NANKANG RUBBER TIRE CORP., LTD TIRE HAZARD Internet
I purchased 2 of the 215/45R17 NS1 Nankang tires less than 20K miles ago, approximately 2yrs ago (searching for the receipt as we speak). I have owned my vehicle for 22 years and I have 206K miles on it, which averages less than 10K miles a year. It is a daily driver. About 2 weeks ago, I just happen to notice that the side wall on my left rear tire was splitting apart like it was a re-tread. Upon a closer look I saw that the tire was splitting 360 degrees and there was too much rubber left. I was told by the tire shop that the warrant would be based upon the lowest section of the tread, which is the edge on 99% of cars that are driven! I was also told that Nankang would probably not address my situation because of the wear on the edge of the tire, and the fact that it is considered a performance tire, now how much tread is left in the center or the age of the tire. Essentially, nothing would be and could be done. Based on that, I purchased 2 more of the same, with the thought that if this happens again, it will be documented to the fullest. After purchasing the same tire and comparing the new and old tire, I came to the conclusion that there was 2/3rds of the tread remaining in the center portion. I also noted that if I were to call them on the new tire, it has lower edges already from the factory. I dont' know if this is a standard practive for tire manufacturers, but it would not surprise me. The 360 degree split varied in width from 3/32ths of an inch to 1/8th inch. This is totally unacceptable and a very serious safety hazard if the tire had blown out. I do maintain my vehicles wheel allignment, proper tire balance and pressure at my tire shop. Photos attached.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Bill d
lbts,Florida,
U.S.A.
to the author-2
#6General Comment
Tue, May 18, 2010
when i worked at firestone--i bought 4 bridgestone potenza re960's-205/55 16 for my car--this was in december 06--the date stamped on the tires were roughly a month or 2 earlier---in ny case--my car is a rear wheel drive--my fron tires never wear--i always keep good pressure and alignment(i only set toe with alignment-my camber is off on front and rear and have no tire wear)--since this car is a rear wheel drive--and the manufacturer recommends i out 35 in the front and 42 in the rear--with these specs--my rear tires tend to wear in the middle(as long as the toe is ok)--in the front they don't wear(also being rear wheel drive)---in any case--in late 2008 after 2 years my rear tires were like bald(in the middle)--my front tires were still in brand new condition(no wear)---so i switched the front to the rear--and bought a pair of dunlop dz101's(or something like this)--now here i am in may 2010--the bridgestones that have been on my car since late 2006 are nearing replacement(but not just yet)--the dunlops i bought are more dry rotted than the bridgestones but yet there is no wear to the dunlops(being on the front)---the point--although i am not rich--if i can--i will be buying bridgstone re960's and buy 2 tires at a time every couple years--by the way--i drive roughly 50 miles a day highway--and have taken a long distance trip(florida to nj)--and a couple other big trips(about 500 miles away)--just hope you realize that not all tires are created equal--although i admit i also look at tread design(which is why i liked the bridgstones and the dunlops)--the material is different and what matters most
Anopoc
Los Angeles,California,
United States of America
Nankang rebuttal regarding dry rot
#6Author of original report
Tue, May 18, 2010
Essentially, when I purchased the tires they were already old. I recently learned of the manufacture date stamp on the tire from a "Dateline" type of tv show a few months ago. Not knowing that Nankang was as "cheap" as you say they are, I liked the performance of the tire and the tread style as well. I maintain 40 lbs of pressure which results in frequent changes of motor mounts and tranny mounts. This is why I don't agree with the low tire pressure theory. I think there should be a time limitation standard by all manufacturers to prevent old dry rotted tires from being sold. Perhaps the tire shops should share the manufacture date or the manufacturer or someone should pull the tires after a certain age so they are not sold to consumers. Someone should be accountable for ensuring old tires aren't sold, because they are a hazard. The manufacture date knowledge should be comman place knowledge for EVERYONE, just as expiration dates are posted on food items. I believe Nankang or the tire shop should step up for selling me old tires. The new tires are stamped 585 2909, which is more current. I don't drive far for work, and I doubt anyone who drives on a regular basis will have a tire last 4 years.
Bill d
lbts,Florida,
U.S.A.
to the author
#6General Comment
Sat, May 15, 2010
this looks like dry rot cracking to me--some will split more than others--after all--you did buy nankang tires which is known to be a very cheap chinesse tire--on top of this--what area do you live in--i notice on one photo i saw the numbers "1706"--this means this tire was produced in the 17th week of 2006--meaning this tire is more than 4 years old and dry rotting is expected--but what doesn't make sense is why would you buy more?????--by the way congrats to keeping your car running after 22 years--now all you got to do is learn what tires to put on your car
Anopoc
Los Angeles,California,
United States of America
Nankang rebuttal regarding low tire pressure
#6Author of original report
Fri, May 14, 2010
I run 40lbs of pressure,,I am aware of the mileage issue with under inflated tires...I doubt you can show me a tire that has worn evenly across the tread, just as a brand new tire will have less on the outter edges than the center by design...when I purchased the vehicle new, the tire wear has always been greater in the inner tread than the outter tread, no matter how many allignments are done.
I'm a regular at my tire shop, and the allignment is not an issue..Ive been to the tire shop recently to replace the shocks, and a leak, or low tire, was not brought to my attention. They are a rare breed and provide excellent service beyond what you pay for...they usually check tire pressure and make sure they are inflated...or advise me that there is a leak...rotate tires etc, without stacking up the costs.
I do have photos of the amount of tire wear in the center depicted with a nickle and a ruler for comparison of the new and the old.
Jim
Millbrook,Alabama,
U.S.A.
What tire presure do you run?
#6General Comment
Fri, May 14, 2010
I've seen exactly this same cracking on tires run low.
Is the tread wear even across the tire, or are the edges worn and not the center, That's low pressure, however if one side (Outside or inside) is worn, that's an alignment problem.
Sounds to me the tire has a slow leak and you didn't know it
What I see in the pictures screams LOW.
P.S. pump tires to 35 PSI and you'll save gas as well, a hard tire rolls easier.
(Also doesn't side crack)