Details on the Firestone Ford Explorer tread-seperations. And what to do it something like this happens to you.

Although recent reports make it clear that defective tires were produced at several Firestone plants, it is noteworthy that many of the tires which caused blowouts, deaths and injuries were manufactured at the Decatur, IL, production facility in 1994-96 when striking union workers had been replaced by inexperienced workers and managers.

What to do
If you're still driving on recalled tires have them inspected by a competent mechanic and bring the tire pressure up to 35 psi. CHECK the pressure daily. You cannot determine the pressure of a radial tire just by looking at it, you have to use a gauge.

Rem: Three L's: Light, Low & (straight &) Level

Light: Increased vehicle weight tends to promote tire failure and anything you put in the vehicle at a height of more than about 24" above the ground (not the floor) will raise the center of gravity and make it easier for the vehicle to rollover. People are the worst things to put into the Ford Explorer or any other SUV on this score.

Low: Higher speeds tend to increase the tire temperatures and the Firestone tire failures are apparently temperature related. Further, the Ford Explorer and most SUV's are easier to control at lower speeds.

Level: Most of the serious accidents caused by the Firestone tire failure involved rollovers. Rollovers occur when the vehicle spins out as a result of heavy braking or as a result of hard steering. Sideslopes - one side of the vehicle uphill or downhill from the other- also tend to promote rollover.

So keep the vehicle pointed straight ahead and level to avoid rolling it. This goes for the Ford Explorer and all other SUVs as well.