OK, guys. Here's the scoop on tire warranties:
1) Tire manufacturers have a standard "materials and workmanship" limited warranty - what everyone common calls "defects". The time period is usually 3 to 4 years (or so). This covers stuff that is within the control of the manufacturer. For example: A piece of string cured into the sidewall would be covered - even though that would cause no problems.
Typically the tire is replaced at no charge for the first year and pro-rated based on the tread depth remaining for the rest of the time period.
This does NOT include road hazards - since that would be beyond the control of the manufacturer.
It also doesn't include wear - see next bullet point
2) Some tire lines may include an additional "warranty". Like tread wear. Typically this also has a time limit and -in the case of tread wear - a provision that the tire be rotated regularly and evenly worn.
Tread wear warranties are NEVER - let me say this again - NEVER - applicable to OE (Original Equipment) tires. This is because a) the car manufacturers choose not to buy this extra coverage and b) the car manufacturers specify things that hurt wear - like rolling resistance.
You would think, then, that the car manufacturers would cover tire wear under their warranties - and you'd be wrong. Even when there is an alignment problem, car manufacturers don't seem to connect the dots.
3) Sometimes there are additional features to new tire warranties - like road hazard coiverage, 30 day ride satisfaction, etc. These would be offered by the tire manufacturer on certain tire lines - typically premium tire lines.
4) It is common for TIRE DEALERS to sell a road hazard warranty. This is what Discount Tire sells as a "certificate" with the additional coverage that they will replace the tire even if it wears out.
These are almost never "manufacturers" warranties, so the tire (and the warranty paperwork) have to be taken to the tire dealer that sold the warranty.
Tire warranties don't travel with the tire. They apply only to the original purchaser of the new tire. Used tires don't count - including "take offs".
1) Tire manufacturers have a standard "materials and workmanship" limited warranty - what everyone common calls "defects". The time period is usually 3 to 4 years (or so). This covers stuff that is within the control of the manufacturer. For example: A piece of string cured into the sidewall would be covered - even though that would cause no problems.
Typically the tire is replaced at no charge for the first year and pro-rated based on the tread depth remaining for the rest of the time period.
This does NOT include road hazards - since that would be beyond the control of the manufacturer.
It also doesn't include wear - see next bullet point
2) Some tire lines may include an additional "warranty". Like tread wear. Typically this also has a time limit and -in the case of tread wear - a provision that the tire be rotated regularly and evenly worn.
Tread wear warranties are NEVER - let me say this again - NEVER - applicable to OE (Original Equipment) tires. This is because a) the car manufacturers choose not to buy this extra coverage and b) the car manufacturers specify things that hurt wear - like rolling resistance.
You would think, then, that the car manufacturers would cover tire wear under their warranties - and you'd be wrong. Even when there is an alignment problem, car manufacturers don't seem to connect the dots.
3) Sometimes there are additional features to new tire warranties - like road hazard coiverage, 30 day ride satisfaction, etc. These would be offered by the tire manufacturer on certain tire lines - typically premium tire lines.
4) It is common for TIRE DEALERS to sell a road hazard warranty. This is what Discount Tire sells as a "certificate" with the additional coverage that they will replace the tire even if it wears out.
These are almost never "manufacturers" warranties, so the tire (and the warranty paperwork) have to be taken to the tire dealer that sold the warranty.
Tire warranties don't travel with the tire. They apply only to the original purchaser of the new tire. Used tires don't count - including "take offs".
