When it's time to buy new tires, you may focus on price, brand, and performance. However, an often-overlooked aspect that should significantly impact your purchase decision is the tire warranty. Understanding and considering tire warranties can save you money, enhance your safety, and provide peace of mind.
In this blog, we'll explore why tire warranties are crucial and why you should factor them into your decision when buying new tires.
What is a Tire Warranty?
A tire warranty covers the cost of replacing or repairing your tires in case of defects, road hazard damage, or wear within a specified period or mileage. These warranties are provided by tire manufacturers or retailers and come in various types, each offering different levels of protection.
Tire warranties offer varying levels of protection. Before investing in new tires, consider the warranty when making your purchasing decision.
Key Benefits of a Tire Warranty
- Financial Protection
One of the primary benefits of a tire warranty is financial protection. Tires can be an unexpected expense. A warranty can save you money by covering all or a portion of the cost of repairs or replacements due to manufacturing defects, road hazards, or premature wear. This means you won't have to bear the full brunt of unexpected tire expenses! - Tread Wear/Mileage
Tire warranties often include prorated coverage based on treadwear. This means that if your tires wear out faster than expected, the warranty can help cover the cost of new tires, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. By regularly maintaining your tires and adhering to the warranty's conditions, you can maximize their lifespan. - Workmanship and Materials Protection
When a rare flaw pops up on a tire, it can compromise your vehicle's safety, leading to poor handling, reduced traction, and an increased risk of blowouts. A tire warranty encourages you to keep your tires in optimal condition. The Hercules Performance Promise Plan Warranty replaces any Hercules brand passenger or light truck tire that becomes unserviceable due to defects in workmanship and materials at no charge during the first 50% of tread life. - Peace of Mind
Driving with the assurance that your tires are covered under warranty provides peace of mind. Whether you're embarking on a long road trip or simply commuting to work, knowing that you have protection against unexpected tire issues allows you to focus on the road ahead without worry.
Tire warranties, including the Hercules Performance Promise Plan Warranty, offer value that is key when deciding which tires to purchase.
Types of Tire Warranties
Tire warranties can vary widely, so it's essential to understand the different types available:
1. Manufacturer's Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period or mileage.
The Hercules Performance Promise Plan Warranty offers its customers the strength and satisfaction our name represents. So when a rare flaw pops up, we’re there, ready to make it right. We’ll replace any Hercules brand passenger or light truck tire that becomes unserviceable due to defects in workmanship and materials at no charge during the first 50% of tread life.
2. Treadwear Warranty: Guarantees that the tires will last for a certain number of miles. If they wear out prematurely, you'll receive a prorated credit toward new tires.
The Performance Promise Plan Warranty understands that you want to trust your tires to take you where you need to be when you need to be there. That’s why Hercules backs many of our brand passenger and light truck tires with our Hercules Mileage Coverage Plan, which can be up to 70,000 miles on some tires.
3. Road Hazard Warranty: Covers damage from road hazards like potholes, nails, and debris. This can include repairs or replacement of the damaged tire.
Even the best roads can have hazards lurking just around the bend. Pesky potholes, nails, glass and other debris can be unkind to your tires. At Hercules, we help you fight back with our Road Hazard Warranty Protection Program that offers free replacement for any Hercules brand passenger and light truck tire for two years or the first 50% of tread life.*
4, Trials: Tire manufacturers can offer warranties that include a trial period, allowing customers to return or exchange their tires within a specified timeframe if they are not satisfied with their performance.
If you are not completely satisfied with these tires, you may return them within 45 days to exchange them for a comparable set of Hercules brand tires under the Performance Promise.
Tire warranties can offer different types of protection. The Hercules Performance Promise Plan Warranty offers road hazard warranty protection, a trial period, coverage on workmanship defects and mileage coverage.
How to Choose the Right Tire Warranty
When selecting a tire warranty, consider the following factors:
- Coverage: Ensure the warranty covers the types of damage or wear that are most relevant to your driving conditions.
- Duration: Look for a warranty that offers coverage for the expected lifespan of your tires.
- Conditions: Review any maintenance requirements or exclusions to understand what actions you need to take to keep the warranty valid.
A tire warranty is valuable to your vehicle's safety, performance, and longevity. By providing financial protection, extending tire lifespan, enhancing safety, offering peace of mind, and adding resale value, tire warranties deliver a host of benefits that make them a wise choice for any driver. When purchasing new tires, consider the available warranty options and choose one that best suits your needs and driving habits.
For more tips on vehicle maintenance and to explore the best tire warranties available, visit The Tread regularly. Drive safe and keep your tires in top shape!
*The Hercules Strong Guard ST tires come with a free replacement for two years or the first 2/32nds of treadwear.
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Essential Considerations Before Buying New Tires