I have encountered a major problem on my existing Firestone Firehawk 225
55ZR16 tires. They have about 20K miles on them and my front driver side tire is actually coming apart at the inner sidewall. I took it to a local Firestone dealer and they say that the problem is due to improper inflation. I told them that my other three tires are also beginning to bulge at the exact same location and that I keep them filled to 32PSI. On top of that I only drive the car about 3K miles per year since it is my summer only vehicle. I expected them to issue a credit, but they refused. Given the condition of the tire (ready to explode) I am lucky to have caught this before it blew out at highway speed and possibly cost me my life.
The purpose for this note is threefold: 1) I wanted to warn others who may have these tires that they really need to check them when they do their next rotation cause the damage was not obvious and was only noticed when the tire/wheel started to make a strange noise. 2) I wanted to ask if any one else had the same problems with these (expensive performance) tires and if Firestone made good for them, and 3) I wanted to ask about suggested replacements (I am looking at Bridgestone G-Force Sport and Yokohamas) based on others experiences.
Thanks in advance for any info on the above.
Bob