Is Bulging of New Car Tires Covered by Warranty?
2 Answers
New car tire bulging is covered by warranty, meaning it can be repaired or replaced for free. New car tires typically come with a warranty period of 3 months or 10,000 kilometers. If bulging occurs within this warranty period, regardless of whether it is caused by scratches or quality issues, consumers should immediately take the vehicle to a 4S shop for inspection. The cause of the bulging should be identified. Of course, consumers can also go to a specialized inspection agency for appraisal, send the tire back to the manufacturer for testing, or take the tire to a quality inspection institute for examination. If the bulging is due to a manufacturing defect, compensation or replacement will be provided according to the Three Guarantees Law. However, if the bulging is caused by the owner's own negligence or scratches, it will not be covered under the warranty.
I noticed a bulge on the tire of my newly purchased car, and my first thought was the warranty issue. Generally, new tires may come with a separate warranty when buying a car, but a bulge might not be covered. The most common cause of a bulge is impact from hitting potholes or curbs, which is considered external damage, and manufacturers or 4S shops usually won’t compensate for it. However, if it’s truly due to a manufacturing defect in the tire itself, such as internal structural issues, then you should take it to the shop for inspection and provide evidence, like taking photos or having a technician diagnose it. I recommend first pulling over to a safe spot and checking if the tire pressure is normal—both too low and too high can cause problems. If the warranty doesn’t cover it, don’t hesitate; replace the tire immediately, as driving at high speeds with a bulge is risky, and a blowout could be troublesome. Also, make it a habit to avoid rough roads and check tire pressure monthly to prevent such issues.
