Tires are some of the most important parts we purchase for our vehicle. While we expect them to last years, there are cases where they can wear prematurely. But don’t worry. There are tire warranties that protect consumers from having to pay full price on a new tire when their tire wears prematurely due to road hazards, mechanical wear, and tire defects.
Many tire manufacturers have set the usable life of a tire. It is usually six years from the date of purchase or when there is 2/32nds of an inch of tire tread left. While there is no federal law that regulates tire wear, most states have adopted the 2/32nds measurement.
The 2/32nds measurement is hard to visualize without some sort of reference point. To learn how to check your tire tread, click here.
Every tire maker offers a tread life warranty based upon a mileage estimate. The tread life of the tire is based upon the type of tire and the number of miles that are expected under normal driving conditions. If you have high performance tires, the mileage estimate will be lower than tires found on economy cars because the tire is often softer.
If the tread on a tire has worn evenly prematurely, then it may qualify gor replacement under the the tread-life warranty. However, you must show proof of purchase and show proof that you tires were rotated properly and at recommended intervals. If your tires fall under the tread life warranty, then the manufacturer will prorate the cost of the new tires based up the percentage of tread left and the price of replacement tires.
There are some exceptions to the rules. Some winter tires do not have a tread life warranty and the ones that do must be removed during the off season. Split-size fitment tires also are an exception. Since the rear tire is bigger than the front, they can be rotated using traditional methods. Since the rear tire wears out twice as fast as the front tires, they only get half of the mileage warranty of the front tires.
These warranties are usually purchased at the tire store. Tire stores typically offer these warranties, which come into play if you get a flat tire. If you get a flat and it cannot be repaired, then the company will prorate the remaining mileage towards the purchase of a new tire. If the tire is repairable, the cost of repair is covered for the duration of the warranty.
Prices of a road hazard warranty vary depending upon the vendor and the tire, but they usually range between $10-$20 per tire. Some manufacturers offer road hazard warranties on their tires, but it is typically limited to one year of coverage.
This warranty protects the customer from any defects in the manufacturing or materials used in the tire. Most manufacturers offer this coverage for the life of the tire. Some of the defects include severe cracking of the sidewall or a loss of a section of tread.
If the tire fails due to a a manufacturer or material defect withing the first 2/32nds of an inch of tread, many manufacturers will replace the tire free of charge. If the failure happens after the 2/32nds mark, the price will be prorated.
A manufacturer's special warranty usually takes the form of a 30-day promotional trial. 30 days is typically the best time to determine if the tires a comsumer purchased are right for them. If a consumer is not satisfied, then they will receive a full refund or credit toward the purchase of another tire.
The uniformity warranty covers excessive vibration or ride disturbance caused by a tire, which many drivers may not encounter. But if it does happen, most companies require that the buyer has notify the company within the first 2/32nds of an inch of tire tread.
In many circumstances, a uniformity problem would be covered under the 30-day manufacturer's special warranty, but the uniformity warranty is there to protect the consumer against problems that happen beyond the 30 day warranty.
While these tire warranties may seem a little hard to keep track of, if you take a few basic precautions, you'll reduce the chances of a tire wearing out prematurely and be fully prepared for a claim. Be sure to hang onto your purchase receipt and keep a record of all tire rotations and alignments. It is better to miss out on a warranty claim than to run the tire to the end of its tread life and compromise your safety.