Automotive: All You Need To Know About Tire Warranties
Never underestimate the importance of tires. They are the one contact that your automobile has with the road. They are vital not just for your safety, but also for the vehicle’s performance.
And, because they are constantly revolving and being worn out by different surfaces, they are uniquely vulnerable to wear and tear.
Tire manufacture has evolved to make them far more robust and long-lasting than ever before. But, nevertheless, they still do get damaged and will wear out eventually.
In the interests of economical motoring, many drivers decide to take out tire warranties of some kind, in addition to the ones normally included as a standard feature from the manufacturers themselves.
There are three main kinds of warranties, and some people choose to take out all three. Whether this is a good idea for you depends on what kind of driving you do and the mileage you cover each year.
Tread life/ mileage warranty
No tire is going to last forever. This is why manufacturers are usually open and up-front about what you can expect from a particular tire. Typically, the expected lifespan of one is six years or 70,000 miles. So, if you have tires whose tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch before it reaches either of these milestones, then you could find yourself covered by this warranty.
One of the most commonly-asked questions is how to tell if the tire has worn down to 2/32nds of an inch and there are two ways to find out.
Most modern tires have visible white bands that show across the tread when the legal minimum has been reached. When these appear, you know it’s time for new tires.
Alternatively, take a penny from your pocket and place it in the tread of the tire with George Washington’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see his whole head, with none hidden below the level of the tread, then the tire needs to be replaced.
There are certain conditions to warranties like this and the main one is that the tires should have been rotated at the recommended intervals with documentation to prove it. The intervals differ according to the type of tire and the kind of vehicle, but it’s generally between every 3,000 and 5,000 miles.
Road Hazard Warranty
As the name suggests, this type of warranty covers you for damage sustained by your tires while you’re driving. So if you get a flat and need to have it repaired, the warranty will cover the cost.
If the tire can’t be repaired then, depending on the warranty’s terms and conditions, the manufacturer will either supply a new tire or compensate you using a system called prorating. This means that they will estimate how much of the tire’s predicted lifespan has elapsed and pay you for its remaining mileage. For example, the tire in question has an 80,000-mile lifespan but becomes unusable after 20,000 miles, or 25% of its expected life. Therefore, the compensation will be for the equivalent of 75% of the tire’s purchase price and this will be taken off the cost of buying a new tire from the same manufacturer.
Roadside Assistance Warranty
Most manufacturers will also offer a warranty that will mean that a repair truck will come to your assistance if you break down and are left stranded. To qualify for this, it’s vital to register your tires with the manufacturer as soon as you have them fitted.
Taking good care of your tires
As well as rotating your tires as indicated, it’s also important to take good care of them if you want any warranty claims to be successful. Carrying out regular checks for damage and keeping them inflated to the correct pressure are essential, as are reporting any defects like bulging side-walls as soon as you spot them.
Do all of these things and not only will you be in a good position to make a warranty claim, you’ll also be making your vehicle safer and more fuel-efficient in the process.