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Both the Warsaw and Syracuse locations of Monteith Tire are dealing with the Firestone tire recall as best they can.
The tires being recalled are the ATX and ATX II tires size P235/75R15 and the Wilderness AT tires size P235/75R15, according to Randy Woodling, president of Monteith Tire in Syracuse.
Jason Hall, service manager of Monteith Tires in Warsaw, said the reason for the recall is "a tread separation problem, is what they're (Firestone) saying."
The biggest problem Monteith has now is the shortage of replacement tires. "We're out of tires," said Hall. "We got a waiting list. When we get them, we call them (the customers)."
Hall said there are "over a hundred" customers on the list.
Monteith is the only company in the area that sells Firestone tires, and Hall figures that's why they've been getting so many customers coming in to replace their tires.
"The first couple of days were pretty hectic," said Woodling about the scramble to replace tires.
However, Woodling said, as far as he's concerned there has been very little problem with the tire. He said he was kind of shocked that they were recalled at all. When asked if he thought there was much danger involved, he said, "I don't think so."
The biggest key, according to Woodling, is to maintain air pressure in the tires and get them inspected. They should be OK until the new tires come in, he said.
That could take a while.
Woodling said, "All the warehouses are depleted."
All brands of tires, not just Firestone, are being bought up or sent to southern California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, the first states on the list to receive new tires.
Woodling did emphasize that it is just one size and one series that is being recalled. He also emphasized that the recall was a voluntary one that Firestone did all on their own.
"It shows the customer they do care," said Woodling.
"All we can do is what Firestone tells us," said Hall. "And try to serve our customers."
