FTS Starts China Tyre Recall

(Akron/Tire Review) The long-awaited recall of China-made light truck/SUV tyres by importer Foreign Tire Sales begins this week, the company announced. The recall was first revealed in late June, and has been delayed as FTS and NHTSA has worked to gather more information about the tyres.

FTS is focusing its recall efforts on a group of 255,000 tyres produced by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., which FTS claims may suffer tread separation due to missing belt edge strips. FTS claims HZR eliminated the gum strip without its knowledge; HZR claims it took the strip out only after it’s testing concluded it was not necessary to meet FTS and U.S. standards.

The 255,000 tyres under recall were supposedly produced during what HZR calls “Phase II production,” where the strip was removed. Tyres Produced during Phase I and Phase III included a strip, though HZR admits the gum strip used during Phase III production – which is said was added to meet newer NHTSA standards – was smaller than the previous belt edge strip.

Information on the tyre recall was to be posted at Foreign Tire Sale’s website, http://www.foreigntire.com. Consumers can also call a toll-free number, 888-899-9293.

The recall applies to Westlake, Compass and YKS brand tyres in these sizes and models:

• Size LT235/75R15 – CR861 and CR857, with a DOT number beginning 7DT5FTS.
• Size LT235/85R16 – CR860, CR861 and CR857, with a DOT number beginning 7DT2FTS.
• Size LT245/75R16 – CR860, CR861 and CR857, with a DOT number beginning 7DT3FTS.
• Size LT265/75R16 – CR860, CR861 and CR857, with a DOT number beginning 7DT4FTS.
• Size LT31X10.5R15 – CR857 and CR861, with a DOT number beginning 7DT6FTS.