Tires

Tire Recalls

When a tire is defective, potentially serious problems like detreads and blowouts can occur long before the tire would be expected to wear out. If tire failure is the result of design or manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is aware of the problem, they have an obligation to alert consumers to the potential danger.

However, in many instances, tire recalls are not issued until manufacturers are forced to do so. Even then, many consumers and retailers are unaware of safety issues. How is this possible?

There are fundamental flaws in the system for recalls. There is no effective tracking system. There are thousands of brands and segments of brands of tires, and a consumer can’t really just look at a tire and be able to tell that it has been recalled. It’s often based on a complex Department of Transportation code.

Adding to the problem, recall notices are often sent by third-class mail, to save the manufacturer money. As a result, there is no automatic forwarding if a vehicle owner has changed address, and the company receives no notification if a recall notice does not reach its intended recipient. Many service centers don’t even have complete copies of recall documents.

Tire Safety

With no dependable system in place to ensure tire safety, it falls to the consumer to be vigilant. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report revealed that 9 percent of passenger cars on U.S. roadways are driven with at least one bald tire. Additionally, the NHTSA says 27 percent of passenger cars on U.S. roadways are driven with one or more substantially under-inflated tires.

The NHTSA advises motorists check their tires monthly, as well as prior to a long trip, to make sure they have adequate tread, that tread does not demonstrate any visible cracks or other defects, and that tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can result in tire failure, including tire separation and blowouts, with a potential for loss of control of the vehicle. Under-inflated tires also shorten tire life and increase fuel consumption.

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