Tires are likely the most common automotive “replacement part” but not many people know a lot about them. In the following article we will focus on just that interesting factor of new tire ownership, being the warranty.
Tire Life
Most tire makers have decided that the usable life of a tire is either six years from the purchase date or when there’s just 2/32nds of an inch of tread left. Tire retailers have a special gauge that they use to measure tread depth. Tires purchased in North America are required to have tread-wear indicators inside the tire tread’s grooves. These wear indicators look like small tread bars that run perpendicular to the groove. If the tire’s wear has reached the depth of these indicators, get ready to replace the tire.
One other measure, being a visual one for consumers, is the penny method. Place a penny in the groove of the tire, upside down and ensure Lincoln’s head is facing you. The distance from the top of Lincoln’s head to the coin’s edge is about 2/32nds of one inch. So if “the top of Lincoln’s head shows”, you will need to replace the tire.
Road Hazard Warranties
Road hazard warranties are important if you end up with a flat tire. If your tire can be repaired, the company will pay for the repair. If the tire is unable to be repaired, the company will prorate the remaining mileage toward a new tire’s purchase.
Road hazard warranty prices vary, but they typically range from $10-$20 for each tire. The warranties are a source of profit for tire shops so you will probably be offered one when you purchase new tires. These warranties are basically insurance policies. If you are considering whether to purchase a road hazard warranty, think about how many times you’ve had a puncture or nail in your tire in the last few years.
Tread Life Warranties
You probably didn’t know this: every tire maker offers a warranty on the tire’s tread-life. Here’s how they work. Almost every tire comes with an estimate of the number of miles that it will roll people to their destinations. This estimate is based on the kind of tire and the number of miles that are to be expected under normal driving conditions. You will find the estimate on the paperwork you get when you purchase the tires.
If a tire has worn out evenly across the tread way before its estimated mileage limit, you may be able to get a replacement under the tread-life warranty. You will need to show proof of purchase and proof that your tires were rotated properly at the suggested intervals. In this situation, a tire maker prorates the cost of the new tire based on the price of the replacement tire and amount of remaining tread.
Workmanship and Materials Warranty
The workmanship and materials warranty covers the buyer if defects present themselves in the manufacturing or components used in the tire. The majority of manufacturers offer this coverage for the entire tire’s life.
How to Void the Warranty
Just as you can void the vehicle’s warranty, you can void a tire’s warranty, too. The big one to be aware of is improper maintenance. If the tire maker does not see proof that the tires had been inflated, rotated and aligned properly, your warranty claim will likely be denied.
Was the amount you spent on repair or replacement sufficient to justify the warranty? They are for many drivers. Frankly, the vast majority of people buy tires based on recommendations from tire retailers and the tires’ price. And very few pay attention to the warranties that come with them. Hopefully you’ve taken away some useful information about tire warranties from this article!
Article Courtesy of: Thompson Hyundai
