A global tire company that sells replacement winter tires is recalling more than 541,000 of them in the U.S. because they don't have enough snow traction to meet North American standards.
Prinx Chengshan Tire North America, a subsidiary of the international Chengshan Group Co., Ltd., is recalling more than 100 sizes of Fortune Tormenta and Prinx Hicountry tires. The tires have three-peak mountain snowflake symbols on the sidewalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The company says in documents posted Tuesday by the NHTSA that the tires passed European tests but likely would not meet traction standards in North America.
The safety agency says tires without sufficient snow traction can increase the risk of a crash.
Prinx Chengshan is working on a way to fix the problem. Owners will be notified by letter starting Feb. 1. Those with questions can call the company at 310-205-8355, extension 109.
