Will insurance cover tire cracks after driving a new car for over a year?
3 Answers
Insurance companies do not compensate for separate damage to car wheels. However, they will cover corresponding losses if they occur. Main materials of tires: The main material of tires is rubber, which has the characteristic of aging over time or after prolonged storage. This leads to significant changes in the physical properties of the tire, such as hardness and wear resistance. Continued use of aged tires can lightly affect vehicle performance or, in severe cases, may cause a tire blowout. Lifespan of tires: Generally, all-season or economy tires have a lifespan of 3-5 years, with a mileage of around 50,000 kilometers. Under normal circumstances, a tire's lifespan of 1 year from the date of manufacture is sufficient for use. However, for high-performance tires, the lifespan is only 20,000-30,000 kilometers. If the price is reduced, it might also be worth considering purchasing them.
It's really frustrating to have tire cracks on a new car after just over a year of driving. Generally, tire damage alone isn't covered by car insurance, as clearly stated in the policy terms. However, here's something many people don't know: most tire manufacturers now offer a 3-5 year warranty on new tires, and yours is still within that period. I recommend calling the dealership immediately and taking photos as evidence. If they determine it's a quality issue, you might get a free replacement. But if it's due to road conditions (like frequently scraping against curbs), you'll have to pay for new tires yourself. When choosing tires, remember to check the speed rating - for family cars, an H rating (up to 210km/h) is sufficient, being both cost-effective and practical.
Just one-year-old tires cracked? First about insurance: Unless your tire was damaged in a collision, insurance definitely won't cover single tire replacement. Handle this in two steps: First check the maintenance manual for tire warranty period - most major brands now offer over 3 years warranty. Second, don't attempt DIY removal, drive to the dealership immediately for professional inspection. Their equipment can determine whether it's rubber deterioration or external damage. Pro tip: Avoid parking with tires pressed against curbs - this compression most easily causes hidden sidewall damage that's prone to summer heat-induced blowouts.
