OXFORD, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2008)-Dill Air Controls Products has announced the voluntary recall of "Dill ACP" brand automobile tire stem valves sold in the U.S. between November 2006 and July 2007.
The snap-in rubber valve stems, manufactured by Topseal (Shanghai) Auto-Parts Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Baolong Industries Co. Ltd., and imported and distributed by Dill, may lack the required additive to protect the rubber against deterioration from ozone exposure, Dill said.
Affected valve stems, when subjected to high levels of ozone, may weather and crack earlier than normal. Over time, such a crack could progress to the point that it leaks air resulting in a loss of tire pressure that could cause a flat tire and/or loss of vehicle control, according to Dill.
The company advises all consumers who bought new tires between November 2006 and July 2007 containing the unique Dill valve cap to have their valve stems inspected for cracks. Valve stems exhibiting cracks will be replaced at no cost to the consumer, Dill said.
If consumers are unable to return to the point of purchase, they can have their valves inspected at any participating location of Sears Automotive Center, Tire Kingdom, Big O Tires Inc., Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc., NTB or Merchant's Tire. For more information, visit www.tirevalverecall.net or call 888-364-2982. If consumers experience any difficulty in connection with this recall, they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.