Buying a car is more than paying it off; you need to know how much you’re covered by your warranty but reading the fine print from scratch could be tough.
If you throw used cars, leases and different manufacturers into the mix, it could get more difficult, but we’ve created this handy starting point for your convenience.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Upon buying a new car, you get a warranty, but it doesn’t usually cover the tires. New-car warranties don’t cover body panels or wear and tear components, the latter of which includes wiper blades, brake pads, oil filters, and, yes, tires. Tires have a separate warranty that’s issued by the manufacturer, and you should find it in the glove compartment.
For more information on car tire warranties, including tire warranties on used cars, different makes, flats, cracked and cupped tires, and more, read on!
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty On Used Cars?
Warranties on used cars vary greatly depending on the original warranty that was issued when the first owner bought it, and you should consult it beforehand.
Some used car dealers might issue a warranty to the buyer that gives them similar benefits to the ones they would get if they were buying it new, and this incentive could include cover for the tires.
In other instances, the tire warranty issued when the car was bought new could carry over to the second-hand buyer if it hasn’t been used up.
For example, if the tire warranty covered it for up to five years from when it was bought, and the original owner sells it after three years, the next owner could also be covered.
How Long Are Tires Under Warranty?
It depends on the manufacturer or dealership where you get the car, but the tires are usually under warranty for about the first 5 to 6 years after purchase.
Warranties that provide coverage by mileage cover the first mid to high tens of thousands of miles, usually between 65,000 and 90,000 miles (about 105,000 to 145,000 km).
Special tires that are made for use under more extreme conditions usually get shorter-running coverage e.g. Michelin snow tires that are covered for up to 40,000 miles (about 64,000 km).
Are Flat Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Typical tire warranties only cover manufacturer defects, and these don’t include flat tires. Those are covered with road hazard warranty.
Are Cracked Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Manufacturer warranties cover issues that would occur sooner than they usually would under normal circumstances, and some will cover cracked tires for the first 4 years or so.
Are Cupped Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Cupped or scalloped tires are caused by poor alignment, balancing, or lack of proper rotation, so it’s not covered under warranty because they don’t kick in if the issue was a result of improper maintenance on the owner’s part.
Are Tires Covered Under Lease Warranty?
A standard lease warranty is usually similar to a regular car warranty in that it covers normal wear and tear to certain parts, including the tires.
This means that conditions outside of this, such as nails, wouldn’t be covered, and you would need a more comprehensive warranty that you might have to pay more for.
If you don’t get a lease warranty, you could also be covered under the vehicle’s original warranty, provided its period of effectiveness hasn’t lapsed.
For example, if the car was sold to the owner with a warranty for the first five years and you’re leasing it before those five years are up, it’s still good to go, provided you stay within the terms and conditions.
Does Tire Warranty Cover Nails?
Like flats, nails aren’t considered normal wear and tear so they wouldn’t be covered by a standard tire warranty and you’d need to get a road hazard warranty for this.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty For Ford?
Unlike most car manufacturers, Ford actually offers warranty coverage on the original tires that come with their vehicles, for up to 36,000 miles (about 58,000 km).
Lincoln, a Ford subsidiary, also offers warranties that cover their car’s original tires.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty For Honda?
Honda’s standard warranty does not cover tires, but you can pay extra for the Honda Tire and Rim Protection plan that includes coverage renewed annually with different options depending on your needs and budget.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty For Toyota?
Toyota warranties don’t cover the tires; they’re covered by the manufacturer and only for normal wear and tear.
However, Toyota does have a five-year tire protection plan that you can pay extra for to get expanded coverage for damage from nails, glass, potholes, etc.
Are Tires Covered Under The BMW Warranty?
BMW warranties also defer tire coverage to the tire manufacturer, but they do offer a warranty when you buy replacement tires from them.
This plan provides free road hazard protection that lasts for one year after you buy the tires.
Are Audi Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Audi tires are under warranty from the tire manufacturer, not Audi themselves, but you can pay for the Audi Tire protection plan.
This plan provides road hazard coverage for 7 years after you buy your new car, but it does not cover normal wear on the tires.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty For Hyundai?
A Hyundai warranty does not cover the tires but you can pay extra for a tire protection plan that is charged according to the size of the tires.
This plan lasts for five years and only covers damage from nails or glass, not normal wear and tear.
In an all wheel drive setup where replacing one tire means you have to replace all four, this plan only covers the tire with the defect and you’ll have to pay the rest out of pocket.
Are Tires Covered Under Warranty For Subaru?
Subaru car warranties don’t cover the tires because those are handled by the tire manufacturer themselves.
If your tire develops an issue covered under the warranty, i.e. one arising from manufacturer defects, Subaru can contact them on your behalf and relay the message that you need replacement.
To know more about tires, you can also read our posts on why are tires expensive, how long do Bridgestone tires last, and if you can sell used tires.