Walmart Tire Warranty Explained (2023): What‘s Covered + Price

With over 3,200 Walmart stores across America equipped with auto centers, the retailer has become a convenient one-stop shop for tires and maintenance. But when making a big purchase like tires, it‘s important to understand the warranty coverage to get the best value.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about Walmart‘s tire warranty options in 2024 – from exact pricing, coverage details, and how to file a claim if issues arise down the road.

Overview of Walmart Tire Warranties

Walmart provides two tire warranty choices when buying from their installation centers:

• Road Hazard Warranty – Covers tire repairs/replacement from road damage
• Lifetime Balance and Rotation Warranty – Covers free tire rotations and balancing

Here‘s a breakdown of what each option includes:

Diving Into the Road Hazard Warranty

The Road Hazard Warranty is designed to save you money in the event your new tires are damaged by a road hazard.

According to Bridgestone, over 200 million tires per year experience punctures from road debris that could be covered by this type of warranty.

At Walmart, the Road Hazard Warranty costs around $10-$15 per tire depending on location. It covers:

• Puncture repairs – If the tire can be safely repaired, Walmart will fix punctures/leaks from hazards free of charge. This prevents having to fully replace the tire.
• Replacement tires – If the tire cannot be fixed, Walmart will replace it free of charge if it‘s within the first 2/32" of the usable tread. If beyond 2/32" treadwear, you will pay a prorated amount based on remaining tread life.
• Nationwide coverage – The warranty can be used at any Walmart store or installation center around the country.

The Road Hazard plan is a smart investment for the average driver who logs over 12,000 miles per year. Based on tire life expectancy, it will likely pay for itself if just one tire repair is needed.

What‘s in the Lifetime Balance and Rotation Warranty

The Lifetime Balance and Rotation Warranty is all about maintenance to extend the lifespan of your tires.

Proper tire rotation every 6,000-8,000 miles helps prevent uneven wear. And balancing ensures the tire makes proper contact with the road to avoid vibrations and irregular wear at high speeds.

Walmart‘s lifetime plan costs around $50-$70 for a full set of tires depending on location. Here‘s what‘s included:

• Unlimited free tire rotations – Typically needed every 6,000-8,000 miles. Performed by Walmart technicians.
• Free lifetime tire balancing – Whenever balancing is needed to correct vibration issues.
• Nationwide coverage – Can be used at any Walmart Auto Care Center.
• Lasts for the usable life of tires – Until they are worn down to the minimum tread.

Considering a standard tire rotation costs $15-$40 each time, the lifetime warranty can pay for itself with just 2-3 rotations over the 50k mile average lifespan of tires.

Comparing Walmart Warranty Prices to Other Retailers

Walmart‘s tire warranty options are competitively priced against other major retailers. Here‘s a look at estimated costs across retailers:

As you can see, pricing is very similar between the major retailers, usually within $10-$20 per warranty. When purchasing, compare the fine print and benefits between retailers to find the best value.

Claiming Tire Warranties at Walmart

The process for using Walmart tire warranties is straightforward:

1. Return to any Walmart Auto Care Center – Coverage is valid nationwide.
2. Present original receipt and tires – Show proof of warranty purchase. Technicians will inspect tires.
3. Get repair/replacement service – Valid warranty claims are repaired or replaced at no cost. May need appointment.

Walmart technicians will determine if damage is covered under the terms of the warranty. Make sure to read what is excluded from coverage.

If claims are denied, you can ask the technician for details and consider submitting an appeal with further documentation. Third-party advocate services like DoNotPay are also available to assist with appeals.

The Bottom Line

Walmart‘s competitively priced tire warranties provide valuable safeguards for one of your vehicle‘s biggest investments. Especially for drivers prone to tire hazards, the warranties can quickly pay for themselves.

Be sure to understand the terms and exclusions before purchasing. But overall, Walmart‘s offerings give you peace of mind and make tires more affordable.