Tire warranties can seem tricky to work with and difficult to cash in. However, we promise to make sure you leave our stores satisfied. If your tires have worn down to unsafe levels well before the manufacturer's warranty, we can usually provide an intermediate solution while we work through the details of the warranty and any potential reimbursement with the tire’s manufacturer.
Tire Manufacturer Warranties
Some manufacturers include tire warranties with the purchase of their branded tires.
- Bridgestone – "Platinum Pact"
- Continental – "Total Confidence"
- Cooper Satisfaction Guarantee
- Goodyear Pledge
- Michelin – "Promise Plan"
- Nexen – "Total Coverage"
- Vogue – "Promise Warranty"
These plans include complimentary spare tire change and towing services (some up to 150 miles if you're stranded) alongside mileage and year warranties that include either full or prorated replacement.
Types of Tires that Usually Come with a Warranty
Most types of tires come with some kind of manufacturer warranty. They tend to range from 20,000 miles up to 100,000 miles for select highway tires.
Tires that generally don't include warranties include ATV/UTV tires, competition tires, mud terrain tires, trailer tires and some winter tires. This is because these special use tires feature sidewall compositions and rubber compounds that deteriorate more rapidly. As a result, they'll wear out before you can get close to most mileage warranties.
However, for those tires that do carry a manufacturer warranty, there are a few steps to take to prolong it for as long as possible.
How to Prolong a Tire's Warranty
- Maintain a correct and even level of tire air pressure between all four tires
- Schedule rotations every 5-6,000 miles, including the spare tire
- Inspect tires for uneven wear, damage or debris embedded in the tread
- Keep receipts for any needed tire balance and rotation services
- If your vehicle appears to be out of alignment or has a failing suspension component, repair it quickly to mitigate uneven treadwear that might void your warranty
What Does a Tire Warranty Cover?
There's a lot that actually goes into a tire warranty. A few featured components include the following:
Tire Tread Warranty
A tire tread warranty is a manufacturer's promise that you should (assuming regular use and wear) get a certain number of years or miles out of your tires before they need to be replaced.
In general, a tire is past its usable standard when a set has either been in use for 6 years or has less than 2/32” of its tread left.
2/32” is the minimum legal limit in many states. But it can be hard to tell when a tire is beyond this threshold. While tires are required to have tread-wear indicators (located in the tire tread's grooves) it’s best to have a professional verify whether they are showing or not. You can also measure tread depth with gauges or coins yourself but we recommend having a professional verify.
Also, you can check your tire’s sidewall to find the manufacturing week and year of your current tires.
Tire Warranties for Workmanship and Materials
Workmanship and materials warranties protect customers from defects caused by the manufacturing process or materials used.
Pretty much every tire brand and manufacturer offers some kind workmanship and materials tire warranty. Most manufacturers will outright replace a tire if a manufacturing defect is found within the first 2/32" of a tire's tread life.
A number of defects can lead to a tire recall, so keep your eye out for manufacturer's updates.
Tire Manufacturer Special Warranties
As an additional incentive, tire manufacturers will give you a promotional warranty period, usually 30 days, to try out their tires.
If you find you don't like your new tires or are not satisfied for any reason, you can be eligible for a full refund or credit, depending upon the terms of the warranty, towards the purchase of another tire(s).
What Can Void a Tire Warranty?
Improper maintenance is the biggest culprit of voided tire warranties. Collecting on your warranty can prove difficult, especially if you don't maintain a service record or keep receipts.
Racing, burnouts, drifting, tire siping and shaving, general abuse, vandalization, extreme off-roading, tire chains, (you name it)—not only do these damage tires but they also might negate a tire warranty.
If you have any questions regarding tire warranty or Discount Tire Certificates, stop by one of our locations today or give us a call. Save time and make an appointment! Get a shorter wait time in-store when you buy and book online!