Consumer Alert – Faulty Tire Stems Could Cause Fatal Accidents
As many as 30 million potentially faulty tire valves have been installed on cars and vehicles throughout the U.S. between September 2006 and June 2007. The small valve stem lets air in and out of your tire. Several American tire makers and car and auto companies have used these valves.
The valves were manufactured in China and have a tendency to crack and split, which can result in a tire blowout or serious auto accidents. The valves lacked adequate ozone protection in the rubber, which can cause the rubber to crack prematurely and degrade more quickly than normal.
More than 200 complaints were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who has upped is investigation into the faulty valves. Driver complaints included seeing signs of cracked valves and leaking air, which caused flat tires and blowouts within eight to 14 months of usage. An additional danger is posed when the valves fail while the vehicle is in motion, giving the driver little time to react or correct the problem.
NHTSA recently expanded its investigation based on vehicle owner’s complaints that Ford’s North American models (between 2007 and 2008) have these defective tire valve stems. Models in question include Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge Fusion, Expedition, Explorer, Focus and Escape and the Mercury Grand.
Here is some important information and a few tips to determine whether the valves on your tires are safe:
- Defective valves are not related to the brand of tires on your vehicle.
- Perform regular monthly tire checks.
- It is not easy to identify a defective stem valve. Cracks in the rubber usually occur at the base of the stem where they pass through the wheel and often requires dismounting the tire. Try using a flashlight and bend the valve from side-to-side so that you can inspect it from all angles.
- If you add air regularly, have your tires and valve stems checked by a professional.
- You can also spray a mixture of soap and water on the tire valve. If air is seeping out, bubbles will form indicating a leak.
For more information on defective tire valve stems, please contact the personal injury and auto accident law firm of Murray Guari at www.murrayguari.com or call (561) 366-9099.
The law firm of Murray & Guari Trial Attorneys PL was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, at 1525 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 100. The attorneys can be contacted at (561) 366-9099. Additional information about Murray & Guari Trial Attorneys PL may be obtained from the firm’s website at www.murrayguari.com.
