Defective Tire Valve Systems Could Be Widespread
Federal safety officials have issued a warning about defective tire valve systems manufactured in China, suspected of causing a November fatal Ford Explorer rollover accident in Florida. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) traces these defective tires to Topseal, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Baolong Industries. Here in the United States, these tires are distributed by Dill Air Control to major retailers including Discount Tire Stores.
According to NHTSA’s report, the rubber compound in these faulty tire valves may undergo cracking resulting in gradual loss of air pressure resulting in a blowout. The report states that this defect was caused by improper mixing of the rubber compound in the manufacturer’s facility. Cracks in valve stems can cause tires to lose air quickly, and such air loss at highway speeds can result in tire failure and a loss-of-control crash. On November 11, Robert Monk of Orlando, Fla. died when the right rear tire of his 1998 Ford Explorer failed, triggering a fatal rollover crash.
According to NHTSA, only about 8,600 tire valves may be defective. But there is the suspicion that millions of tire valve systems – nearly 30 million distributed in the North American market – may be defective. Tech International, a U.S. distributor, also recently issued a recall of 6 million of the Chinese-made valve stems, which have been tentatively linked to the fatal SUV rollover crash in Orlando.
This is a disturbing report primarily because of the fact that these tire defects could be more widespread than we know. Defective auto products that lead to tire blowouts, especially at highway or freeway speeds, can cause catastrophic auto accidents resulting in major injuries and fatalities. In many of these cases, drivers are helpless and lose control of their vehicles when a tire blowout occurs.
It is important that motorists conduct a visual inspection of their valve systems to check for cracks. To do this, you can remove the hubcap and move the top of the stem around to check for signs of cracking in the base of the stem where it meets the wheel. Consumers who have had their tires replaced since the summer of 2006 should have their valve stems checked for any signs of cracking. Ideally, consumers should have the tire removed from the wheel and have it inspected by a professional to make sure the defective auto product is not on their automobile..
