I own a few grills like we all do, and I bought a Performer Silver when HD was unloading everything cheap this past winter. I grabbed 2 covers since they were dirt cheap and held onto my receipt for warranty purposes.
Well with a harsh winter, I noticed some small tears in it and thought in the back of my mind that i will wait a little longer and put in a claim to get it replaced.
Onto another a story. I have a gas grill that i bought a few years ago and same deal, rips in it, so i contact Weber and they said it was past warranty but would send me out a new one. Well they sent me out the newer model and I love it.
So after 8 months of use, i contacted them and they sent me out a new one. Assuming it will be the new style.
So hold onto that slip for warranty issues. I kept mine for both grills when i bought them.