Choosing new tires is a big investment for your vehicle. Knowing what to look for in a tire warranty can save you money and headaches down the road. This guide will break down the different types of warranties, explain the fine print, and show you how to get the most value from your tire purchase.
A good warranty is your safety net, but they are not all created equal. We’ll help you understand the key terms and conditions so you can make a confident decision.
What To Look For In A Tire Warranty
A tire warranty is a promise from the manufacturer or retailer regarding the tire’s performance and durability. It’s not just one document, but usually a combination of several coverage types. Each covers specific situations, from defects to normal wear.
Understanding these components is the first step to knowing your rights. Let’s look at the main parts of a typical tire warranty package.
The Different Types of Tire Warranties
Tire warranties are usually split into three main categories. You’ll often see them listed separately in the paperwork. Knowing the difference is crucial.
1. Manufacturer’s Workmanship & Materials Warranty
This is the most basic coverage. It guarantees the tire is free from defects in how it was made or the materials used. If a tire fails prematurely because of a factory flaw, this warranty should cover it.
* What it covers: Defects like belts separating, sidewall bubbles, or cracking that are not caused by road hazards or improper maintenance.
* Duration: Often lasts for the entire usable life of the tire, which is usually until the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch.
* Claim process: You typically need to return the tire to an authorized dealer for inspection. If the defect is confirmed, you’ll get a prorated credit based on the remaining tread depth.
2. Tread Wear (or Mileage) Warranty
This is a promise about how long the tire should last. It’s usually stated as a specific number of miles (e.g., 60,000 miles). This is a pro-rated warranty, meaning you don’t get a full replacement.
* How it works: If your tires wear out before the warranted mileage, the manufacturer will give you credit toward a new set. The credit amount depends on how many miles you actually got out of them.
* The catch: You must rotate your tires regularly (as per your vehicle manual) and keep receipts as proof. Irregular wear from poor alignment or inflation voids this warranty.
* Example: A tire with a 60,000-mile warranty wears out at 40,000 miles. You used 2/3 of the promised life, so you might get a credit worth 1/3 of a new tire’s cost.
3. Road Hazard Warranty
This covers damage from things you hit on the road, like potholes, nails, glass, or debris. It’s sometimes included for free for the first year, but often it’s a separate, optional purchase from the tire retailer.
* Coverage: Typically includes repairs for punctures in the repairable area of the tread. If the tire is unrepairable, it will be replaced, often with little to no proration.
* Limitations: May not cover damage to the sidewall. There is also usually a replacement fee or “deductible” for each claim.
* Retailer-specific: This warranty is usually offered and managed by the store where you bought the tires, not the tire manufacturer directly.
Decoding the Fine Print: Key Terms You Must Know
The details in the warranty booklet determine everything. Here are the critical sections to scrutinize.
Proration Formulas
This is the math that determines your credit. The formula is: (Remaining Tread Depth / Original Tread Depth) x Current Price of a New Tire.
You need to know the original tread depth (new) and how to measure the remaining depth. A tire shop will do this for a claim, but understanding it helps you see the value.
What Voids a Warranty
Manufacturers are very specific about conditions that cancel coverage. Common voiding actions include:
* Improper inflation (both underinflation and overinflation)
* Lack of regular rotation (keep those records!)
* Damage from improper mounting or dismounting
* Tire alterations (like siping or grooving not approved by the manufacturer)
* Damage from accidents, fire, or vandalism
* Use on the wrong vehicle type (e.g., using passenger tires on a commercial vehicle)
Transferability
If you sell your car, can the new owner use the remaining warranty? Some warranties are fully transferable, some are not, and others may require a small fee to transfer. This can add resale value to your vehicle.
Manufacturer’s Recommended Services
The warranty will list maintenance you must perform to keep it valid. This almost always includes:
1. Checking air pressure monthly.
2. Rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
3. Getting wheel alignments as needed, especially after hitting a curb or pothole.
4. Balancing tires when they are mounted.
Failing to do these gives the manufacturer an easy reason to deny a claim.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluating a Warranty
When you’re comparing tires, use this checklist to assess the warranty value.
1. Identify the Type of Tire. High-performance summer tires often have shorter tread wear warranties than grand-touring all-season tires. The warranty should match the tire’s intended use.
2. Compare the Mileage Number. For similar tire types, a higher mileage warranty suggests the manufacturer has more confidence in its longevity. But don’t choose a tire based on warranty alone—read reviews for real-world performance.
3. Check the Road Hazard Inclusion. Is it included free for a period? What does the optional plan cost, and what are its terms? Compare the cost of the plan against the typical price of a new tire.
4. Read the Proration Details. How is the credit calculated? Some use a simple tread depth method, others are more complex.
5. Note the Transfer Process. Is it easy and free, or a hassle? This matters if you change cars frequently.
6. Understand the Claim Procedure. Do you have to go to the original retailer? Can any authorized dealer handle it? Knowing this saves time if you move or are traveling.
How to File a Tire Warranty Claim
If you think you have a warrantable issue, follow these steps to make the process smooth.
1. Stop Driving on the Tire. If it’s damaged or defective, continued driving can make it worse and void the warranty.
2. Gather Your Documents. Find your original sales receipt and the warranty booklet. If you have maintenance records showing rotations and alignments, gather those too.
3. Visit an Authorized Dealer. Go to a tire shop that sells that brand. They are trained to inspect and process claims.
4. Allow for Inspection. The dealer will inspect the tire to determine the cause of failure. They will check tread depth, look for signs of abuse, and often send photos to the manufacturer.
5. Receive the Determination. The dealer will tell you if the claim is approved. If it’s prorated, they’ll explain the credit you’ll receive toward a new tire.
6. Pay Any Applicable Fees. Even with a warranty, you usually pay taxes, disposal fees, and possibly a service charge for mounting and balancing the new tire.
Common Warranty Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many claims are denied for avoidable reasons. Here’s how to stay covered.
* Pitfall: Irregular Wear from Poor Alignment. This is a top reason for denied tread wear claims.
* Solution: Get an alignment when you buy new tires and after any significant impact. Check for uneven wear during your monthly tire pressure checks.
* Pitfall: No Proof of Rotation. The warranty requires it, but you lost the receipts.
* Solution: Keep a folder in your car for all vehicle maintenance receipts. Many shops also keep digital records you can access later.
* Pitfall: Improper Repairs. A bad patch job on a previous puncture can void the warranty for future issues.
* Solution: Always have tire repairs done by a reputable professional who follows industry standards (like the Rubber Manufacturers Association guidelines).
* Pitfall: Using the Wrong Tire Size. Installing a size not listed on your vehicle’s placard can void the warranty.
* Solution: Stick to the sizes recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, or get written confirmation from the tire maker that an alternate size is acceptable for warranty coverage.
Are Extended Warranties or Certificates Worth It?
Retailers often sell additional protection plans, sometimes called “certificates for repair or replacement.” Here’s a simple way to think about it.
Consider buying an extended road hazard warranty if:
* You drive in an area with poor roads full of potholes.
* The tires are very expensive.
* The plan offers free flat repairs and simple, no-proration replacements.
You might skip it if:
* The tires are reasonably priced.
* The manufacturer already includes a good first-year hazard warranty.
* You are comfortable with the standard prorated coverage.
Always read the fine print on these separate contracts—they are different from the manufacturer’s warranty.
FAQs About Tire Warranties
Q: Does a tire warranty cover flats?
A: Usually, no. A simple puncture is considered a road hazard. However, if the flat is caused by a defect in the tire (like a split in the seam), then the workmanship warranty may cover it. Most flats from nails are covered under a separate road hazard plan.
Q: How long is a typical tire warranty?
A: Workmanship warranties often last the life of the tread. Tread wear warranties vary from 30,000 miles for performance tires to 80,000 miles for some touring tires. Road hazard coverage is typically 1-5 years if purchased.
Q: Can I get a warranty if I buy tires online?
A: Yes, but it depends on the online retailer. You will still get the manufacturer’s workmanship and tread wear warranties. However, you may need to find a local installer who is willing to handle warranty claims for tires they didn’t sell, which can sometimes be a challenge. Road hazard coverage from the online seller may also have specific installation requirements.
Q: What’s the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a store warranty?
A: The manufacturer (like Michelin or Goodyear) provides the workmanship and tread wear warranty. The store (like a chain retailer) typically provides and administers the road hazard warranty or any additional certificate programs. You’ll need to work with the store for hazard claims and an authorized dealer for defect claims.
Q: Do I need the warranty paperwork to file a claim?
A: It helps immensely, but often the manufacturer can look up the tire’s DOT number (the serial number on the sidewall) to confirm its age and eligibility. Your sales receipt is crucial for proving purchase date. Always try to keep the paperwork safe.
Choosing the right tires involves more than just comparing prices and tread patterns. The warranty is a critical part of the value equation. By knowing what to look for in a tire warranty, you protect your investment. Remember to prioritize proper maintenance—it’s the key to keeping any warranty valid. With this knowledge, you can talk confidently with tire salespeople and choose the option that offers the best long-term protection for your driving needs and budget.