EDMONTON - Car owners will soon face a major change in tire warranty coverage.

At least two major tire manufacturers are dropping road hazard protection from their passenger car and light truck tires, effective Jan. 1. Under road hazard protection, a tire can be replaced after being severely damaged while the vehicle is being driven. It covers cuts, punctures and impact damage, but doesn't apply to vandalism.

Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. and Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. both say they're ending coverage. Michelin also sells BF Goodrich and Uniroyal tires. Goodyear says it hasn't made a decision yet on road hazard coverage.

Michelin says tires sold on or before Dec. 31 will still have the manufacturer's road hazard coverage. A sales receipt will be needed to make a claim under this warranty.

Since the warranty will no longer be provided by the manufacturer, consumers who want that coverage will have to purchase it from their tire dealer.

Michael Sigillito, director of consumer tire marketing for Bridgestone/Firestone, said the manufacturer is working with a couple of firms to provide road hazard insurance. The companies are Treadlife, based in London, Ont., and Sonsio with headquarters in Golden, Colorado.

Mark Wilson of Treadlife said his company's coverage will be more comprehensive than what is currently provided by tire manufacturers.

Any tire dealer, including department stores, would be able to handle claims under the new warranty system. Currently, consumers must take the tire to a dealer who sells that brand.

For more information on Treadlife and Sonsio policies, check their websites at www.treadlife.com and www.sonsio.com.