Tire Warranty: complete guide to understanding your rights

Tires are critical components for the safety of any vehicle. They are also responsible for comfort, drivability, performance and safety. Because they are such important items, they generate many doubts about their warranty.

Most tire manufacturers offer a 5-year product warranty, starting from the moment the invoice is issued. In the absence of proof of purchase, the date of manufacture of the tire can be considered, using the DOT code.

However, there are several doubts about the subject. For this reason, we will clarify it for you!

Tire warranty coverage

What is covered by your tire warranty may vary depending on the manufacturer, supplier and type of tire. Generally, the warranty covers manufacturing defects and problems related to the quality of materials and construction of the tires.

It is important to note that tire warranties can vary considerably between manufacturers and types of tires (e.g. passenger tires, high-performance tires, cargo tires, etc.). Furthermore, the warranty duration may also be different. Always carefully read the terms and conditions of the warranty provided by the manufacturer or supplier to understand exactly what is covered.

How long is the tire warranty valid?

Tire warranty duration can vary significantly between manufacturers, suppliers and even between different tire models. Tire warranties generally last for a period ranging from a few years to the entire tread life, depending on the specific conditions and terms of the warranty.

Remember that tire warranties generally do not cover normal wear and tear due to regular use, such as loss of tread depth over time. Instead, the warranty focuses on manufacturing defects, quality of materials, and other issues unrelated to normal wear and tear.

To know exactly how long the tire warranty is valid for a specific tire, it is important to read the terms and conditions of the warranty provided by the tire manufacturer or supplier.

How to claim the warranty

Procedures for claiming tire warranty can vary between manufacturers and suppliers, so it is essential to follow the guidance provided. If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to contact the store where you purchased the tires, authorized dealer, or manufacturer for additional assistance.

Autoamerica and Gomma Pneus Warranty

Tires sold by Grupo Autoamerica have a full warranty for a period of 5 years against defects or manufacturing defects, starting from the date of purchase of the tire, according to the purchase invoice.

To be entitled to your warranty, the tires must have the original tread, a minimum groove depth of 1.6 millimeters and that their use in competitions has not been proven.

The consumer must also present the tires that are showing defects or manufacturing defects to the Autoamerica partner dealer, accompanied by the purchase invoice and the warranty term, which you can access here.

Afterwards, the tire will be subjected to analysis by a technician certified by INMETRO, who will prepare a report indicating whether the issue with the product is due to a manufacturing fault or not.

If a manufacturing fault is found and the percentage of rubber in the analyzed tread is equal to or greater than 80%, the consumer will be entitled to a full replacement of the product. If the percentage is equal to or less than 79%, the consumer will be entitled to proportional credit from the guarantee, using it to purchase a new tire, with only the payment of the difference in value required.

Normal vs. Normal Wear Defect

Differentiating between normal tire wear and a warranty-covered defect can be important in determining whether you are entitled to a warranty claim. Here is the difference between these two concepts:

Normal Tire Wear

Normal tire wear refers to the gradual reduction in tread depth as you drive your vehicle. It is a natural and inevitable part of a tire’s lifespan. Factors such as driving style, type of road, weather conditions and maintenance will affect the rate at which your tires wear.

Defect Covered by Warranty

A warranty-covered defect refers to problems in the construction, quality of materials or manufacturing of the tire that affect its performance, durability and safety. These defects are not caused by normal use or driving conditions, but rather by flaws in the manufacturing process.

What types of problems can void the warranty

Tire warranties can be voided for a variety of issues and situations, depending on the specific policies of the manufacturer or supplier. Here are some common examples of problems that can result in a tire warranty being void:

Incorrect use

If tires are used improperly, such as in racing conditions, extreme off-roading, constant overloading, or intentional abuse, the warranty may be void.

Unauthorized Modifications

Modifying tires in an unauthorized manner, such as cutting or puncturing the tread, may result in voiding the warranty.

Visible Damage

If tires have visible damage, such as deep cuts, blisters or impact damage, this may result in voiding the warranty.

Unauthorized Repairs

Carrying out tire repairs yourself or through a service not authorized by the manufacturer may void the warranty.

Use of Other Components

Using tires in conjunction with other components that are not compatible or recommended by the manufacturer, such as wheels that do not meet specifications, may invalidate the warranty.

Keep in mind that these are just some general situations that can void your tire warranty. It is always important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the warranty provided by the tire manufacturer or supplier to understand what specific actions may affect the validity of the tire warranty.