ATX spares on Ford Ranger not the same as recalled tires, Bridgestone/Firestone says

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 9)—Fifteen-inch Firestone ATX spare tires on Ford Ranger Edge pickup trucks are not the same as the ATX tires currently under recall, according to a spokesman for Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. The spares do not only have "Temporary Use Only" and "Max Speed 50 mph" embossed on their sidewalls, but also have "major structural differences" from the recalled tires in tread compounds and belt construction, a company spokesman said. The intended use is also different: "The function of these temporary tires is only to get you to the dealer," the spokesman said. Earlier this week, Bridgestone/Firestone was quoted as saying the Ranger spares were exactly the same as the recalled tires except for the sidewall markings. The ATX spares are exclusive to the Ford Ranger, and about 307,000 have been manufactured since late 1997, the spokesman said.