Bridgestone/Firestone Asks Dealers
to Repeat Tire Recall Training
Reminds Customers of Reimbursement
Availibility
Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 15, 2000)
– Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.’s
(BFS) nationwide network of authorized dealers and tire stores
has been asked to repeat tire inspection and replacement training
for tire technicians by week’s end.
John Lampe, BFS Executive Vice President,
is coordinating the company’s effort to provide additional outreach
and training to tire technicians. The company took this action
following Wednesday evening’s NBC Dateline broadcast, which
reported that several dealers in the Washington, D.C.-area could
not correctly identify tires voluntarily recalled by Firestone
on August 9.
Lampe said, “In the interest of consumer
safety, we are taking the precaution of asking our dealers to
repeat technician training relating to identifying recalled
tires. By noon yesterday, about 2,000 dealers and company-owned
stores had already been contacted, and by the end of the day
we reached the rest.”
“We don’t believe the isolated cases
reported reflect a widespread problem, but we want our customers
to have full confidence in the service they’re getting.”
With nearly 2.4 million tires replaced
to date, the voluntary recall of P235/75R15 Radial ATX and ATX
II tires produced in North America and the same size Wilderness
AT tires produced in the Decatur, Ill., has led to delays in
some areas in obtaining replacements, creating concerns among
consumers about driving on recalled tires while they wait for
replacements.
While BFS is working to supply replacement
tires as quickly as possible by expanding production and airlifting
tires from Japan, it recognizes the frustration and concern
of its customers as they wait for replacement tires. The company
reminds customers to consider purchasing replacement tires from
independent dealers. BFS will reimburse the cost of replacement
tires purchased at an independent tire dealer up to $100 per
tire.
For customers who either want to wait
for replacement tires provide by a Firestone Tire & Service
Center or a Firestone-authorized dealer or are concerned because
no tires are currently available in their area, the company
is providing safety information relating to proper maintenance
of tires.
BFS recommends the following safety tips:
- Inflate tires to the manufacturer
recommended levels; for Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers
with recalled tires, Ford has approved a range of 26-30 p.s.i.
and Firestone recommends 30 p.s.i.
- Check tire pressure frequently – and
visually check for defects
- Obey the speed limit and other rules
of the road
- Don’t overload your vehicle (check
owner’s manual for load limits)
- Always buckle your seatbelt!
