The mislabeling tire issue was first identified last June when PCTNA started an internal review. Discussions with the company’s tire engineering department revealed how it was being misapplied to products. Although these products met European safety standards and were tested in their requirements, they did not fit the American requirements for snow traction, which are considerably stricter.
Taking note of the possible noncompliance, PCTNA conducted additional tests using sample sizes from the affected lines. October was the month when final test results came in that showed the tires were not in accordance with U.S. requirements. Engineers said this meant likely failure of all tire sizes for the tested lines within the American snow traction standard.
Eventually, all this led PCTNA to the conclusion on December 3 that the tires were indeed not compliant and to begin a recall for them. The company has worked closely with NHTSA to ensure that the public gets notified where applicable, as they remove the defective ones from circulation.
Hence, the recall highlights the need for stringent testing and adherence to regional safety standards, especially for products that could be subjected to harsh conditions.
Identifying the problem: A closer look at the discovery
The mislabeling tire issue was first identified last June when PCTNA started an internal review. Discussions with the company tire engineering department revealed how it was being misapplied to products. Although these products met European safety standards and were tested in their requirements, they did not fit the American requirements for snow traction, which are considerably stricter.
Taking note of the possible noncompliance, PCTNA conducted additional tests using sample sizes from the affected lines. October was the month when final test results came in that showed the tires were not in accordance with U.S. requirements. Engineers said this meant likely failure of all tire sizes for the tested lines within the American snow traction standard.
Eventually, all this led PCTNA to the conclusion on December 3 that the tires were indeed not compliant and to begin a recall for them. The company has worked closely with NHTSA to ensure that the public gets notified where applicable, as they remove the defective ones from circulation.
Hence, the recall highlights the need for stringent testing and adherence to regional safety standards, especially for products that could be subjected to harsh conditions.
What Should Tire Owners Do?
Such tire owners would need to act right away to confirm the evidence of whether their tires came under this recall. To ensure research into a specific tire model, the NHTSA has listed all recalled products on its website. PCTNA said a customer service hotline would be available to inform owners about inquiries regarding the process of the recall and would ensure assistance throughout the process. For inquiry, the company can be reached at 1-310-205-8355, extension 109. All customers can ask for help by calling the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or 1-800-424-9153. More details on recalls are provided on the NHTSA website, www.nhtsa.gov. Inspection, in turn, replacement will involve affected tires directed towards authorized dealers. PCTNA is likely to render the customers some remedy for the worst case without any charge, which could include free replacement tires that will meet safety standards.
A reminder of the importance of compliance
This recall accentuates a major problem for the tire industry; products must meet safety requirements adequate for the market where they are sold. The tires in question might be acceptable according to European regulations; however, their failure to meet U.S. standards for snow performance emphasizes the need for more region-specific testing.
It is a very important characteristic of tires sold as winter tires, especially in rough weather-persistent areas; without the required traction, it is reported that an increased loss of control occurs on icy or snowy roads, endangering others and themselves as well.
This recall reminds manufacturers to prioritize safety in product testing and reminds consumers to be aware of the products they use. Tire owners should routinely visit recall sites and ensure that their tires are properly rated for the conditions they will be under during usage.
In keeping with the safety of the roads, this recall must be solved in time because winter is knocking on the door. Both PCTNA and NHTSA will put emphasis and commitment on this action to immediately resolve the issue of defective tires from the roads and deliver compliant products.
