As the fundamental connection between your vehicle and the road, tires play an irreplaceable role in ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Since they endure harsh conditions daily, it’s no surprise that they wear down over time.
While you want longevity from your tires, there are instances when they fall short of your expectations. This is where a tire warranty steps in, providing assurance and peace of mind through a backup solution.
Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, you can learn more about tire warranties and how to use them should the need arise from the infographic below.
What’s a Tire Warranty (and How Does it Work)?
A tire warranty is a guarantee from a manufacturer or retailer that they’ll repair, replace, or refund a tire within a specified timeframe if it experiences premature damage or wears out faster than expected. The refund is a prorated amount based on the consumed tread depth.
Unlike some warranties that offer 30 to 90 days of coverage, tire warranties provide extended protection spanning at least three years from the purchase date. Besides safeguarding your vehicle’s tires, warranties reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability and quality of their products. They also signify the manufacturer’s proactive approach to addressing potential concerns.
This element of reassurance highlights the significance of choosing tires with robust warranties for your peace of mind on the road.
What Does the Tire Warranty Cover?
A tire warranty typically covers the following conditions:
Tread life warranty
Also known as the mileage warranty, the tread life warranty guarantees that the manufacturer or retailer will offer prorated credit to replace the tire if its tread deteriorates earlier than expected.
Certain conditions and proper tire maintenance apply to maintain the warranty’s validity. For instance, some manufacturers only use this guarantee for the tires’ original owner and vehicle. Meanwhile, others will honor the warranty if the tire owner files a claim within a certain period and follows manufacturer guidelines for maintenance services.
To qualify for this warranty, you must ensure even tread wear across the tire surface. You must not cover tires with noticeable heat rings, too. It’s also best to keep records of tire rotations as needed for your claim.
Workmanship and materials warranty
This warranty covers any tire defects caused by manufacturing or material issues that may arise within a certain period. The manufacturer or retailer usually replaces the defective tire at no cost.
The workmanship and materials warranty also ensures that the tire’s construction, balance, and overall quality meet the intended standards and do not have unexpected defects that may impact performance and safety.
However, to make this warranty valid, you must ensure the tire failure didn’t occur due to your vehicle’s mechanical issues or improper tire maintenance. You must also file your claim within the validity period. Otherwise, you’ll receive compensation based on the tire’s prorated life.
Which Situations Are Not Covered by Tire Warranties?
While warranties offer convenient coverage when your tires wear down, they have certain limitations. You should be aware of the following situations before applying for a claim.
Damage due to road hazards
Tire warranties usually do not cover road hazard coverage, as tire punctures from sharp objects on and off the road are external and unpredictable factors beyond the manufacturer’s control.
Deterioration due to improper use and lack of maintenance
Tire warranties typically don’t cover improper inflation pressure, incorrect wheel rim sizes, tire overloading, and incorrect tire mounting or demounting. You must properly maintain your vehicle and adhere to warranty guidelines to receive your claim.
Let’s say your vehicle’s tire inflation should be 32 psi, but you consistently keep them at 20 psi. This difference can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced handling performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even the risk of a blowout.
These effects can also happen due to tire overloading. Your car is likely carrying more than it should if it has underinflated tires or compressed suspension.
Contamination due to additives
Any defects from using additives or materials that the manufacturer initially didn’t approve or add to the tire composition are typically not part of the warranties. Such alterations can impact tire integrity and result in product defects.
For instance, if a tire is secretly infused with certain chemicals to enhance grip but instead weakens the rubber structure, it might result in a tire that’s more susceptible to punctures or rapid wear and tear.
Repairs and vulcanization
A tire that’s been repaired or subjected to vulcanization—the process of restoring a damaged tire with heat and pressure— may void the warranty since altering a tire’s original structure can make it susceptible to irregular wear, imbalanced handling, or even failure under certain conditions.
Simply put, repairs or alterations that inadvertently compromise specific elements in your agreement with the manufacturer or retailer may exclude your tires from warranty coverage.
Exhaustion of tire’s useful life
Tire warranties don’t cover tires at the end of their useful life based on tread depth. For reference, the average tire mileage rating for an all-season tire is typically between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. The tire tread depth should also be above 1.6 millimeters.
As tires wear down with use, a lower tread depth is normal and not a warranty-related concern.
When Do Tire Warranties Expire?
The expiration date of tire warranties usually depends on the tires’ purchase date or the amount of tread worn down over time. The contract is no longer valid when one of these conditions lapses or occurs.
Tire warranties are handy for manufacturing defects. Even if you are eligible for a warranty, you don’t want broken or damaged tires. As such, you should invest in quality, long-lasting tires that can withstand different terrains and road hazards.
For instance, Triangle Tires’ TE301 tire for passenger cars has uniform tread wear that provides long mileage. On the other hand, our TR668A tire has zigzag main grooves that help light trucks adapt to most road conditions. Our tires are eligible for a warranty of three years from the date of purchase, ensuring you get the most out of your tires and quality customer service should the need arise.
Invest in Safety and Convenience
Tire warranties are crucial in vehicle safety and performance. Investing in quality tires with comprehensive warranties safeguards your wallet from unexpected expenses, enhances your on-road safety, and maintains your vehicle’s optimal performance. Whether it’s unpredictable road hazards or wear and tear, these warranties shield against potential setbacks.
Speaking of quality tires, consider getting them from Triangle Tires. We offer an extensive range of tires, from passenger cars to heavy-duty vehicles, all available at affordable prices.
Browse our tire catalog, or contact us for assistance.
