Automotive & Tires Warranties

Tire Warranties: What's Covered, What's Not

Tire warranties cover two distinct things that most owners conflate: manufacturer defects (workmanship and materials) and mileage warranties (tread life). The manufacturer defect warranty covers tires for the life of the original usable tread or 6 years from manufacture — if a tire fails due to a production defect, the manufacturer replaces it at no charge. The mileage warranty provides prorated credit toward new tires if the tread wears out before the warranted mileage (typically 50,000–80,000 miles depending on the model).

What tire warranties do not cover: road hazard damage from nails, potholes, and curbs. Road hazard protection is a separate purchase from the tire installer and is one of the most undervalued add-ons in automotive retail — a single pothole-damaged tire at $150–300 replacement cost can pay for years of road hazard premiums. For tire brand-specific warranty terms, mileage coverage, and how to file a claim, see the individual brand pages below.