Winter is here—but is your tire safety ready? Over 540,000 tires recalled for a shocking flaw!
By
Veronica E.
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As winter approaches and the cold weather begins to settle in, many drivers across the country are gearing up for the challenges of icy, snow-covered roads.
While some are stocking up on winter essentials, like shovels, deicers, and warm clothing, there's another crucial element that might be slipping under the radar: your tires.
For many, tires are the last thing on their minds as they prepare for the winter season. After all, most people assume that if a tire is labeled for snow traction, it's ready to handle the elements.
However, a surprising safety issue has emerged that could impact over half a million drivers across the country.

Prinx Chengshan Tire North America (PCTNA) Inc. has issued a recall for more than 540,000 tires, which were sold with the promise of being suitable for winter conditions. But here's the catch—these tires may not be as snow-ready as you think.
The tires in question, including models from Fortune Tormenta and Prinx HiCountry, were found to lack the necessary traction to perform reliably in snow.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that using these tires in snowy weather could increase the risk of accidents—something every driver should take seriously, especially when navigating winter roads.
The recall affects a substantial 541,632 tires. If you’re wondering whether your tires are part of the recall, the NHTSA has provided a full list of affected models on their website at www.nhtsa.gov.

It’s important to check and ensure your safety—and the safety of others on the road.
The issue wasn’t discovered overnight. According to PCTNA’s Safety Recall Report, internal discussions about the snow symbol on the tires began in June.
After testing the tires to European standards, it was determined that they didn’t meet U.S. standards for snow traction. Testing in October confirmed the failure, leading to the recall decision on December 3.
For those affected, notification letters will be sent out by February 1. In the meantime, you can reach out to PCTNA customer service at 1-310-205-8355, extension 109, for more details.
The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9153. You can find additional information on their website at www.nhtsa.gov.
The Importance of Proper Winter Tires
As winter sets in, having the right tires for snowy and icy conditions is more important than ever. Winter tires are specially designed with deep treads and unique rubber compounds to provide better traction on cold, slippery roads.
Without the right tires, your vehicle may struggle to accelerate, turn, and, most importantly, stop effectively—especially on snow-covered streets.
For our GrayVine community—many of whom may be planning trips to visit family or head to winter retreats—this recall is a vital reminder to prioritize vehicle safety and maintenance.
It’s not just about meeting safety standards; it’s about ensuring your well-being and the safety of your loved ones as you navigate winter roads.
What You Can Do Next
If you’ve recently purchased replacement tires, here’s a simple guide to help you check if your tires are part of the recall:
As winter approaches, ensuring your vehicle is properly equipped with the right tires is essential for your safety on icy and snow-covered roads. If your tires are part of the recall, take immediate action to replace them and stay informed about any updates. Let’s all stay prepared, stay safe, and keep our winter journeys worry-free!
Have you been affected by the tire recall? Do you have tips for preparing your vehicle for winter driving? Or perhaps you have questions about how to choose the right winter tires? Share your experiences, advice, and questions in the comments below!
While some are stocking up on winter essentials, like shovels, deicers, and warm clothing, there's another crucial element that might be slipping under the radar: your tires.
For many, tires are the last thing on their minds as they prepare for the winter season. After all, most people assume that if a tire is labeled for snow traction, it's ready to handle the elements.
However, a surprising safety issue has emerged that could impact over half a million drivers across the country.

A recall of over 540,000 tires highlights the importance of ensuring your vehicle is equipped with the proper winter tires for safety on icy roads. Image Source: Pexels / 정규송 Nui MALAMA.
Prinx Chengshan Tire North America (PCTNA) Inc. has issued a recall for more than 540,000 tires, which were sold with the promise of being suitable for winter conditions. But here's the catch—these tires may not be as snow-ready as you think.
The tires in question, including models from Fortune Tormenta and Prinx HiCountry, were found to lack the necessary traction to perform reliably in snow.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that using these tires in snowy weather could increase the risk of accidents—something every driver should take seriously, especially when navigating winter roads.
The recall affects a substantial 541,632 tires. If you’re wondering whether your tires are part of the recall, the NHTSA has provided a full list of affected models on their website at www.nhtsa.gov.

Winter roads can be treacherous—ensure your tires are ready to handle the snow and ice to avoid accidents like this. Image Source: Pexels / Karol Wróblewski.
It’s important to check and ensure your safety—and the safety of others on the road.
The issue wasn’t discovered overnight. According to PCTNA’s Safety Recall Report, internal discussions about the snow symbol on the tires began in June.
After testing the tires to European standards, it was determined that they didn’t meet U.S. standards for snow traction. Testing in October confirmed the failure, leading to the recall decision on December 3.
For those affected, notification letters will be sent out by February 1. In the meantime, you can reach out to PCTNA customer service at 1-310-205-8355, extension 109, for more details.
The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9153. You can find additional information on their website at www.nhtsa.gov.
The Importance of Proper Winter Tires
As winter sets in, having the right tires for snowy and icy conditions is more important than ever. Winter tires are specially designed with deep treads and unique rubber compounds to provide better traction on cold, slippery roads.
Without the right tires, your vehicle may struggle to accelerate, turn, and, most importantly, stop effectively—especially on snow-covered streets.
For our GrayVine community—many of whom may be planning trips to visit family or head to winter retreats—this recall is a vital reminder to prioritize vehicle safety and maintenance.
It’s not just about meeting safety standards; it’s about ensuring your well-being and the safety of your loved ones as you navigate winter roads.
What You Can Do Next
If you’ve recently purchased replacement tires, here’s a simple guide to help you check if your tires are part of the recall:
- Check the List: Visit the NHTSA’s website or contact PCTNA to see if your tires are affected.
- Schedule a Replacement: If your tires are recalled, reach out to your tire dealer to arrange for a replacement.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for your official notification letter from PCTNA.
- Spread the Word: Let your friends and family know about the recall, especially if they live in areas that experience snow.
Key Takeaways
- A California-based tire company has recalled over 540,000 replacement tires due to incorrect snow traction labeling.
- Prinx Chengshan Tire North America Inc. issued the recall after determining that the tires do not meet the proper standards for snow performance.
- Owners of the affected tires should receive notification letters by February 1, directing them to further action.
- Customers seeking more information on the recall can contact PCTNA customer service or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline.
Have you been affected by the tire recall? Do you have tips for preparing your vehicle for winter driving? Or perhaps you have questions about how to choose the right winter tires? Share your experiences, advice, and questions in the comments below!