Quick Answer: Costco tire warranty policy changed in August 2023 from “lifetime” coverage to a 5-year (60-month) road hazard warranty. This policy remains current as of 2025. The warranty covers road hazard damage until the tire reaches 2/32-inch tread depth or 60 months from purchase, whichever comes first. Only the damaged tire receives credit—not all four. Understanding these terms helps you make informed tire purchases while maximizing your Costco membership value.
What Changed in Costco Tire Warranty Policy
Costco has long attracted customers with competitive tire pricing and comprehensive warranty coverage. However, the August 2023 policy update significantly changed how tire warranties work for new purchases.
The Major Change:
Before August 2023, Costco offered what many understood as a “lifetime” road hazard warranty. The new policy limits coverage to 60 months (5 years) from the original purchase date. This aligns with industry standards that consider five years the practical lifespan of a tire.
Why the Change Matters:
The shift from “lifetime” to 5-year coverage affects long-term tire ownership costs. If you typically keep tires longer than five years, you’ll need to factor replacement costs into your budget. The change reflects realistic tire lifespans while maintaining Costco’s commitment to value-focused pricing.
Current Costco Tire Warranty Terms (2025)
Understanding the complete warranty terms prevents surprises when you need service. Here’s what Costco’s current road hazard warranty covers:
Coverage Period:
- 60 months from original purchase date
- OR until tread depth reaches 2/32 inch (1.6mm)
- Whichever occurs first ends your coverage
What’s Covered:
- Road hazard damage (nails, potholes, debris)
- Most passenger, performance, and light truck tires
- Credit based on remaining usable tread at failure
- Only the specific damaged tire receives coverage
What’s NOT Covered:
- Rapid or irregular wear patterns
- Damage from improperly maintained vehicle components
- Tires transferred to different vehicles
- Normal tread wear over time
- Loss of time, vehicle use, or consequential damages
Important Requirement:
The warranty only covers the damaged tire, not all four tires on your vehicle. This represents a key limitation compared to some manufacturer warranties that may require replacement in pairs or sets.
The Fine Print: What You Need to Know
Beyond the basic warranty terms, several fine print details significantly affect your coverage. Understanding these prevents unexpected costs during tire replacement.
Promotional Price Complications:
A common issue arises when purchasing tires during promotional offers. If you buy four tires during a $150-off promotion and later need warranty replacement for one tire, you may not receive the promotional discount on the replacement.
Real Customer Example:
One Costco member purchased four Bridgestone tires during a promotional offer. When a sidewall bulge appeared shortly after, requiring replacement, they faced an unexpected situation:
- The warranty covered the damaged tire
- But the replacement cost was based on full retail price, not the promotional price
- The customer paid significantly more than expected
- The promotion didn’t apply to single-tire replacements
Key Lesson:
Promotional pricing applies to your initial purchase only. Warranty replacements typically use current retail pricing, which may be substantially higher than what you originally paid.
Lifetime Maintenance Services Still Included
While the road hazard warranty shortened to 5 years, Costco maintains valuable lifetime maintenance services throughout your tires’ usable life:
Free Lifetime Services:
- Tire rotation – Regular rotation extends tire life
- Tire balancing – Prevents uneven wear and vibration
- Inflation pressure checks – Monthly checks recommended
- Flat tire repairs – Professional patch repairs from inside
- Valve stem replacement – During service appointments
These services continue beyond the 5-year warranty period as long as your tires have usable tread. The value of lifetime maintenance partially offsets the reduced warranty period.
Grandfathered Coverage for Pre-2023 Purchases
Important for Existing Customers:
If you purchased tires before August 2023, your coverage may still fall under the previous “lifetime” warranty terms. This grandfathering provides extended protection for earlier purchases.
How to Verify Your Coverage:
- Keep your original purchase receipt
- Note your tire purchase date
- Visit your Costco Tire Center for coverage verification
- Staff can confirm whether you have grandfathered coverage
Multiple customers reported receiving warranty service beyond 5 years for tires purchased before the policy change. However, always verify your specific situation with Costco staff.
Requirements for Warranty Claims
Meeting specific requirements ensures your warranty remains valid. Costco requires proper tire care and documentation for all claims.
You Must:
- Be the original purchaser of the tires
- Have purchased tires from Costco Wholesale
- Present the original purchase receipt
- Bring the damaged tire to a Costco Tire Center
- Rotate tires per vehicle manufacturer recommendations
- Maintain proper inflation pressure
- Keep mechanical components affecting tires in good condition
- Sign a “Costco Wholesale tire adjustment form”
Why Proper Maintenance Matters:
Costco can deny warranty claims if improper maintenance caused or contributed to tire failure. Document your tire rotations and keep inflation pressure at manufacturer specifications.
Maximizing Value: Combine Tire and Gas Savings
Smart Costco members maximize membership value by combining tire purchases with regular fuel savings. Your membership provides benefits across multiple categories.
Complete Your Costco Visit:
After tire service appointments, take advantage of Costco’s competitive gas prices. Members save an average of 53 cents per gallon compared to traditional stations. This adds up to hundreds of dollars annually.
Combined Annual Savings Example:
- Tire purchase savings: $50-$200 compared to other retailers
- Lifetime tire maintenance: $200-$400 value over tire life
- Gas savings: $400+ annually at Costco gas stations
- Executive membership 2% reward: Additional cashback on purchases
Check current Costco gas prices at your nearest location before or after tire appointments. Many members schedule tire rotations around fuel stops for maximum convenience.
Smart Tips for Tire Buyers
Before Purchasing:
- Read promotional terms carefully – Understand how promotions affect warranty replacements
- Ask about replacement pricing – Confirm costs if you need warranty service later
- Compare total ownership costs – Factor in potential replacement expenses
- Document purchase date – Keep receipts for warranty verification
- Register your tires – Complete DOT registration cards for recall notifications
After Purchase:
- Schedule regular rotations – Every 5,000-7,000 miles typically
- Check pressure monthly – Proper inflation extends tire life
- Inspect for damage regularly – Early detection prevents bigger problems
- Keep service records – Document maintenance for warranty claims
- Use lifetime services – Take advantage of free balancing and rotation
Comparing Costco to Other Retailers
How Costco Stacks Up:
While the 5-year warranty is now standard across most retailers, Costco’s competitive pricing and lifetime maintenance services still provide strong value.
Costco Advantages:
- Transparent pricing including installation
- Free lifetime rotation and balancing
- Professional installation by trained technicians
- Convenient warehouse locations
- Ability to combine with other Costco shopping
Considerations:
- Membership required ($65-$130 annually)
- Limited tire brand selection compared to specialty shops
- Warranty replacement at retail pricing during promotions
- Single-tire coverage only (not sets or pairs)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Costco’s tire warranty now?
Costco’s road hazard warranty is 60 months (5 years) from purchase date or until tread depth reaches 2/32 inch, whichever comes first. This policy began in August 2023.
Does Costco still offer lifetime tire maintenance?
Yes. Costco continues providing free lifetime services including rotation, balancing, inflation checks, and flat repairs throughout your tires’ usable life, even beyond the 5-year warranty period.
What happens if I bought tires before August 2023?
Tires purchased before the policy change are typically grandfathered under previous warranty terms. Bring your original receipt to a Costco Tire Center to verify your coverage status.
If I buy tires on promotion, does the warranty cover the promotional price?
Typically no. Warranty replacements are usually priced at current retail rates, not your original promotional price. This can result in higher costs than expected for replacement tires.
Does the warranty cover all four tires if one fails?
No. Costco’s warranty only covers the specific damaged tire, not all four tires on your vehicle. You receive credit based on the damaged tire’s remaining tread only.
What voids Costco’s tire warranty?
Improper maintenance voids coverage, including failure to rotate tires, incorrect inflation pressure, or damaged vehicle components affecting tires. Normal wear isn’t covered—only road hazard damage.
Can I use my warranty at any Costco?
Yes. Your Costco tire warranty is valid at any Costco Tire Center nationwide. Bring your original receipt and the damaged tire for service.
Is Costco’s tire warranty better than manufacturer warranties?
They cover different things. Costco’s road hazard warranty covers damage from road conditions. Manufacturer warranties cover defects and sometimes tread life. You may have both coverages simultaneously.
Maximize your Costco membership value: After tire service, save on fuel at Costco gas stations. Check our gas price tracker for current rates at 600+ locations. Browse our complete Costco guides for more money-saving tips on tires, gas, and membership benefits.
Sources:
https://community.cartalk.com/t/costcos-lifetime-warranty-is-now-5-years/192330
