What is a Road Hazard?
Jump to: Video | What IS a Road Hazard | What IS NOT | Important Tread Depth Standards
VIDEO: "What is a Road Hazard and What is Not?" — There are many reasons why a tire can fail, but only some of them are due to road hazard damage that is covered by your road hazard protection program. To learn what is a road hazard and what is not, watch the video below:
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What IS a Road Hazard:
Road hazard damage occurs when a tire fails:
1. Due to a puncture, bruise or break
2. Incurred during the course of normal driving
3. On a maintained road
4. Due to causes and conditions beyond the tire manufacturer’s control
5. While there is at least 2/32” of tread depth remaining on the tire.
(Click here to jump to the section on Important Tread Depth Standards)
Our Road Hazard Protection Programs COVER this type of damage. Some of the most common examples of road hazards are nails, glass, and potholes. (See the image below)
For additional examples and information about what IS and what IS NOT covered by the Road Hazard Protection Program, see the complete Terms & Conditions for your program. And if you have any questions, contact the Program Administrator by calling the toll-free number that is listed in the Terms & Conditions.
What IS NOT a Road Hazard:
Defects in Materials or Workmanship — Current manufacturers’ warranties cover tires that become unusable for any reason within the tire manufacturer’s control, typically covering materials and workmanship. Some examples of this would be tread separation, belt separation and out-of-round. This type of damage IS covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, however, it IS NOT considered a road hazard and IS NOT COVERED by our Road Hazard Protection Programs.
Other Damages — Other types of damage that are NOT considered road hazards include damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, accident, off-road use, improper inflation, or improper installation, all of which ARE NOT COVERED by our Road Hazard Protection Programs. However, some of those types of tire failures MAY OR MAY NOT be covered by the vehicle owner’s auto insurance.
For additional examples and information about what IS and what IS NOT covered by the Road Hazard Protection Program, see the complete Terms & Conditions for your program. And if you have any questions, contact the Program Administrator by calling the toll-free number that is listed in the Terms & Conditions.
Important Tread Depth Standards:
According to Tire Industry Association (TIA) standards and most states' laws, if tire tread depth is at or below 2/32 of an inch in any tread groove, the tire must be replaced.
Similarly, Sonsio specifies in the Terms and Conditions of all of its programs (including all Road Hazard and Tire & Wheel programs) that if tire tread depth is at or below 2/32 of an inch anywhere on a tire, that tire is no longer covered by the program (even if other areas of the tire still have more than 2/32" tread depth remaining).
To learn how to measure tire tread depth using the Penny Test, go to our Measuring Tire Tread Depth page.
Other Related Webpages:
- Types of Tire Tread Wear — See descriptions, possible causes, and sample photos of several common types of tire tread wear and learn some ways they relate to Road Hazard and Tire & Wheel Coverage.
- Tire Diagram (Crown, Shoulder & Sidewall) & Sample Photos — Learn how to identify the crown, shoulder and sidewall of a tire and which parts can be repaired.
- Measuring Tire Tread Depth — Learn important tire tread depth standards and information and how to measure tire tread depth using the Penny Test.
- Check Your Claim Status Online
- Other Resources
***DISCLAIMER: While this webpage can be informative about topics that are related to tire claims, this is intended to act as a general guide for informational purposes only. Final claim determination will ultimately rest with Sonsio personnel who will carefully evaluate each claim on an individual basis.***
Did you know?
Over 5 million tires and wheels are damaged by road hazards in the U.S. every year.
