What is a tire warranty?
Tire warranty refers to cover for the maintenance costs associated with the replacement of old, worn out, and ill-fitting tires on motor vehicles. Some warranties apply only to the tires and not the labor costs involved. Although most warranties include labor.
When owners decide to choose the warranty option, they know they will be financially assisted when the time comes to replace tires. Expectedly, the quality of the tire will play a major role in its durability. Another major factor is the use and care thereof. Tire replacement can be expensive and is sometimes unforeseen. Therefore, signing up for a longer-term warranty is recommended.
Does Ford offer tire warranty?
Ford covers tire defects and labor costs up to 100% within a limited time range and based on mileage. Warranty can expire at the end of the agreed period, or once a specific number of mileage is reached. If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, this is a major pro. Unless you adequately budget for it, getting new tires fitted could cost $600 or more every time; so it’s good to know you’ll be covered without breaking the bank when the time comes.
How long is Ford’s tire warranty?
The warranty is valid for three years. Any claim within those three years will be wholly or partially covered by the company. There is an option to increase the warranty to six or more years. This is an option vehicle owners should consider as several factors such as weather damage and frequency of use can heavily influence the need for tire replacement beyond the first three years. In addition, it’s good to know you’ll be covered for factors that contribute to tire conditions outside of your control.
How is cover calculated?
At Ford, the cover is based on mileage. For anywhere between 1 – 12 000 miles driven, Ford takes care of 100% of the tire replacement and labor costs involved in replacing worn tires. The cover decreases with an increase in miles. Therefore, once you reach the 12 001 mile mark, a cover drops to 60%. Anywhere between 24 001 – 36 000 will see coverage of only 30%. If vehicle owners opt to increase the cover period, the cover is recalculated depending on how long the cover is extended.
When should tires be replaced?
The general term of usage for tires is three to five years, however, several factors can wear them out which would require earlier maintenance. Factors such as driving in harsh weather conditions or on roads in poor condition often will wear out your vehicle’s tires so it’s best to regularly check them within and beyond the warranty period. Vehicle owners should lookout for the following signs that their vehicle is due for a tire change. It is essential to act quickly when you do pick up on any of the following as delaying maintenance can lead to bigger problems or even road accidents.
5 signs your vehicle needs a tire change:
Deformities
If you notice punctures, cuts, or any other abnormalities such as bumps or bubbles on one or more of your vehicle’s tires, a new set is essential. If air is released, it could cause the vehicle to move irregularly or swerve dangerously on the road.
Pressure light
If the pressure light goes on, it’s a clear sign your tires are worn out and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If the pressure is not at the correct level, it could cause a tire to either burst or go flat while driving.
Poor traction
This is caused by wear and tear. Driving on poorly constructed or dirt roads can lead to this kind of damage. The less traction, the harder it is for the vehicle to stay on the road. If you have trouble driving in wet weather conditions due to poor traction, that’s cause for concern.
Slipping
Harsh weather, from extreme heat to rain and snow, affects how you drive. If you find your vehicle slipping or shaking while driving, there’s no reason to delay a tire change. The last thing you want is to get stuck somewhere because your vehicle tires have no grip in wet conditions.
Low tire tread
When a tire’s thread count is low, it will not perform on the road. It’s best to find out what your vehicle tire thread count is (located in the manual) and to regularly check all four tires. In most cases, where vehicles are used daily, the tread will run thin within the first two or three years of use.
Should spare tires be replaced?
Finally, it’s best to replace all four tires as well as the spare tire at the same time. Often, because of costs associated with replacing tires, vehicle owners choose to only change a problematic tire. However, the other tires will also wear and might need replacement in quick succession. Changing them all in one go saves you several trips to the maintenance garage and will ensure smooth and controlled driving.
It’s best to change the spare tire along with the rest as lack of use will affect how it performs.
