Are Tires Covered Under Warranty?
Tires have a warranty separate from your car’s factory coverage
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Unlike many vehicle components, tires aren't covered by your car's factory warranty. Instead, they come with separate manufacturer warranties that protect against defects, premature wear and occasionally road hazards.
These warranties vary significantly by brand and tire model, with different coverage periods, maintenance requirements and exclusions that can affect whether your claim gets approved or denied.
When it's time to replace your tires, the costs can add up quickly — often around $800 for a full set. Understanding tire warranty coverage can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and protect your investment.
Factory and extended car warranties generally don’t cover tires, but warranties are often available from tire manufacturers.
Jump to insightTire warranties mainly exist to cover expenses from manufacturing errors or premature tread damage, not damage from road hazards or accidents.
Jump to insightThe average cost to replace a single tire is about $200 if you’re paying out of pocket, but the cost range varies based on tire type.
Jump to insightTire warranty coverage
Tires are not usually covered under standard car warranties, including your car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty or an extended car warranty. Instead, most tires have their own separate coverage provided by the tire manufacturer.
However, it’s worth pointing out that most warranties only cover unexpected expenses that you did nothing to cause — not problems you could’ve avoided or expected problems that come from normal driving.
That means a popped tire from driving over a curb probably won’t be covered, but a tire that wears out sooner than promised might be.
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
What types of warranties cover tires?
There are a few different types of coverage that can help you pay for your new tires, depending on your situation.
Trial periods
When you get new tires, most manufacturers offer trials that last for a given number of days. These types of tire warranties are designed to let you test the performance of the tires and decide if you want to keep them or return them for a new set.
For instance, Goodyear offers 45- or 60-day satisfaction warranties, which state that you have that time frame to decide if you want to keep the tires or return them for your money back.
Workmanship and manufacturing warranties
Like most auto warranties, these tire warranties cover issues that arise as a result of manufacturing defects. These warranties are typically eligible for a longer time, like five to six years, and are only viable for issues that aren’t a result of driver recklessness.
Tire mileage warranties
Some tiremakers also offer mileage warranties that give you a prorated refund if the tires you purchased wear out faster than the mileage they promise. For example, if a tire manufacturer says its tires will last for 50,000 miles, but you wear them down to an unsafe level (under normal use) before then, the manufacturer may refund the difference between the miles promised and the miles delivered.
Road hazard warranties
Most tire warranties do not cover punctures from road objects — even if you accidentally ran over the item. However, you can find road hazard coverage from certain tiremakers, like Firestone. Firestone offers a limited road hazard warranty that covers the first year, but it is an add-on.
Uniformity warranties
If your tire — for some rare reason — causes ride problems immediately after installation, a uniformity warranty can cover a replacement.
Tire warranty eligibility and maintenance
Tire warranties require strict adherence to maintenance schedules to remain valid. Most manufacturers mandate tire rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, proper inflation checks at least monthly and wheel alignments when needed or at specified intervals.
Store all service documentation in a dedicated folder or digital file, as you may need to provide several years of maintenance history to validate a warranty claim.
Keep detailed records of all tire-related services, including dated receipts showing rotations, balancing, alignments and repairs. Many manufacturers require these records to process warranty claims. If you can't prove you followed the maintenance schedule, your claim will likely be denied even if the tire failure qualifies for coverage.
Failing to maintain proper tire pressure — either over-inflation or under-inflation — voids most warranties, as does driving on visibly damaged tires. Regular inspections for cuts, punctures or unusual wear patterns help you catch problems early.
How long do tire warranties last?
Tire warranty duration varies significantly by manufacturer and tire model. Treadwear warranties typically range from 40,000 to 80,000 miles for standard passenger tires, while performance tires often carry shorter warranties of 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Some premium touring tires offer warranties up to 90,000 miles.
Time-based coverage usually expires after five to six years from the purchase date, regardless of mileage. Workmanship and materials warranties typically last for the life of the original usable tread or a specific time period, whichever comes first.
Always check your specific tire's warranty booklet or the manufacturer's website for exact terms, as coverage varies widely even within the same brand's product line.
What voids a tire warranty?
Several common actions and conditions void tire warranties:
- Improper tire inflation (over or under the recommended PSI)
- Missed or late tire rotations beyond the manufacturer's schedule
- Driving on damaged tires after discovering cuts, punctures or bulges
- Racing, competitive driving or track use
- Off-road use on tires not rated for such conditions
- Improper mounting or installation by nonprofessionals
- Using tires on vehicles exceeding the load rating
- Modifications like tire shaving, studding (unless approved) or alterations
- Commercial use of passenger-rated tires
Read your warranty's fine print carefully, as specific exclusions vary by manufacturer. Some warranties have additional restrictions on vehicle type, driving conditions or geographic regions that can affect coverage.
Common tire warranty exclusions and limitations
Tire warranties contain numerous exclusions and limitations that can deny your claim even when tires fail prematurely. Understanding these restrictions helps you maintain valid coverage and set realistic expectations.
What tire warranties don't cover
- Damage from road hazards (nails, potholes, curbs, debris) unless you purchased separate road hazard coverage
- Uneven wear caused by mechanical issues like misalignment, worn suspension components or improper wheel balancing
- Cosmetic damage including sidewall scuffing, staining or discoloration
- Damage from tire chains or cable traction devices
- Repairs or services performed at unauthorized or noncertified facilities
- Tires transferred to a different vehicle or owner
- Damage from accidents, vandalism or theft
- Fire, chemical or petroleum damage
- Flat spotting from extended storage or sitting
- Weather checking or ozone cracking from age
Prorated coverage limitations
Most tire warranties use prorated reimbursement based on remaining tread depth. If your tire fails at 50% tread wear, you typically receive only 50% credit toward replacement — not a full refund. You'll also pay mounting, balancing and disposal fees out of pocket.
How requirements vary by brand
Different manufacturers apply varying standards:
- Michelin requires tire rotations every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and won't honor warranties without documented proof.
- Goodyear's road hazard warranty only covers specific tire lines and requires purchase within 30 days of tire installation.
- Bridgestone excludes coverage for vehicles used for commercial purposes, ridesharing or delivery services.
- Continental's treadwear warranty only applies if tires wear out evenly across all four positions, denying claims for uneven wear even with proper maintenance.
Does your extended warranty cover tires?
We mentioned earlier that car warranties rarely cover tires — and that’s true. However, a few extended warranty companies do sneak tire coverage into their higher-tier plans or secondary benefits.
| Warranty provider | Plans offering tire coverage |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Complete tire coverage for 1 year with all plans |
| American Dream Auto Protect | N/A |
| olive | N/A |
| Omega Auto Care | Offered on the Exclusionary plan |
| Toco Warranty | N/A |
| Concord Auto Protect | N/A |
How much does it cost to fix a tire?
According to our research, the average cost for a single tire replacement is around $200, not including installation costs. However, depending on the condition of your other tires, you may have to replace them all at once, costing you four times as much.
The cost will vary based on tire size, brand, type (all-season, performance, winter) and your vehicle's specifications.
If your tire is punctured, you may not need a replacement, though. It’s possible to get a patch for about $25 to $60.
» MORE: Average car maintenance costs
FAQ
Do tire warranties cover punctures?
Punctures are not usually covered under tire warranties. If your tire pops or punctures from road hazards — like a nail, glass, pothole or curb damage — you’re responsible for fixing it in most cases. The only time a tire warranty covers a puncture is if your contract states it includes damage caused by road hazards.
Do you get a tire warranty from the dealership?
If you purchase a new car, the tires should be covered by the manufacturer for a warranty term. Dealerships sometimes offer tire protection as part of a vehicle service contract that you can purchase for extended coverage.
How do you get tires replaced under warranty?
To get your tires replaced under warranty, contact the tire retailer where you purchased the tires or visit an authorized dealer for that tire brand. Bring your original purchase receipt, proof of maintenance (rotation and service records) and the tire itself for inspection. The dealer will examine the tire to determine if the issue qualifies for warranty coverage. If approved, you'll typically receive a prorated credit based on remaining tread depth toward a replacement tire.
What documentation is needed to claim a tire warranty?
You'll need your original tire purchase receipt showing the date and retailer, proof of regular tire rotations (service records with dates and mileage), maintenance records for wheel alignments and balancing, and documentation showing proper tire pressure maintenance.
Keep all service receipts organized, as most manufacturers require complete maintenance history to approve claims. Without proper documentation, your claim will likely be denied even if the tire failure qualifies for coverage.
Will my warranty cover free tire replacement if they wear out early?
If your tires wear out early, your warranty won’t cover free tire replacement. Tire warranties use prorated coverage, meaning you receive a credit based on remaining tread depth. If your tire wears out at 50% of its warranted mileage, you get roughly 50% credit toward a new tire — you still pay the remaining cost plus mounting, balancing and disposal fees. Free replacement only applies to manufacturing defects discovered early in the tire's life with nearly full tread remaining.
Is there warranty coverage for used tires?
Tire warranties typically don't transfer to new owners, so used tires sold privately have no warranty coverage. However, if you purchase certified used tires from a reputable retailer, they may offer a limited warranty covering defects for 30 to 90 days. Some tire shops provide their own warranties on used tire inventory, but coverage is minimal compared to new tire warranties and rarely includes treadwear guarantees.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts, and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Endurance Auto Warranty, “Are Tire Repairs Included in My Extended Warranty?” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Firestone Complete Auto Care, “Understanding Your Tire Warranty.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, “60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, “Tread Life Limited Warranty.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Michelin, “Warranty Information.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Michelin, “Quick Guide to Michelin Mileage Warranties.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Omega Auto Care, “Omega Provides Benefits You Can Rely On.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- RepairPal, “How Long Will a Tire Patch or Plug Last Me.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Tire Agent, “Breaking Down the Cost of Tire Replacement.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Consumer Reports, “How to Save Money When Buying Tires.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
