Tire Protection Plan: Is It Worth It?

There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to buying new tires. From determining the brand and tire line you want to the size and specifications you need, things can get complicated quickly. One of the most confusing decisions for tire shoppers is whether to add a tire protection policy to their purchase. Read on to learn more about these policies so that you can make an informed decision at check-out.

What’s the difference between the manufacturer warranty and a Tire Protection Plan?

Let’s cover some of the basic types of tire manufacturer warranties and insurance coverage.

Most tires come with a limited manufacturer warranty against defects. Tire manufacturer warranties protect buyers against material or workmanship defects such as irregular wear (not due to the vehicle or driver), tread separation, or broken belts within the tire. Such defects are extremely rare because tires are manufactured under rigorous quality standards by reputable name-brand manufacturers.

Some tires come with a tread life warranty. Tread life warranties are provided by the manufacturer and usually offer some prorated refund if your tire does not last the full mileage life. There are often many exclusions and limitations, such as damage caused by the road or driver.

Very few tires come with a manufacturer tire protection policy. When a manufacturer does include a road hazard warranty with the purchase of the tire, the coverage is usually less generous than separately purchased tire protection policies. If you are buying tires that come with a manufacturer tire protection policy, review the terms of the coverage to determine whether you should add additional protection as well.

A tire protection plan (sometimes also called road hazard protection) is offered by the tire dealer and goes beyond the warranties offered by the manufacturer. It covers damage caused by road hazards like potholes, nails, glass and jagged metals.

Is buying a Tire Protection Plan worth the additional cost?

Like all insurance policies, this is a matter of personal preference. If you feel that you experience a greater incidence of tire damage, punctures, etc., it may be worthwhile for you. This could be the case depending on where you live, work (ex: construction areas), or how often you drive. Ask yourself if you would prefer to avoid the cost of replacing one of your tires if damaged.

Virginia Tire & Auto’s Tire Protection Plan

At Virginia Tire & Auto, all tire purchases come with our tires& bundle. It includes Roadside Assistance coverage and lifetime tire rotations, wheel balances, pressure checks and nitrogen top-offs to keep you on top of tire maintenance.

For extra peace of mind on the road, we suggest combining this with our add-on Tire Protection Plan. Plan coverage includes:

• Free flat tire repairs for the usable life of the tire (tires are considered worn out when the tread depth is less than 2/32”).
• Tire replacement coverage if your tire gets damaged beyond repair during the first three years of ownership. If an exact match is not available, a tire of comparable quality and price will be installed. We’ll always cover extra costs related to the new tire installation, including mounting, rebalancing, disposal, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) services and other fees.

Learn more about Virginia Tire & Auto’s Tire Protection Plan by clicking here or by calling or visiting your local Virginia Tire & Auto location.

The cost of adding a Tire Protection Plan to your tires varies based on the tires purchased. Coverage is non-transferable.