Las Vegas, NV (Dec 19th, 2024) – Prinx Chengshan Tire North America has recently recalled over 540,000 winter tires due to poor traction in snow. According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the recalled winter wires do not comply with North American standards.
The recall affects around 139 sizes of tire that were produced between August 24th, 2020, and December 7th, 2024. The tires passed the European standards for snow tires and were marketed to Americans as snow tires. However, American standards are not the same as the European standards when it comes to snow tires. Testing in America confirmed they did not meet North American standards.
Prinx Chengshan Tire North America is currently working on a remedy for the winter tire recall.
How Defective Winter Tires Impact Drivers in Las Vegas
Defective winter tires can pose serious risks to drivers in Las Vegas, particularly during winters with unexpected snowfall or icy road conditions. While snowfall in the city itself is rare, this season’s record-breaking snow has created hazardous driving conditions that demand reliable tires. Drivers heading to the nearby mountain ranges for recreational activities or commuting through elevated areas are especially dependent on winter tires for improved traction and safety.
When winter tires are defective—due to manufacturing flaws, substandard materials, or improper designs—they may fail to provide the grip and stability needed to navigate slippery roads. Issues such as tread separation, uneven wear, or sidewall failures can significantly increase the risk of skidding, accidents, and injury. For Las Vegas residents, where winter driving conditions are less predictable and curvy roads are frequent, these risks can catch even the most cautious drivers off guard.
If a defective tire causes an accident, drivers may have grounds to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for the defect. Working with an experienced product liability attorney ensures injured victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from these preventable car accidents.
What Is Tire Traction?
Tire traction is the amount of resistance and friction generated between your tires and the ground they’re traveling over. This force allows your tires to move and propel your vehicle forward. Tire traction also allows for more control over the vehicle. Weather, road conditions, and tire tread all play a role in your tire’s traction. Tires with deeper tread tend to have better traction, and warmer weather softens the tires, making them grip to the road better and making for an easier driving experience.
Why Proper Tire Traction Is Important
When it comes to driving in inclement weather, having good tire traction is essential. Better traction ensures the driver has more control over their vehicle, making stopping, slowing down, and turning much easier, and therefore, making the vehicle safer. Tires with improper traction don’t grip to the road as well, and this can lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle and causing an accident. Proper traction is especially important on snowy or icy roads, as snow and ice can make controlling your vehicle difficult.
There are products on the market that can enhance your tire’s traction. Items such as tire chains or special sprays can improve traction and make for an overall safer driving experience.
How to Determine How Much Traction Your Vehicle’s Tires Offer
Tires are categorized on The Uniform Tire Quality Grading scale. This scale rates your tire’s stopping ability on a wet surface. The shorter the stopping distance, the better grade your tire will receive. Tires are graded on a scale from AA being the highest to the lowest being C. Additionally, tires rated for more traction in the mud or snow will typically have the designation “M+S”. A majority of tires in America have the “A” rating, with a very small percentage boasting the “AA” rating, and even fewer getting the “C” rating.
What Should I Do if a Poorly Manufactured Tire Caused My Accident?
As with any other motor vehicle accident, your safety and health are important. Once you have talked to the police, the first thing you should do is seek medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries can take time to manifest, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, medical bills are an important form of evidence for your case.
Once you are able to do so, since your accident was caused by a faulty product, your next step should be to contact a product liability attorney. Remember, there is a time limit for filing product liability claims, so the sooner you hire an attorney, the better. Evidence and witness memory can fade or disappear with time, so the sooner you seek help from a lawyer the better.
Your attorney will help you determine the cause of your crash, who to hold accountable for your accident, and will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get fair compensation.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by poorly manufactured tires, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult with our experienced product liability attorney at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices for help with your case.
