The recent voluntary safety recall of 6.

Friday, August 18, 2000

The recent voluntary safety recall of 6.5 million Firestone tires is affecting mostly Southern states, but local tire dealers say they are also feeling the impact in the Tri-State.

Bridgestone/Firestone recalled the 15-inch, radial ATX, ATX II and some Wilderness AT brand tires used on light trucks and sport utility vehicles after an investigation revealed the tires were failing in extreme heat, said Mike Haas of Charlie’s Tires Sales.

The recall only involves tires manufactured at the Decatur, Ill., plant, Haas said. The tires have been used mostly on vehicles such as the Ford Explorer.

Firestone said customers claim the tires are peeling from their casings in areas with warm climates, Haas said.

Local dealers say the climate in the Tri-State is not like that of the South, but that residents using the tires on their vehicles should be concerned.

"We have had several customers come to us to have their tires checked to see if they’re involved," said Steve Blankenship, South Point Ford parts and service director. "As of right now, (the recall) hasn’t really made a difference with us though we do have a minimal amount of car owners who do have these tires."

He said Ford is working hard to assist Firestone in seeing that those affected by the recall are properly taken care of.

Other tire dealers say they, too, have had several concerned motorists.

"Consumers need to be aware of the P235-75R15 sized tires because they have been found in the area," Haas said. "We have replaced 16 tires involved in the recall. We have had many other consumers that have been concerned."

The Decatur plant manufactures the tires as original equipment tires, he added.

"Firestone is replacing these tires free of charge regardless of the condition of the tires," Haas said. "They are actually allowing us to use any tire comparable within certain parameters. The biggest concern I have right now is the availability of tires."

He said Firestone is having difficulty in replacing the 6.5 million tires and other manufacturers being used as a substitute are also having difficulty supplying tires.

"This recall has created a supply problem," Haas said. "I recently contacted my Goodyear supplier and their inventory is depleted. In fact, they have over a half million of this particular size all-terrain tire on backorder. This only affects the sport utility vehicles, but it is going to make things tight for a while."

Blankenship and Haas both say they recommend anyone who feels they may be using a Firestone tire involved in the recall should go to an authorized dealer to have them inspected.

"The serial number of these tires contain the first four letters of ‘VDHL’ on them," Haas said. "We recommend them to go to their nearest dealer and have the tires checked for their own safety."