A defective tire valve stem was ultimately responsible for a Florida man’s death after the stem cracked causing his car to rollover. It is estimated that 36 million defective valves were manufactured in China and shipped to the United States in 2006 – leaving many drivers to wonder whether their car may be at risk.

An untimely death

A Florida widow is suing after her late husband’s, Robert Monk, car rolled over and killed him. The accident is being blamed on a defective tire valve stem made in China that may cause a nearly undetectable slow leak that could cause tires to blow out. According to news reports, nearly 36 million defective tire valves were shipped to the United States in 2006. However, trying to track down the tiny parts once they’ve left U.S. distributors is difficult.

NHTSA

The NHTSA has reported that Dill Air Control Products notified it about the issue, Tech Industries has already recalled six million valves and that the Administration is conducting an investigation.

• Dill Air Control Products. Dill’s analysis of the tire valves returned from the field identified problems with the surface cracks on the outside of the rubber near the rim hole and that initial investigation centered on ozone exposure. The product numbers include TR 413, TR 413 chrome, TR 414 and TR 418 Dill ACP valve stems manufactured from July 2006 through November 2006 and shipped to the U.S. from China from August 2006 to February 2007.
• Tech Industries. Tech Industries recalled 6 million valves that were manufactured by Shanghai Baolong Industries Co, Ltd in Shanghai China. The identifying part number is also TR413 and is described as a snap in rubber tire air valve used for the replacement of existing tire valves (made prior to 2007) when automotive tires are serviced or replaced. The valves were manufactured from July to November of 2006.
• Investigation. In May 2008, the NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect.