Written by: Trevor Mahoney
Last updated: January 20, 2022
Whether you are looking at the tires on your vehicle already or if you’ve recently purchased a new set, having well-maintained tires can help you stay safe while on the road. Because of this, you may be wondering if your extended warranty will help cover them. After all, tires are one of the most important and often replaced parts of any vehicle. By learning more about your vehicle’s tires and what can damage them, you can better predict if your extended car warranty covers them.
Typical Warranty Coverage for Tires on a New Car
Overall, the average life of a tire is often considered to be six years from the time of purchase or until your tires’ tread reaches 2/32nds of an inch. However, when you purchase a brand new vehicle, most automakers include protections against defects found within the car’s tires. While this kind of coverage typically lasts for a certain number of miles and can vary depending on each manufacturer, it is often between 30,000-60,000 miles.
Should your tire s’ tread evenly reach a certain level before an established mileage, you may be eligible for a replacement tire completely, depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer’s tread warranty. You can find more information about this by checking your owner’s manual and warranty coverage information for your specific vehicle.
For an average driver, a manufacturer’s warranty may be enough to reach the time when replacement tires are necessary. However, warranty coverage can vary for those who drive frequently or in areas with potential hazards on the road, such as nails or defects.
What Factors Are Covered Under Tire Warranty?
While coverage varies greatly depending on a vehicle’s manufacturer, most coverage items only extend to issues resulting from manufacturer defects. With that being said, this coverage often helps cover a portion of the price for new tires so that you are not paying fully out-of-pocket. Other examples of what your tire warranty can cover may include:
- Leaking air due to a manufacturer defect
- Air bubble inside tire not caused by a road hazard
- Any defect resulting from the manufacturing of the vehicle
Should there be any issues with your tires, the manufacturer will more than likely require proof that your tires were cared for properly. This means you should ensure you follow any preventative maintenance tasks recommended in your owner’s manual, such as keeping your tires inflated and rotating them every 5,000-8,000 miles.
In a situation where a road hazard like a nail or pothole damages your tires, they will likely not be covered by your manufacturer warranty. Instead, to get coverage for these types of issues on your tires, you will need to invest in a third-party tire warranty. Most tire shops that sell you a new tire will offer short-term (around 30 days) coverage to protect against hazards.
How to Prevent Tire Damage
While having coverage for your tires is extremely important, avoiding the need for it entirely can save you time and money. There are a few important ways to keep your vehicle and tires protected out on the road. Build yourself a checklist using some of the following items to protect your vehicle.
Every month, consider checking your tire pressure is up to manufacturer standards. Keep in mind that your tires may lose pressure in the winter, while the heat of summer may cause them to rise. Be sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure they wear properly. While you get your tires rotated, asking the company to balance your tires can also help keep your suspension in proper condition, which will result in a better driving experience.
Regarding your vehicle’s suspension, have a technician check your alignment twice a year to ensure your tires are not toed-in or toed-out, as this can affect which direction your car leans while driving. By following just a few of these tips, you can lessen the chance that your tires become damaged while driving on the road.
Keep Your Tires Protected
While a factory warranty will cover not all issues with tires, an extended warranty can keep your vehicle protected from certain issues. By finding the right warranty, you can save money on preventative maintenance and all-around vehicle issues that may develop. To get started, read through our extended warranty provider reviews and see if there may be one that’s right for you and your vehicle.
