Tire Recall / Alert

A Consumer Alert was Issued by the Texas Attorney General - August 2, 2007

On August 2, 2007 all Texans were urged to inspect their vehicles' tires for Potentially Dangerous Tires. The Attorney General for the State of Texas is urging all Texan Drivers to inspect their vehicles for potentially dangerous tires. The defective tires were sold from year 2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles and vans. These tires could be in danger of tread separation, which can cause injury or death. The tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. (“HZ”) in China and distributed in the United States under several names, including Westlake, YKS and Compass. According to Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. the U.S. distributors have sold at least 270,000 tires. These tires may have insufficient or missing “gum strips,” which is an important safety feature on tires that can help prevent tread separation. More than 50,000 of the potentially unsafe tires are believed to have been sold in Texas.

If you have one of these tires, immediately call the dealer where you bought them and it is recommended that you do not drive on these tires. The Attorney General has requested that all Texas Tire Dealers not to charge for such an inspection. Consumers who purchased these tires should not drive on thes tires. If an inspection indicates that the tires may be unsafe, consumers should immediately file an online complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at www.oag.state.tx.us or call 800.252.8011 to receive a form by mail. Consumers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 800.327.4236 and FTS at www.foreigntire.com. It is recommended that all consumers should check the sidewalls of their tires for the brand name, size, model, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. If the DOT number contains “FTS” as part of the number, the tire may be subject to a recall in the future.

Defective Tire Numbers

• LT235/75R-15 CR861 CR857
• LT245/75R-16 CR860 CR861 CR857
• LT225/75R-16 CR 861
• LT265/75R-16 CR860 CR861 CR857
• LT235/85R-16 CR 860 CR861 CR857
• LT31X10.5R-15 CR861 CR857

The NHTSA has not ordered a recall of any of these tires and no replacement program has been instituted. Despite the fact that noformal recall has been called, consumers should regularly check the NHTSA, FTS and Attorney General’s Web sites for updates. As part of general tire safety, consumers should consider the following:

• Drivers should always inspect their tires at least once a month and before all long trip for uneven wear and always check tire inflation pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
• Do not overload their vehicle. Overloading can place extra stress on your tires. Check your tire and vehicle owner’s manual for the weight allowances of your vehicle.
• Drive safely. Always observe speed limits and avoid fast stops, starts, and quick turns. Avoid contact with potholes, debris when driving.
• Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Rotate tires regularly, get wheels balanced, and get a front-end alignment.
• Always use the proper tires for your vehicle and check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before replacing a tire with a different size and/or construction.
• Be aware of how the outside temperature affects your tires. Remember that hot weather can be especially hard on tires.
• Always have any tire problems checked out by professionals.

IF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY HAVE BEEN INJURED BY A DEFECTIVE TIRE OR IN A DEADLY ACCIDENT - CALL CARABIN SHAW. THE LAW FIRM IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. CALL US AT 800-862-1260.