So you’ve got a flat and are trying to figure out your next steps. You may be wondering, “Is my flat tire covered under warranty?”
We are here to clear the air. Tires are NOT covered under a vehicle warranty as one might assume (that goes for your new car tires too!). Actually, your vehicle’s tires come with their very own warranties. We know this may be confusing, but we want to make this easy for you. So, here is everything you need to know about tire warranties!
1. Mileage Warranty (Also known as Tread Life Warranty)
2. Road Hazard Warranty
3. Workmanship and Materials Warranty
4. Uniformity Warranty
5. Trial Periods (Test drive)
What is it?
Simply put, your tires have an estimated tread-life expectancy that is based on the type of tire you have and the number of miles that can be expected under usual driving conditions. The Mileage Warranty basically guarantees that you will get a certain number of miles out of your tires until they wear out.
If your tires wear out before you reach that estimate, the manufacturer may give you a refund for the difference between the miles that were promised and the miles that were delivered. Generally, these warranties cover tires anywhere from four to six years, depending on the tire manufacturer.
What does it cover?
If your tires are worn evenly and down to the final 2/32nds of tread before the promised tread-life expectancy, then this is the tire warranty you qualify for.
*In order for you to have your claim approved, you’ll have to show service records proving the tires were rotated regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Road Hazard Warranties are essentially insurance policies that are typically offered by tire stores. They cover you if your tire is damaged by certain road hazards. If your tire is able to be repaired, the repair is covered for the duration of the warranty. If the tire isn’t repairable, the company will prorate the remaining mileage toward the purchase of a new tire.
*Road hazard warranty prices vary based on the tire and the vendor, but on average, they range from $10-$20 per tire.
There is also something called a Limited Road Hazard Warranty that some tire manufacturers will offer. Limited Road Hazard Warranty covers your tires for the first year after purchase, or the first 2/32nds of tread life, whichever comes first.
*To be eligible for a claim, the tire cannot be repairable. Find out if your tire damage is repairable!
The Road Hazard Warranty will cover any tire repairs or replacements that are needed if you’ve ended up with a flat tire or tire damage due to road hazards like potholes, loose nails, road debris, etc.
Limited Road Hazard Warranty will ONLY cover replacements and not repairs.
The Workmanship and Materials Warranty protects you from any defects in the manufacturing or materials used in the tire. This warranty can cover your tires anywhere from five years to the entire life of the tire, depending on the manufacturer.
*If a workmanship or manufacturing failure comes up within the first 2/32nds of an inch of tread, most manufacturers will replace the tire free of charge. Anything after that will usually be prorated.
This warranty covers any manufacturing defects you may experience with your tires. Some examples of issues that would be covered include severe cracking in the sidewall or the loss of a block of the tread.
*To be eligible for a claim, your tire must have an unusual condition that wasn’t caused by a mechanical vehicle issue or lack of maintenance.
The Uniformity Warranty covers your tires for excessive vibration or ride disturbance within the first year of purchase. However, this is a very rare occurrence.
*Due to the rarity of this issue, most manufacturers only approve one or two tires out of a set for a warranty claim. Two or more tires might require an authorization code from the manufacturer before a claim can be submitted.
This warranty is just what you need if you are experiencing excessive vibration or ride disturbance early on in the life of your tire. And trust us, you would know immediately if this is the Warranty you need.
If you’re wondering what causes vibrations in your vehicle, check out this helpful guide!
Some manufacturers allow you to have a Trial Period with a set of tires to see how you like them.
*The trial period is usually 30 to 45 days, depending on the manufacturer.
If you’re unhappy with your tires and would like to switch them out, you can return them. However, most manufacturers require you to exchange the tires for a new set from their product lineup to qualify.
In the same way that you can void your car's warranty, you can void your tires’ warranty, too. The biggest thing you need to watch out for is improper maintenance.
If the tire manufacturer does not see proof that the tires were inflated, rotated, and aligned properly, chances are your warranty claim will be denied. Other warranty killers include vandalism, racing, off-roading, and damage from snow chains. With any warranty, the manufacturer will expect you to do your part in maintaining your tires, but this applies most to the Mileage Warranty.
Need to keep up on your maintenance? Schedule service at your nearest Wonderland Tire!
Well, it depends. Your flat tire WON’T be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. But if you have Road Hazard Warranty and have been taking good care of your tires, then you are set!
If you have any other questions about your tire warranties or tire repairs, give us a call!
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