Small Claims Guide Class Actions Lemon Laws FAQ Newsletters
|
|
NEWS
RECALLS
COMPLAINT FORM
SCAM ALERTS
RESOURCES
Small Claims Guide Class Actions Lemon Laws FAQ Newsletters |
Share |
| Automotive Education Employment Electronics Family Finance Health Homeowners Insurance Pets Shopping Travel |
 Print This  Email This
|
|
|
|
Firestone Tires A Heavy Load |
||||
|
The weight of the Ford Explorer, combined with the low inflation pressures recommended by Ford, could have been a factor in the premature failures of the Firestone ATX and Wilderness tires. The Explorer's maximum recommended payload is 750 to 1,310 pounds, depending on the model. That's not hard to exceed with a few passengers and a modest load of luggage or other cargo. Rival SUVs have similar payloads but typically use either larger tires or recommend higher inflation pressures -- or both. The Explorer is at least as heavy as its rivals and has been heavier in some model years, including 1996, the model year reportedly involved in most of the fatal accidents. The Ford Explorer weighs 4,000 to 4,500 pounds while the Chevy Blazer weighs 4,000. At the inflation pressures now recommended, four tires on the Explorer can support 7,012 pounds while the same tires on the Blazer inflated to 35 psi can support 7,525. Ford is changing to bigger tires with higher recommended inflation pressures in its forthcoming Explorer models, which will boost the cargo payload to 1,100 to 1,500 pounds, depending on model. When Ford designed the Explorer, it did so thinking that four-wheel-drive -- which adds more than 200 pounds to the weight of the vehicle -- would not be a popular option. They were surprised when most buyers ordered four-wheel-drive, even those who live in regions without extreme weather. The extra weight puts the vehicle and its tires significantly closer to the edge in terms of performance and safety. Ford, however, counters by noting that the tread separation problem seems much more prevalent in the Firestone tires than in other brands. For example, Goodyear tires were installed on about half of the Explorers in several model years -- and there has been only one reported incident of tread separation involving a Goodyear tire, The New York Times reported. |
|||
Advertisement
|
|
Custom Search
|
||||
|
AUTOMOTIVE • Dealers • Manufacturers • Service • Extended Warranties • Lemon Laws • Recalls • Tires • Transporters FAMILY • Aging • Children, Parenting • Recalls • Dating • Education • Entertainment • Pets • Weddings |
FINANCE • Annuities • Banks • Credit Cards • Debt Collection • Debt Counseling • Insurance • Investing • Loans • Mortgages • Payday Loans • Student Loans • Tax Prep HEALTH • Doctors • Drugs, Pharmacies • Health Clubs • Hearing Care • Hospitals • Nursing Homes • Nutrition, Diets • Vision Care • Weight Loss |
HOUSE & HOME • Appliances • Cookware • Furniture • Home Improvements • Lawn & Garden • Movers • Pools & Spas • Realtors, Rental Agents • Recalls • Utilities ELECTRONICS • Cable TV/DBS • Cameras • Cell Phones • Computers • Home Electronics • Internet Access • Local Phone Service • Long Distance • VoIP |
SHOPPING • In-Home • Online • Retail Stores • Sporting Goods • Supermarkets • Telemarketers TRAVEL • Airlines • Bus Lines • Car Rental • Cruises • Hotels • Travel Agents • Trains RESOURCES • Class Actions • Complaint Form • Small Claims Guide • Lemon Laws |
CONSUMER NEWS • Latest News • Automotive • Telecom • Financial • Health • Homeowners • Scams • Seniors • Travel • More ... RECALLS • Automotive • Children's Products • Drugs • Food • Household Products • Sporting Goods ABOUT US • FAQ • Privacy Policy • Advertise With Us • Newsroom • Syndication • Terms of Use |
Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use
Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. |
|
• 