Chinese Tire Recall Commences

Hartford — Attorney General Richard Blumenthal recently announced a formal nationwide recall of 255,000 light truck radial tires manufactured by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., Ltd of Hangzhou, China between early 2004 and mid-2006 and imported by Foreign Tire Sales (FTS), Inc of Union, N.J.

The brands subject to recall are Westlake, Compass, and YKS. According to FTS, the tires lack a “gum strip” — a rubber strip between the steel belts — making them susceptible to premature tread separation, which can cause serious accidents. All the tires were sold as replacements and did not come on new vehicles.

Mr Blumenthal estimates at least several thousand of the tires were sold in Connecticut and an unknown number may be on vehicles brought into the state.

Consumers should check their tires and return them as soon as possible to a retailer for free replacements. To return the tires, consumers must fill out a claim form and bring it to a dealer. After confirming the tires are subject to recall, the retailer will provide free replacements.

FTS will reimburse retailers for replacement tires and related costs.

“These tires are prone to premature, potentially deadly, blow outs, so consumers should err on the side of caution — check your tires immediately and return them to retailers for free replacements if they are recalled,” Mr Blumenthal said. “If motorists are unsure, they should drive to a tire dealer for an inspection. The faster consumers and retailers act, the faster these dangerously defective tires will be off our roads.

“Our multistate investigation is active and ongoing. Our three goals remain: recovering money for consumer victims, removing tires from the road, and stopping illegal practices,” the Attorney General added.

Consumers can download the claims form from the Attorney General’s website, www.ct.gov/ag, or FTS’ website, www.foreigntire.com. They also can call a toll free number, 888-899-9293, and have the form mailed to them. Retailers will use the same toll free number to confirm tires brought to them are subject to recall and arrange for reimbursement.

Consumers or dealers with questions should contact the Attorney General’s Office at 860-808-5400.