Any product that comes with a warranty, generally speaking, is going to have its conditions or limitations. Tires are no exception, however, navigating the warranty process can often prove difficult and confusing.
Having gone through the process of warrantying tires for over 20 years I can tell you with great confidence that the tire industry as a whole has let the consumer down when it comes to understanding how long a tire should last.
Let’s start by taking a look at what the tire manufacturer offers for warranty, as there are more than one (All measurements for warranty purposes are in 1/32 of an inch).
Tread Life Warranty
This warranty is offered in mileage and can vary, usually in the 30,000-80,000 range.
Typically expires in 4-6 years.
Prorated, meaning whatever percentage of the tire was used is not refunded.
Limits and Stipulations (More on this later).
Road Hazard Warranty
Only offered during the first 12 months or first 2/32 of measurement.
This is a “goodwill” discount, not a guarantee against road hazards or punctures.
Offers free replacement if a tire is damaged unintentionally.
Tire must be unrepairable.
Trial Period Warranty
A very short-term trial period of 30, 45, 60 days, not usually longer.
Basically, if you don’t like them for any reason, you can exchange them.
Limited Warranty
Also a pro-rated warranty, with 100% offered within the first year or first 2/32.
Guarantees the tire will be free from defects for the tire’s life.
Usually has an expiration date (3-5 years) and expiration depth (2/32).
Limits and Stipulations also apply.
As a consumer, we don’t want a 3-year study necessary to understand how tire warranties function. Just tell us how long the tire is supposed to last! Most consumers use the tread life warranty as a basis for how long the tire should last. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. In my experience, buying the second or third set of tires can be very frustrating because expectations of how long that first set should have lasted were based on the tread life warranty. So, why don’t tires last as long as their warranty and if not, why are manufacturers setting them that high?
First, let’s take a look at our responsibilities as stated by the tire manufacturers. Our vehicles must be free from defects in any system that could contribute to abnormal tire wear. This includes suspension, braking, chassis/alignment, tire pressure and their monitoring system, and even mechanical problems. We must also have documented evidence of regular tire rotations every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. We must not expose the tires to extreme temperatures, store them improperly, subject them to negligent and abusive driving or any use contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This may not seem like a tall order for newer vehicles with lower mileage. Basically, don’t drive like an egghead, rotate your tires, and make sure they’re inflated properly. Perfect Peter’s Prius is going to be just fine.
So, if you’re a conservative driver who religiously rotates their tires and checks the inflation regularly on your newer vehicle absent defects, there’s a good chance you’ll get 60,000 miles on that tire that has a 60,000 mile tread life warranty. Oh, and the city you live in should have very smooth, paved roads. Sorry, Spokane residents.
Let’s assume Perfect Peter’s Prius has driven 40,000 miles and takes his vehicle in for service and the service advisor recommends replacing the tires because they are measuring 4/32 of an inch (industry standard measurement for tire replacement). The tire Perfect Peter purchased for his purple Prius has a tread life warranty of 60,000 miles. Naturally, and with good reason, Perfect Peter believes he is entitled to 33% off his next set of tires at the prorated rate. Unfortunately, in order for the warranty claim to be submitted, the tires must be worn to 2/32 of an inch (unsafe to drive on) and have even wear across the tire that indicates proper alignment.
If we are being completely honest, most of us do not drive like Perfect Peter. A lot of us do not own newer cars with lower mileage. Our vehicles have a bit more wear on the suspension. Our roads aren’t perfect. We all don’t live in moderate climates. Some of us tow and subject our vehicles to higher loads. Oh, and I forgot to mention that commercial and fleet vehicles don’t even qualify for tire warranties!
There are so many factors that contribute to tire wear that it’s amazing to me that manufacturer’s offer tread life warranties at all. Those tread life warranties are not going to be lowered to fit better into reality’s mold, so maybe we need to lower our expectations of how far we think our tires should go. The way I explain tread life warranties to my customers is that the tire is not going to last 60,000 miles, just that if it lasts 60,000 miles, it will be without defects. To maximize that mileage, rotate your tires and don’t ignore that low tire light. And if you’re really ambitious, you could always emulate Perfect Peter’s driving habits.
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