View this article online: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southcentral/2007/08/08/82511.htm
Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson recently issued a warning to consumers about potentially hazardous tires that are likely on thousands of consumer-driven trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans. More than 1,000 of the affected tires are believed to have been sold in Oklahoma.
According to the AG’s office, the tires, which were distributed in the United States by Foreign Tire Sales Inc. (FTS), are missing “gum strips,” a tire component that prevents tread separation. The tires were sold under the brand names Westlake, Compass and YKS from 2004 to 2006. The tires were manufactured in China by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd.
FTS reported the possible defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The tires, which have not yet been recalled, are currently being investigated by the NHTSA as well as a group of more than two dozen state attorney general offices.
“It is likely that these tires will soon be recalled,” Edmondson said. “In the meantime, consumers should check their tires, and if they are riding around on these particular tires, they should have a dealer inspect the tires for tread separation.
“We are also asking consumers to report any such problems to our Consumer Protection Unit and to also register the affected tires on FTS’s website at www.foreigntire.com.”
Edmondson also urged consumers to keep driving to a minimum until the potentially hazardous tires can be professionally inspected.
“Weak tires on hot asphalt can be a dangerous, if not deadly, combination,” Edmondson said. “It is imperative that consumers check their tires for these potential defects.”
Information about the affected tires and consumer complaint forms are available on the attorney general’s website at www.oag.ok.gov.
Source: Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office