle’s warranty.

Your 4x4’s Warranty

You’re probably already aware that the warranties offered by most vehicle manufacturers cover defects and issues that arise from ‘normal’ everyday use. What you may not know, however, is that these warranties often include clauses that void coverage if the vehicle is modified in certain ways. Installing a lift kit, for example, is considered a significant modification that can actually void the vehicle’s warranty. This means that the manufacturer will not cover any issues related to the modified components or resulting from the modifications. If you’re thinking about installing a lift kit, check the warranty terms attached to your 4x4 or talk to your manufacturer before you go ahead with any modifications.

Insurance Considerations

From the perspective of an insurance company, installing a lift kit can impact the risks associated with your vehicle. As a result, you may experience an increase in insurance premiums or—if the modifications aren’t declared—even a denial of coverage. It’s therefore really important that you inform your insurance provider of any modifications and make sure modifications comply with the regulations. Fair warning that your insurer may even request additional inspections or certifications before they decide to continue providing coverage. It’s also good to note that if you don’t disclose modifications, you may have your claims denied in the case of an accident.

Legalities

Another factor to consider before installing your lift kit is the legalities of the modification. By this, we mean that there are rules and guidelines surrounding lift kits, and these rules vary from state to state. Variations between states can impact the allowable lift heights, certification requirements, and inspection processes associated with lift kits. If you want this modification for your 4x4, you need to familiarise yourself with the appropriate guidelines and make sure you meet the right requirements.

In states such as Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland, you’re allowed lifts of up to 50mm (including suspension and tyres) without certification. Any additional height must be certified by a qualified engineer, which will involve a thorough inspection and testing process. In New South Wales, you only require this inspection once the lift is greater than 75mm. It’s also important to remember that while lift kits are ideal for off-road adventures, they’re not really necessary for regular suburban or urban driving. If you’re not hitting the rough country roads on a regular basis, a lift kit might not be the best modification to meet your needs.

Shoot for Quality

Now that you’ve considered warranties, insurance, and legal factors, it’s time to shift focus towards the product itself. When you modify your 4x4, you want only the best possible quality to ensure that things run smoothly. Thankfully, we offer a variety of options at Machter, so you can find the perfect lift kit to suit your needs and your vehicle. If you want quality and reliability, you’ll appreciate the 4x4 parts online catalogue we offer—a catalogue that has been carefully built from extensive research and expert sourcing. With an impressive network of suppliers behind us, we’ll help you find the right lift kit and create the 4x4 of your dreams!

If you have further questions about lift kits or any auto parts , feel free to reach out to us at Machter—or browse our selection today!