How to Compare Tire Treadwear Warranties

When purchasing new tires for your vehicle, you may choose to compare the treadware warranties. These warranties cover the consumer if the tires wear out before the warranty period runs out, assuming that the consumer took proper care of the tires.

Instructions

1. Know that specific mileage treadware warranties cover the tire for a certain number of miles. If your tires wear out, which means the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch of the remaining tread depth, the manufacturer will pay for part of the cost of a new set of tires. This is assuming that you can prove that you properly maintained the tires. The amount that the manufacturer will discount the new tires will depend on how many miles remain in your warranty.

2. Understand the difference between specific mileage treadware warranties and lifetime treadware warranties. With a lifetime treadware warranty, the manufacturer is saying that the tires should last a specific amount of time, such as 3 years, rather than an amount of miles. Again, you have to take care of your tires, and if your tires do wear out before the warranty time is up, the manufacturer will prorate the amount of your discount based on how much time remains.

3. Realize that for the manufacturer to consider that your tires are worn out, the tread depth must be less than 2/32 of an inch or down to the treadwear indicators. If this is the case, then the tires aren't safe, especially if you're driving in hazardous conditions such as rain, ice or snow. If you plan to drive in conditions such as these, you should replace your tires before they reach 4/32 of an inch of the remaining tread depth. If you purchase tires with the longest warranty that the manufacturer offers, then you are getting a tire that the manufacturer considers a high quality tire that won't wear very quickly.