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Carmaker says older tires present safety risk

Monday, May 23, 2005 | 9:41 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor is warning customers that they should replace older tires, even if their treads are not worn out.

Ford says the move is in response to research that suggests that tires deteriorate as they age and can experience tread separations and other failures.

"Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used," Ford warns. "It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after six years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process."

Ford's tire warning has been posted on its Web site, www.ford.com, and will be printed in owner's manuals beginning with 2006 model year vehicles. Similar warnings have appeared in Europe, but this is the first time a U.S. automaker has warned U.S. customers.

In the years since the Firestone tire recall, Ford has funded several studies on tire safety, including how rubber ages and how older tires perform in the field.

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