Hi,

I am shopping for new tires. Usually, they will say this tire has a xxx mile warranty, etc., etc. But the Yokohama does not say anything like that. I am having problem understanding the fine print:

Warranty Eligibility
This warranty applies to every Yokohama replacement passenger car, light truck and temporary spare tire bearing the Yokohama brand name and complete Department of Transportation serial identification number and operated during normal highway use (commercial applications excluded) in the United States. These tires are covered by this warranty for the life of the original usable tread depth (the original tread depth down to the level of treadwear indicators molded at 2/32 inch (1.6 mm)) or for 60 months from the date of purchase (proof of purchases required) or 72 months from the date of manufacture (if no proof of purchase available), whichever comes first. This warranty applies only to the original tire purchaser, and is not transferrable to any other party. This time period does not represent the expected service life for tires covered by this warranty.

 

It means that there's a few conditions determining you warranty period:
1. If it wears out down to the wear bars
2. If 60 months have passed since you bought it (you need a receipt for that)
3. If 72 months have passed since the tire was manufactured (if you don't have a receipt)

Basically whichever one of those comes first, that signals the end of the warranty period.

Essentially what that means is that there isn't really an xxx mile warranty on it. (It's not making a claim to last a certain number of miles). Usually the tires that give a certain mileage guarantee have fairly hard compounds, hence they can last longer. The only problem with this is that harder compounds generally have less grip in sub optimal conditions.

 

I still don't get it. So, what is being warranted? Does it basically mean there is no warranty?

 

Here's the rest of it:

What Is Not Warranted
Tires that have become unserviceable for the following reasons:

* Road hazard injuries or damages caused by obstacles or debris, such as cuts, punctures (whether repairable or not), snags, bruises, tears, abrasions or impact breaks.
* Improper repairs or repairs that have failed.
* Improper inflation or other maintenance abuses.
* Improper application of tire size and / or specification.
* Improper mounting / dismounting procedures or tire/wheel assembly balance.
* Mechanical irregularities in the vehicle or wheel, such as bent wheel assemblies, misalignment, worn or faulty components.
* Weather checking/cracking or failures resulting from these conditions on tires purchased more than four years (48 months) prior to a warranty claim. If proof of purchase is not provided, the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) serial number is used.
* Accident, corrosion, vandalism, fire or damages caused by nature.

Additional Exclusions

* Tires that have had material added after leaving a Yokohama manufacturing plant, such as fillers, sealants, balancing substances and external tire treatments or material of any kind. If the added material is the cause of a failure, a tire will not be accepted for warranty credit.
* Tires submitted for ride disturbance complaints with more than 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) treadwear.
* Tires on vehicles registered or operated outside of the United States.
* Tires not sold in the United States by Yokohama tire Corporation.
* Tires branded by Yokohama to note special classification at time of purchase, such as "NA" (non-adjustable), or tires altered by notching or buffing.
* Tires used on vehicles in racing or special applications.
* Improper storage.

What Is Warranted
Tires that have become unserviceable for reasons other than stated above will be replaced in accordance with this warranty.

 

I have read that many times.

So... basically, there is no warranty whatsoever unless your car is not moving and the tire, that is in good working condition, blows up by itself.

Then... they may and just may replace it.