A new recall has shaken the automotive world. Choosing the right tires is already difficult enough… General Tire’s Altimax RT45 has officially announced the withdrawal of 542 tires from the market. The reason? There is a risk they may suddenly lose air or even have part of the tread detach. According to the data they provided to the NHTSA (the U.S. road safety agency), only two units with the defect have been identified, but they are still going to recall all those manufactured between August 4 and 10, 2024. Better safe than sorry.
What happened with the Altimax RT45 tires?
Let’s break it down. Last month, the brand Continental Tire The Americas notified the NHTSA that some of their tires were showing a type of anomaly.
The issue in question is due to overcuring during the manufacturing process. This can cause the tread to separate or the casing to break on the tire’s sidewall. In the worst-case scenario, that means a blowout while driving, and we all know how dangerous that can be…
Which model is being recalled?
Take note, because it’s the General Altimax RT45 size 235/60 R18 107H manufactured between August 4 and 10, 2024.
What is the company going to do?
According to Continental, workshops and dealerships will be informed of the issue within hours, and between August 25 and 29, 2025, notifications will begin reaching the affected owners.
How do you know if you’ve got one of these tires?
First: check for unusual bulges on the bead or shoulder of the tire, or anything odd on the tread. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is check the TIN (the tire’s identification number).
The affected ones have the following codes: plant 1CP, size 0F, code BHW4, and on the ends of the number you’ll see M3124. So far, no injuries or accidents related to this defect have been reported, but it’s best not to let your guard down just in case. Check as soon as you can to avoid any damage.
Other similar cases
This type of defect isn’t new. In fact, it’s reminiscent of one of the biggest safety scandals of the early 2000s: the Firestone and Ford Explorer case. Back then, many of those SUVs rolled over due to defective factory tires… Pretty scary. The vehicle’s design was already unstable, but on top of that, the tires had a serious flaw: the tread would peel off. A ticking time bomb with a high risk of failure.
What happened back then?
The story was thoroughly investigated. According to ABC News, it all traced back to a process called pelletizing, where rubber granules were mixed with a lubricant. The problem was that the lubricant caused chemical degradation that ended up separating the internal layers of the tire. A real time bomb.
Why don’t these types of news always get attention?
Tire failures don’t usually make headlines even though they should, precisely because they can be as deadly as brake or airbag failures. A blowout at 120 km/h can be fatal if you’re not ready, and usually, you’re not. That’s why when a recall like this happens, it’s worth paying attention and checking whether your vehicle is affected.
And here’s the problem: tire recalls often go unnoticed, they don’t make the news or front pages. But they’re very serious. A failure like this can cost lives. So if your tires match the recall data, don’t let it slide. Go to the NHTSA website and check if your vehicle is affected.
Key Data
- Affected brand: Continental Tire The Americas
- Recalled model: General Altimax RT45
- Size: 235/60 R18 107H
- Identification codes (TIN):
- Plant: 1CP
- Size: 0F
- Optional code: BHW4
- Week/Year: 3124