Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
Today the Office of the Attorney General has issue another consumer advisory about the recall of several models of tires sold by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd and later distributed by the Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. the recall affects tires for several light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. Some 450, 000 tires sold might not meet the minimum specifications provided to the tire manufacturer and could be unsafe.
The following is a link to Foreign Tires’ Consumers’ Recall Information Page. There the consumers will find a PDF file and a video that outlines how consumers can identify and register their tires for replacement or reimbursements. To learn more read Attorney General, Bill McCollum’s consumer alert below.
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Attorney General, Bill McCollum, Announces Florida’s Participation
in Multistate Tire Inquiry
~ Consumers are urged to check tire numbers for potentially dangerous recalled tires ~
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today joined several state Attorneys General in issuing a consumer advisory about potentially dangerous tires that were imported from China and sold from 2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. More than 450,000 tires may not meet the minimum specifications provided to the tire manufacturer and therefore may be unsafe. The tires were distributed in the United States under the names Westlake, Compass and YKS. A formal recall was announced by the distributor of the affected tires.
"It is important to make the public aware of the potential danger to consumers due to the safety hazards created by inadequate tires," Attorney General McCollum said. "We want to ensure that proper safety standards are in place when Floridians are on the road."
The tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. (HZ) and distributed by Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., a small tire distributor in New Jersey. Foreign Tires Sales recently filed a non-compliance report
on certain tires with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Affected tires may lack a sufficient layer of rubber between their steel belts which could cause tire treads to separate, creating
potential safety hazards on the road.
Consumers should check their tires and return them as soon as possible to a retailer for free replacements. If an inspection indicates that a vehicle has unsafe tires, the consumer should immediately contact Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., and report the problem. Because of the safety concerns, a multistate working group of Attorneys General has been created to investigate the issue. Further information can be obtained from FTS’s web site at http://www.foreigntire.com.
As part of general tire safety, Attorney General McCollum reminded Florida consumers to keep the following tips in mind:
- At least once a month and before every long trip, inspect tires
for patterns of uneven wear that could damage tires. Check tire
inflation pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
- Do not overload your vehicle. Excess weight can place extra stress
on your tires. Check your tire placard or vehicle owner’s manual for the
maximum amount of weight your vehicle can safely carry.
- Develop safe driving habits. Observe speed limits and avoid fast
stops, starts and turns. Avoid contact with potholes, objects and curbs
when driving or parking your vehicle.
- Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Rotate tires regularly, get
wheels balanced and get a front-end alignment as necessary.
- Use the proper tires for your vehicle. 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. Hot
weather can be especially hard on tires, causing them to expand. As the
outside temperature drops 10 degrees, tire pressure drops about one or
two pounds per square inch.
- Have any tire problems checked out by professionals. If you find
that one of your tires is losing pressure, take it to a tire expert for
a complete internal inspection.
- Be careful of buying used tires. Check used tire numbers and do
not buy any that are specified in this inquiry.
Thank you.
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Evelyn out.
