FTS reports inaccurate data on 2,659 tires

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Washington DC -- Union, New Jersey-based tyre importer Foreign Tire Sales Inc. has asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a finding of inconsequential noncompliance on 2,659 mismarked ProMeter radial replacement medium truck tyres manufactured by Shandong Linglong Rubber Co. Ltd. in China.

The tyres, size 285/75R-24.5 14 ply and 295/75R-22.5 14 ply, were manufactured between the 15th and the 22nd weeks of 2009.

They bear the Department of Transportation numbers 285/75R-24.5-OU4CFTS1508-0U4CFT2209 and 295/75R-22.5-OU34FTS1508-0U34FTS2209, NHTSA said in the notice published in the June 8 Federal Register.

According to FTS, the tyres in question bear inaccurate load and inflation information, as required by federal truck tyre regulations.

The company claimed the inaccurate markings are inconsequential because the difference between the actual and marked load and inflation figures is minimal.

It also said it told Shandong Linglong to correct the inaccuracies before it sent any more tyres to the U.S.

A finding of inconsequential noncompliance would exempt FTS from having to conduct a formal recall of the tyres. In 2007, FTS made news when it recalled 255,000 light truck radial tyres manufactured by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. for possible belt and tread separation.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)