1997 Saturn SL: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Sep 21, 2003 · Tires · CA

I recently took my 1997 saturn in to discount tire for my tire rotation that they provide when you purchase tires from them. I took my vehicle in because of the wear on the outer edges of the front tires. The front tires are worn but not down to the wear indicators and the rear tires are in much better condition and have much more tread. I was told by their representative that they would not rotate my tires because the best tires were already in the "rear", and that it is much safer to have bad tires in the front than in the rear. When I questioned him as to why, I was shown a brochure explaining the difference in loss of vehicle control between having a problem in the front vs. The rear. I was also told that having the best tires up front was "old school" mentality. Not only have I experienced "blow out" conditions in both the front and rear of different vehicle that I have owned through out the years, I have approximately 15+ years as and ase certified master technician and currently write automotive technical service manuals, and never have I heard this. Still having many contacts within the industry, I can not find anyone who agrees with discount tire on this one. I am not looking to file a formal complaint, but looking to a reliable source for some clarity on this issue. To me, it seems as if they could be creating more of a safety issue than solving one. However, if presented with creditable information on testing (other than marketing brochures), I could be convinced otherwise. I seemed to me that this was being used to sell me tires more than anything, because the sale pitch started immediately after showing me the color brochure. I look forward to your feed back or additional information on this concern. Feel free to contact if necessary.*jb regards, gary h knapp.

Filed Oct 28, 2002 · Tires · NY · crash

Going about 30 miles an hour the rear tire separated from the car causing a crash. The car was declared totalled by the insurance company. Dt

Filed Aug 31, 2001 · Tires · LA

While driving, tire blewout and caused damage to rear of vehicle, firestone affinity, 15 inch tire, claim 18-0556-875.

Filed May 2, 2001 · Tires · FL

Traveling east on I-75 between naples, florida and ft. Lauderdale, florida at approximately 6:00 p.m. I heard a strange noise coming from under the car. Immediately the car began pulling to the right. I looked in my rearview mirror to see tread flying up from under the car. I pulled over and saw my front left tire's tread separated completely. I could even see the steel radials exposed. *ak (dot number: w2epbca466 tiresize: 175/70 r14)

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Tires · CA

Firestone fr680 tires(175 70 r14)experienced blowout.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA

Pe00020; original tire equipment on a 1997 saturn sl2, tire size p18565r15, and dot number not available. Tires only had under 27 thousand miles on them. When driving on highway at 65 MPH driver's side rear tire tread separated, tread pealed off, and came into contact with fuel pump wiring harness which caused loss of all power. Engine came to a complete stop due to the fuel not capable of reaching engine. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer replaced the tires *ak

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Tires · CA

Firestone tire blew out. Yh