Tire Road Hazard Plans?

[JustinVGT]

I just wanted to get some opinions from you all on road hazard plans that tire retailers often sell. I'm probably going to purchase my tires and wheels through tirerack.com and they offer the plan for $48. If lasts for 36 months or until 2/32" or less of tread is left. It covers flats and non-repairable tires. Here's a link to it: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.html Do you think it is worth to buy? I have actually never had a flat tire or any problems with my tires in my past 6 years of driving. Saying that, I'm thinking of not bothering with the plan. One concern I do have though, are 18" tires a lot more susceptible to damage than 16" tires? I don't think I have much of a problem with pot holes in my area. Every once in a while I hit one, usually not too bad, worse during winter.Thanks for the help,

[MJN2]

Road hazard plans are a good idea, IMO.I've had to put them to use in the past, and the $40-$50 you pay for one sure beats the heck out of $100 or better to replace a tire if it blows out and shreds up.

[philndz]

How many miles do you do in a year.....the more miles the more likely you are to have an incident. 18's will be quite a bit more risky than 16's so that is to be considered.how much will one tire replacement cost you vs the $48.00how much will one punture repair cost you (usually under $20) vs the $48.00what condition are the streets you drive on....much housing construction or general construction traffic nearby (nails and screws are in abundance on the roads)I would assess some of those factors and just decide if its worth it for you. I would always pay the extra for it myself as I have averaged 2,000 miles /month (24,000/year) but my dealer gives me a free tire hazard program for as long as I use them for my oil changes so I figure its worth it....and it develops a relationship w/ them so if I have car problems down the road then I have a "friend" that will be more accomodating. -Phil

[lumpcus]

I bought mine from discount tire and my care plan was 20.00 per tire. But it is lifetime replacement of the tires. with michigan roads and lo pro 18's i'd figure it was a good investment.

[kostby]

In 35 years of driving...1) EVERY time I decided NOT to purchase Road Hazard, I ALWAYS had a non-repairable flat or puncture within 2 years, and had to buy another tire. 2) EVERY time I've decided TO purchase Road Hazard, I've NEVER used it!!!I'd definitely go with it for 48 bucks. That's not even close to the cost of one new quality tire.

[Lava red'04]

Justin,In my nearly 30 years of driving, I've never bought road hazard protection and until 2 weeks ago, never needed it. I got my first flat that was caused by a rock or piece of concrete that I didn't see until after I hit it. Destroyed the sidewall of the tire and bent the rim (I have 16" factory aluminum rims). The tire was $95 and a refurbished rim was $165. I personally will never buy road hazard protection, even with my recent experience.Plus sizing - The current issue of Motor Trend has a good article on this issue. As with everything else, there are pros and cons. The increased risk of rim damage, even if the tire survived, would be a big factor for me. If my damaged rim wouldn't have been repairable, the refurbished one would have cost $210.Only you can determine how much risk($) your willing to accept.Alan