I have a wheel/tire warranty that I purchased when I got
my car and am contemplating whether I really need it or not (have another 40 days to cancel with full refund). The warranty itself covers both rims and tires for 5 years/unlimited miles and wasn't exactly cheap, but could pay for itself with couple tire replacements and a rim or so.

I need to get some input/knowledge from all you guys based on your experienece and time of ownership, as to how big of a problem getting flat tires is? As well as having bent rims/rims not holding air?

 

No input folks?

 

I purchased the wheel/tire insurance coverage when I picked up my new Turbo S in December. Then I put the car away for the Minnesota winter. Over the winter I ordered a new set of HRE wheels and Pilot Super Sport tires. In checking with the policy, it only covered the OEM wheels/tires.
I cancelled the policy, and checked with my car insurance company and the provided full coverage on the wheels/tires as long as I had an endorsement on my policy.
I suggest you check with your insurance broker and verify what they will cover and the cost. Compare it to what your dealer is offering and you will know which way to go.
Cheers

 

Good advice. Figure $4-500 for a tire, $150 for a wheel repair. Do the math on the policy. I used to live in the NE and if you are driving the car year round those potholes are hell. For me living in LA, the roads suck but at least you can see the potholes and avoid them (usually).

 

When I purchased my '06 new I also purchased the wheel / tire insurance. Within the first 2K I picked a nail up in a front tire. I was thinking "man I'm a smart guy for buying that insurance".... I'm now at ~55K miles and haven't had an issue since, and I live near Boston!!! I say if you are an attentive driver, save your money.

Matt

 

Here's the thing. I work at a dealership and had an opportunity to purchase the wheel and tire warranty at $50.00 over cost. I didn't do it. I looked back on my past experience and figure that I have no had any thing go wrong with my tires or wheels on my last 10 cars, so why bother.

If your policy cost you more than $900, go get your money back. That's how much it was going to cost me and I still didn't do it.

 

Thanks guys for the advice and information...the policy is $1595 (a bit on the steep end) and my thought was regarding flats and possible cracked rim potentially due to pot holes.

As is the case with many of you I've only had had only 2 incidents with cars Ive driven in the past where the tire had to be replaced because of a pot hole.

That said I thought being that these tires are very low profile and rims being more than average typical cost to replace, it may warrant 5 years peace of mind so to speak.

With all that said I'm still on the fence, one thing I wasn't too happy to hear is that if I replace my tires with Michelin brand that I want next, I'd have to pay $50-75 (the difference in the price of the tire vs the bridgestone the car had when I bought the policy) IF/when I filed any claims on those newer/slightly more expensive tire to be replaced

 

I've been driving for over 35 years and have never had a damaged wheel. Total rip off to me. As stated already, check your automobile insurance and see what, if any, road hazard coverage you have. If you can add a rider, it will be far less than your price. I buy tire road-hazard insurance when I purchase new tires for 10% of what you're quoting. I've never used that either.

 

Denversteve - talked to the insurance company pothole type damage to wheel/tire would be covered under collision coverage. I wouldn't want to use that as it would eventually lead to premiums going up over time, so not ideal option.

Still the real thing I have to consider I think is the fact of how likely am I to have a damaged tire or rim and need in replaced...still a not so clear call for me....any further input/advice is definitely appreciated...THANKS

 

I always turn down the wheel coverage they offer... 30 years of driving nice cars and never damaged a wheel/tire. Not saying it can t happen but those policies seem way overpriced to me. It was funny, the saleman has a damaged wheel and tire in the office that looks like it took a lap around a Nascar track while flat. He said "see how easy they are to damage"... LOL

 

I bought one in 12/2009 when I bought my car and I have used it twice (and going on a third coming up). One was damage from a pot hole. The second was marks on the painted wheels from unknown source and now I have peeling on the silver lip of my wheel. The dealership fixes it w/o any hassle. I would do it again and I believe my warranty is for 5 years.

 

Michael which company is your warranty through? Mine is AutoKnight and they don't cover purely cosmetic damage to the wheel, only fix/replace wheel if it doesn't hold air

 

First Class Appearance Protection through Mercedes Benz Financial. I bought this through the dealership (Porsche, Mercedes) in Fremont CA. The price I paid isn't on the copy I have, but I don't think it was more than $1,000. It covers tire, rim, dent repair and windshield too.

 

That's a real good price, I think I'll be getting in touch with the dealer at some point telling them I'll keep it for $800-1k or just cancel it completely, just not sure if it's worth it at $1595

 

years ago i bought coverage on my new M3 wheels. a year later, i ran up against a curb and had slight rash. their line was essentially "sorry, you didnt read the fine print: we only cover in the case of structural / saftey related damage". $*%*!$

i think some warranties are money sucks anyway, but if you do go one, at least be sure to read the fine print!