GM Will Add Tires to Items Covered Under Car Warranty

WARREN, Mich. — General Motors Corp., in a bid to keep its customers satisfied, said Wednesday that it will become the first auto maker to cover tires under its new-car and light-truck warranties for the 1996 model year.

Original equipment tires typically have been covered by separate warranties offered by the tire manufacturer, requiring buyers with tire problems to seek relief from tire dealers.

Under GM’s new policy, which applies to all divisions except Saturn, owners can have tire adjustments made at GM dealers.

Tire warranty costs will still be paid by the tire manufacturers, but GM’s decision to administer the warranties is aimed at improving customer satisfaction, GM spokesman Thomas Klipstine said. The tire warranty coverage does not change with the new policy, GM said. Tire warranties often outlast the three-year, 36,000-mile coverage of GM’s “bumper-to-bumper” warranty.

“Cadillac piloted entire warranty inclusion during the 1995 model year, and the success and customer acceptance of Cadillac’s program proved to us that the customer truly appreciated being able to utilize their local dealers for tire adjustments,” said Richard Bugno, GM’s North American Service Operations director.

“These adjustments for 1996 model GM cars and light-duty trucks can now be made at the GM dealer/retailer’s facility or, if they wish, can still be made at the tire dealer,” Bugno said.