Key insights
Factory warranties generally cover defects in materials or workmanship, but not wheel damage caused by potholes, curbs or other road hazards.
Jump to insightYou can buy a dedicated tire-and-wheel policy for coverage against certain hazard-related damage. Car insurance typically covers accident-related wheel damage.
Jump to insightWheel replacement costs vary widely by vehicle and wheel type, so always get a quote for your specific situation.
Jump to insightWheel warranty coverage
Although wheels are one of the most important parts of your car, traditional manufacturer warranties rarely cover them unless an authorized dealership confirms a defect. In fact, you’ll probably have to pay for a separate tire-and-wheel policy to protect your wheels against impact or physical road damage.
Warranty language varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and coverage is limited by the written terms. Always read the warranty booklet for your model and ask the dealer to document the cause of the damage before approving repairs you think might be covered.
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
What types of warranties cover wheels?
If you’re set on having wheel protection, you'll need to look beyond powertrain warranty coverage and purchase a dedicated tire-and-wheel protection policy. This is a separate policy that kicks in if you hit something while driving and it damages your tire or wheel.
But, like any auto warranty, it won't include damage caused by a car accident. You’ll have to use your car insurance for that.
Coverage comparison at a glance
OEM or manufacturer warranty: Covers manufacturing defects; excludes road-hazard and impact damage
Dealer or extended service contracts: May cover certain components, rarely road-hazard wheel damage; exclusions vary
Tire-and-wheel protection: Typically covers road-hazard damage; may exclude collision and cosmetic-only damage
Auto insurance: May cover wheel damage from collisions or vandalism, depending on comprehensive or collision coverage; excludes wear and tear
» MORE: Car warranty guide
How much does it cost to fix your wheels?
Wheel prices vary considerably, and a replacement wheel may cost far more than the visibly damaged part alone. You can theoretically find replacements for under $100 each, but you could spend $2,500 or more for a new carbon fiber wheel (before labor) on a high-end performance car.
Factors that affect cost include what kind of car you’re driving and how many wheels you need to replace. Sometimes, you only need to replace one wheel. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to replace all four wheels.
Is a tire-and-wheel plan worth buying?
A tire-and-wheel plan can be worth considering when your likely out-of-pocket exposure is high, and when the contract covers the types of damage you are most likely to experience.
Many plans charge a one-time fee for multi-year coverage. Pricing often falls in the same general range as one wheel repair or one wheel replacement, depending on your wheel size, vehicle type and coverage term.
If you drive daily over potholes and one wheel replacement costs roughly the same as the plan, a single bent or cracked wheel claim can cover the plan cost. On the other hand, a plan can be poor value if you drive relatively few miles, have low-cost replacement options or can comfortably absorb a repair bill.
FAQ
What does a tire and wheel plan cover?
In general, a wheel and tire plan pays for repairs and replacements if a road hazard damages your tires or wheels. Some plans may also cover towing to a tire shop or even a rental car.
However, because tires are designed to wear out at specific intervals, you shouldn’t expect a tire and wheel plan to cover new tires needed due to routine wear-and-tear. Also, if you get into a car accident and damage your wheels, you should go through your insurance company for repairs.
Are tires covered under warranty?
While other car parts may be covered under some kind of warranty, tires are one of the few exceptions. When it comes to wear-and-tear items on your car, tires take the most abuse. They have to support the car through whatever conditions you may encounter — rain, sleet, snow, mud and more.
Most warranties don't cover wheels unless there is a detectable defect. If you need to replace one or more tires, you’ll probably have to pay out-of-pocket. This also applies if you get a nail in your tire while driving or hit a curb and get a flat.
Are rims covered under warranty?
Rims usually aren’t covered under a standard manufacturer’s warranty unless you have separate wheel and tire coverage. Be careful shelling out a lot of money on rims because if they get damaged, you’ll likely be on the hook for repairs.
If you don’t have a special tire and wheel policy, rims typically won’t be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. But if your rim is damaged in a car accident, your insurance company may cover some of the cost.
Are wheels covered under warranty if I hit a pothole?
Pothole damage is typically excluded under an OEM or manufacturer warranty. Factory wheel warranties exclude road hazard and impact damage. Coverage may be available through a tire and wheel protection plan, a retailer road hazard certificate or your auto insurance policy with the appropriate coverage.
Are bent or cracked wheels covered under warranty?
Bent or cracked wheels are covered under the OEM warranty only if inspection verifies the damage resulted from a manufacturing defect. OEM warranties do not cover impact damage from potholes, debris or curbs. Tire and wheel protection plans (or certain insurance policies) may cover impact damage depending on your specific coverage terms.
» RELATED REPAIR: Do car warranties cover windshields?
