Should you buy a road hazard warranty for your tires?

Understanding the pros and cons of a tire road hazard warranty

When purchasing new tires, you might encounter the option of adding a tire road hazard warranty. This warranty offers protection against unexpected damage to your tires caused by common road hazards such as accidental curb scrapes, pothole strikes, nails, and other debris. But is it worth the extra cost? This article I’ll explore what a road hazard warranty covers, its benefits, limitations, and considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether to buy a tire road hazard warranty/

What is a Tire Road Hazard Warranty?

A road hazard warranty is an optional coverage that protects your tires against damage caused by unforeseen road hazards. Tire manufacturers, retailers, or third-party providers typically offer these warranties. The warranty covers repairing or replacing a damaged tire that cannot be fixed due to road hazard damage.

What Does a Tire Road Hazard Warranty Cover?

Road hazard warranties usually cover:

• Puncture repair in repairable areas— Damage caused by nails, screws, or other sharp objects that penetrate the tire.
• Blowouts— Sudden loss of air pressure due to hitting potholes or sharp objects.
• Belt Impact Damage— Damage like a broken belt or sidewall bubbles caused by hitting curbs, debris, or other road obstacles.
• Irreparable Damage— Punctures that lie outside the repair areas of the tire that

Click here to see a PDF of the tire repair procedures from the Rubber Manufacturers Association

render the tire unusable. In other words, if the tire can’t be repaired, the warranty covers the cost of a replacement tire

Click on the image to the right to download a copy of the current tire repair guidelines to see what damage can’t be safely repaired.

What tires can’t be repaired?

I’ve attached a PDF copy of the recommended repair procedures from the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

The quick version is that a tire should not be repaired if the puncture is larger than ¼-in. and is located outside the tread area. The tread area is defined as the area between the inner and outer shoulders of the tire. If the puncture is in that area, the only acceptable repair is a plug AND a patch. A plug alone, is NOT considered a permanent repair! Yes, you may have used plugs for years and not had an issue. Well, consider yourself lucky. Because as tread wears, plugs become less stable and can fail. A plug and a patch covers your butt.

Why you might want a tire road hazard warranty

• U.S. streets are in bad condition. Even before the pandemic, municipalities struggled to keep up with street maintenance. These days, it’s common to find tire-damaging potholes on almost every street.

Potholes pose significant risks to your vehicle, with tires often bearing the brunt of the impact. The jagged edges of these road hazards can puncture tires or cause sidewall bulges, compromising driving safety.

• Late model cars have lower profile tires— Low profile tires are more easily damaged by pothole impacts than older style tires with larger sidewalls.

• Many AWD and 4WD vehicles require replacing all four tires if one tire is damaged beyond repair. Buying a tire road hazard warranty can help save money is such an event.

The pros and cons of a tire road hazard warranty

Pros:

• Pays for itself— A tire road hazard warranty pays for itself if you have even a single tire that can’t be patched
• Peace of mind— Knowing you’re protected against unexpected tire damage can provide peace of mind, especially if you frequently drive on poorly maintained roads.
• Nationwide convenience— Most road hazard warranties can replace you anywhere in the U.S.

Cons:

• Upfront cost— Tires are expensive, and adding optional tire road hazard coverage can cost almost $90 per tire in some cases.
• Weasel coverage— Some weasel warranties put severe limitations on what they cover and how much reimbursement they provide. Always read the fine print before buying a road hazard warranty.

How to decide if you should buy a tire warranty

• Lots of city driving— If you frequently drive on roads with potholes, debris, or other hazards, the warranty can be a wise investment. On well-maintained roads, the risk of tire damage is lower, making the warranty less critical.
• Type of tires on your vehicle—High-performance or specialty tires are more expensive to replace, making a tire warranty more valuable. However, if you have small standard-size tires mounted on steel wheels, the warranty cost may exceed the out-of-pocket cost of a new tire, reducing the financial benefit of the warranty.
• You stress about emergency expenses— If you stress about unexpected expenses, you may benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected against those costs.

Read the fine print and do your homework before you buy a tire road hazard warranty

Some tire companies offer road hazard insurance, and most tire stores do as well. Which warranty is better? Generally speaking, the tire store warranties are often more liberal in their coverage. For example, some tire company warranties exclude replacement coverage for sidewall cuts caused by curb impacts. That’s considered owner neglect.

• Pay attention to the coverage period, exclusions, and any limitations on claims. Will the warranty cover multiple repairs on the same tire and at what point will they replace the tire?
• Compare Providers: Different providers offer varying levels of coverage and pricing. Compare warranties from tire manufacturers, retailers, and third-party companies to find the best option for your needs.
• Check for Hidden Fees: Some warranties may have hidden fees, such as deductibles or service charges. • • Ensure you understand the total cost of the warranty and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
• Consider Your Driving Habits: Assess your driving habits and the typical conditions of the roads you travel on. If you often drive in areas with poor road conditions, a road hazard warranty may be more beneficial.

©, 2015 Rick Muscoplat