Peterbilt/Michelin Tire Recall

FYI in case anyone gets the recall letter concerning the Michelin XZA 295/60R22.5 steer tires. The issue is that the tires only have a 65 MPH speed rating, the only action Peterbilt will take is to turn the trucks speed limiter to 65 MPH.

Ignore the recall, which many will do, means that it's on you if a tire fails, not a good thing for a company that may get sued over an accident.

The best solution we came up with was to switch to Continental tires, who are the only other ones that make that size. Continental HS3 295/60R22.5's are rated to 75 MPH and the spec book clearly states auto carrier applications.

 

Sounds like they are just pushing the responsibility on the owners here knowing that not many will accept turning their trucks down. When people choose not to have a recall done, Pete can wash their hands of it. IMO, Cottrell is probably more at fault than Pete, they spec'd the trucks and finished them before final delivery. On our trucks, the door sticker shows standard low pro tires, which are not what the trucks came with from Cottrell.

 

We've never had a problem with them either, but now that they are going public with a problem, you can bet lawyers are taking notes. The Continental tires are about the same, they don't last quite as long, but they're a little cheaper.

I don't know how people get away with those square bumpers anyway. With those low tires and drop axles, it's just about a snow plow. Our drivers bend the stock bumpers too much as it is.

Here's a little more info on the recall:
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6d2c...bilt-recalls-semis-go-faster-tires-can-handle