A tire warranty covers what?

We can't say it often enough, and tires are one of the essential components of your vehicle. Ideally, you would like to keep the same tires for many years, but you can't always avoid holes in the road, debris on the road, or premature wear due to many factors. Your tires, like your vehicle, have a limited lifespan. But sometimes, for various reasons, it ends sooner than expected! Premature wear and punctures can be caused by a manufacturing defect, a road hazard or mechanical wear.

Before you find yourself in an unfortunate situation (although we hope you never do), you'd better find out about your tire warranty and all the conditions surrounding it. Rest assured, these warranties also cover tires purchased online! Here is an overview of the different types of coverage offered by manufacturers.

Limited warranty on manufacturing defects

All manufacturers offer a limited warranty covering only those tires that become unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect in labor or materials. This is often when a tire wears unevenly, warps or causes vibration. Usually, this type of defect becomes apparent fairly quickly, after three to six months. This warranty is valid for a predetermined number of years or kilometres, depending on the manufacturer. But beware, every warranty has its conditions: be careful! Several factors can cause the manufacturer to refuse to honor its warranty: poor tire pressure, abusive use, an illegible serial number, etc. Of course, to make a claim, you will have to contact the manufacturer with an invoice and proof that your tires have been rotated every 10,000 km or less. Of course, the obligations may differ depending on the manufacturer.

Limited Treadwear Warranty

Many tire manufacturers also offer a limited treadwear warranty. As part of this warranty, manufacturers estimate the life of their tires in miles or years. If the tread is worn down to 2/32" in less time or kilometres than the warranty states, you'll get a pro-rated refund or credit toward the purchase of new tires, depending on the manufacturer. But as you may have guessed, several conditions apply, the first being that all 4 tires are worn evenly.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Some manufacturers give consumers 30 to 45 days to decide whether or not they are satisfied with the performance of their new tires. This is the case with Michelin, Bridgestone, General Tire, Yokohama and Goodyear, who will replace your set of tires if you are not satisfied with them. Again, certain conditions apply.

Road Hazard Protection

Increasingly rare, this protection is generally offered by retailers and a few manufacturers such as Hercules, Sailun, Minerva, Continental, Kumho, Bridgestone, Firestone, General Tires, Hankook, Toyo, Yokohama, Michelin, Pirelli, and BFGoodrich. (Check with a PMCtire customer service expert.) Typically valid for two years, Road Hazard Protection covers the repair or replacement of your flat tire after an encounter with a nail, shard of glass, or other debris. PMCtire offers you 12 months of road hazard protection for free with the purchase of 4 eligible tires! Visit our section on the subject to learn about the conditions and drive with peace of mind!

Flat Tire Assistance

This protection is rare and varies from one manufacturer to another. Among the manufacturers that offer Flat Tire Assistance are Michelin and Continental, who offer a flat tire change or free towing for 3 years.

Who offers the best warranty?

It's hard to say who offers the best warranty since they are all similar, although presented differently. However, we can say that Michelin stands out with its Michelin Promise, which includes a limited warranty on manufacturing defects and tread wear, a satisfaction guarantee and roadside insurance.

And Continental is one of the few brands that offer road hazard protection on top of everything else. No matter which manufacturer you choose, be sure to read the warranty information on your tires so that you understand it and are better prepared in case something goes wrong!