Quick, check your tires! Continental Tire recalls nearly 100,000 Continental, General, and Barum tires because they may suddenly lose air or tread in traffic. The tires went to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket after being produced. 

Continental Tire issues a dangerous recall 

According to The Truth About Cars, Continental Tire issued a recall for about 93,959 Continental, General, and Barum brand tires. These tires were manufactured for passenger vehicles. The tires were produced in the Mt. Vernon Illionois plant before being shipped to auto manufacturers and aftermarket businesses. 

The Continental tires were cured too long during production, meaning they were cooked too long. As a result, the tires may develop sidewall breaks and suddenly lose air pressure.

Also, belt separation may occur, leading to full or partial tread loss and belt separation. Either situation could increase the risk of accidents due to causing a loss of control. However, Continental is unaware of any accidents caused by these issues. 

Continental has been in communication with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and vehicle manufacturers, who will contact owners of vehicles with these tires. Also, Continental Tire will begin contacting owners on April 5. The tires will then be inspected and replaced for free if needed. You can contact the Continental Tire customer service line at 1-888-799-2168. 

Who uses Continental Tires? 

According to Continental Tire, General Motors has recognized them for performance quality and innovation. GM honored Continental for its contribution to their customers with the best vehicles and service in the industry. 

So, this recall shouldn’t be too much of a concern, as Continental is a trusted brand. GM recognized 132 of its best suppliers from 17 countries that consistently exceed GM’s expectations with outstanding value and new innovation. 

General Motors used the tires for passenger vehicles and light trucks. These vehicles may include the Chevy Silverado, Chevy Equinox, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave, Cadillac Escalade, and more. 

Also, Continental is one of the largest suppliers of tires for vehicle manufacturers in the world. About a third of all new vehicles in Europe use their tires. The tires are popular among sports cars, including Porsche, Maserati, AMG, Rolls Royce, and Maybach. Also, Audi, Tesla, and Renault are popular customers. 

How to tell if your tires are at risk 

When you check your tires, there are multiple signs that can signify if they’re bad. Place a penny head into several tread grooves across your tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tires have been worn and need to be replaced. 

Newer tires have tread wear indicator belts built-in. They are difficult to notice when your tires are new but gradually appear as your tires begin to wear. They are flat rubber bars that run perpendicular to the tread. 

Check the sidewalls of your tires. If they have grooves or cracks that you can see with your naked eye, then they could be developing leaks. Also, as tires weaken, they may develop noticeable bulges or blisters. They could lead to sudden blowouts on the road and serve as an indicator that you need immediate service.