Tire Failure Reminiscent of Shuttle O-Ring Defect

* The Firestone-Ford tire debacle is eerily reminiscent of NASA’s Challenger disaster.

For months or even years, many people suspected that brittle rubber in a defective O-ring design might contribute to hot-gas penetration of the solid rocket boosters, which could lead to catastrophic failure of the shuttle.

Similarly, for years many have suspected that brittle and defective rubber used in tire manufacturing could result in tire delamination and catastrophic failure, especially in under-inflated tires.

Recognizing these similar human errors might help us realize that it is better to act to alleviate safety concerns before they result in injury and death.

LEWIS K. WALDMAN

La Jolla

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* I am absolutely amazed by the Firestone tire issue. We may put a company out of business by insisting it recall millions of tires because of, although tragic, a minimum number of deaths.

In just the last six minutes, 48 deaths have been recorded worldwide because of cigarette smoking.

Yes, Firestone should replace defective tires and has taken responsible action for a quick and effective remedy. We can only hope that public pressure will cause the government to act against the tobacco companies and have their killer products recalled as well.

JOHN THURSTON

Shadow Hills

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* As a mutual insurance company, State Farm is ostensibly owned by its policyholders, so even if common decency and a desire to reduce claims did not persuade State Farm to notify its policy holders or the public of the danger [of the Firestone tires], did State Farm not have an obligation to notify its “owners” after Firestone did not respond?

CRAIG WRIGHT

Newport Beach

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* I want to alert readers that the problem of tire failure is more widespread than we had been led to believe.

I was driving down the freeway recently, heard a loud noise and lost control of the car. The tread on the left rear tire had separated. There was still a half-inch of tread and the tires were otherwise in good condition.

I had thought I was safe with my Michelin tires. In fact I had been feeling pretty smug.

I called Michelin. The company told me that I shouldn’t be driving with tires after the warranty period was over.

I thought, “How could I be so stupid?” Then I looked at the warranty booklet. There was no mention about not driving with the tires after the warranty period was over. There was also no mention about the possibility of tread separation.

The tire manufacturers are probably sacrificing quality in the search for higher profits. I hope someone investigates and gets to the bottom of the problem before too many more people are killed.

RONALD S. LEVER

Encino

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* The name that is blown is Firestone when the rubber leaves the road!

ED SCHLOSSMAN

Thousand Oaks