Local Ford dealerships ready to start replacing recalled tires

Inland Northwest owners of Fords with any size Firestone Wilderness AT tires should call their car dealership to schedule tire replacement, local Ford representatives said.

"It's going to be first-come, first-served," said Don Mook, service director at Wendle Motors. "The sooner you come in, the sooner we'll get your tires on."

Owners who are uncertain whether their tires are affected should look for raised letters on the sides of their tires that say "Firestone Wilderness AT," Mook said.

Models equipped with those tires are Explorers, Ranger pickups, Expeditions, F series pickups, Mercury Mountaineers and Mazda pickups for the years 1991-2002.

The replacement offer includes 15-, 16- and 17-inch tires.

Local dealers are stocking up on tires. Empire Ford, for example, has ordered 1,000 tires.

"We contacted our warehouse sources and are having tires shipped in from the coast," said Bob Bailey, Empire parts and service director. "We're trying to tie up the supply out there."

Ford has asked tire suppliers to gear up for the replacement offer to avoid shortages, Bailey said. He and other local Ford representatives got information Tuesday from Ford via a satellite broadcast.

A list of recommended replacement tires - none of them made by Firestone - will be available at authorized dealers and will be posted on Ford's Web site (www.ford.com).

Local Ford dealers fielded calls from customers on Tuesday and expected to hear from others during the week. No one knows exactly how many area car owners are affected, but nationally Ford expects to replace 13 million tires at a cost of about $2 billion, Bailey said.

Wayne Johnson, general manager of Gus Johnson Ford, said Ford owners with the most mileage on their tires will be given preference.

His dealership also will give customers a free safety inspection with the tire replacement.

He urged customers to call with any questions about their tires.

"It's not a panic situation," he said.

Owners of 2002 Explorers and Mountaineers also should call their dealers to schedule an inspection for an unrelated tire problem caused by a too-narrow assembly line. Those vehicles have Goodyear or Michelin brand tires, but need to be checked for damage.

Customers can obtain information at any time by contacting Ford toll-free at 1-866-300-1226, or by e-mail at tireinquiry@ford.com.

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