Fatal Crash Touches off Probe of Faulty Tire Valve Stems

12/04/2008 - Law Firm Blog - Link to This Entry

Fatal Crash Touches off Probe of Faulty Tire Valve Stems

Consumers need to be informed of a potentially deadly defect in their automobiles. More than 4700 complaints were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding fault tire valve stems. The small valve stem lets air in and out of your tire.

NHTSA recently upgraded its own investigating into the suspected defective tire valves imported by Dill Air Controls Products to what it calls an Engineering Analysis. As many as 30 million potentially faulty tire valves manufactured in China have been installed on cars and vehicles throughout the country between September 2006 and June 2007.

Tech International, an importer of tire valves made by the same Chinese company that makes Dill tire valves, has already recalled some 6 million defective valve stems that it distributed. Dill, who knows of the issues and reports, has not issued a formal recall but has issued an advisory.

The defective tire value stems have a tendency to crack and split, which can result in a tire blowout, SUV rollover or auto accident. The valves lacked adequate ozone protection in the rubber, which can cause the rubber to crack prematurely and degrade more quickly than normal.

Drivers who filed complaints saw signs of cracked valves and leaking air, which caused flat tires and blowouts within eight to 14 months of usage. An additional danger is posed when the valves fail while the vehicle is in motion, giving the driver little time to react or correct the problem.

NHTSA has also opened an investigation based on vehicle owner’s complaints that Ford’s North American models (between 2007 and 2008) have these defective tire valve stems. Models in question include Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge Fusion, Expedition, Explorer, Focus and Escape and the Mercury Grand.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to determine whether the valves on your tires are safe:

• Inspect your vehicle’s tire valve stems immediately. Cracks in the rubber usually occur at the base of the stem where they pass through the wheel. The cracks are often hard to see and can be obscured by the wheel assembly. Use a flashlight and bend the valve from side-to-side so that you can inspect it from all angles.    
• Note that the defective valve stems are not related to the brand of tires on your vehicle. Most tire shops replace the valve stem when they replace the tires, but the make they use is not easy to identify without dismounting the tire. 
• Perform regular monthly tire checks. We recommend that you check your tires every time you fill your vehicle up with gas.
• If you add air regularly, have your tires and valve stems checked by a professional.
• You can also spray a mixture of soap and water on the tire valve. If air is seeping out, bubbles will form indicating a leak.
• Always air on the side of caution - when in doubt have your car checked out by a professional or bring the vehicle back to the dealer.

To learn more about defective tire stem values, tire blowouts, SUV rollovers, tire defects, or to receive a complimentary review of any potential case, please contact me at 561-842-2820, or email me at edricci@edriccilaw.com.

I look forward to working with you—pursuing justice, now more than ever.