Explorer tire test finds no problem.

[Rick]

I just saw this test demonstrated on television tonight. Just as I suspected, the stock Explorer can handle a blow out without a problem. Over reaction of the driver is what has most likely contributed to the roll over "tendancy" of the Explorer, that has been and remains my opinion.

In one case the test driver took both hands off the wheel then the tire was deflated and he still came to a safe controlled stop with NO steering input.

Check out the complete story here: Dead Link Removed

As an additional note, my Explorer parts truck, a '91 XLT became a "donor" vehicle after a friend of mine got T-boned by a '99 Ford F-150. The F-150 was traveling 40mph and the Explorer was punched square in the drivers side damaging the front and rear doors equally. Witnesses said the tires on the side of impact came off the ground dropped right back down again. Not bad for a 40 MPH T-bone in a "high profile" vehicle!

 

[FlyAU]

Wonders never cease, do they? Check this quote out:

Among the spectators at the track was an NBC camera crew, reporters and a buddy of mine, whom I invited because he owns three Explorers.

You'd think NBC could've waited to air their "exposé." But no...that would've ruined their whole slant. Can't make it look like the consumer was at fault. Nooooooooooo..........

Frankly, I'm not surprised at these "revelations." Few people know how to drive properly, and the only ones who do were professionally trained. I, for one, am all in favor of requiring a licensing system similar to aviation's. Any yahoo can walk into the DMV and get a driver's license. Getting a pilot's license requires extensive hands-on training as well as ground school, so why can't we hold the same standard to automobiles?

 

[Stephen]

Matt, you can bet your life that they aired the expose BEFORE that test to get the acclaim.

 

[sphaugh]

I've read CD for years, and a simple objective test is what they do best. I'm not surprised by that article at all.

The only circumstance that I can imagine an explorer rolling over due to a tire delamination is in a curve or in a turn. In many cases, the tire continues to hold air after throwing it's tread. If the tread slips out from under a tire that's doing something other than rolling straight ahead - I can concede that the driver might be in serious trouble. The folks who are dying on the interstates, and I mean no disrespect, typically are heavy contributors to their own demise.

Driver training is non-existant in the US, and thus driver skills suck. Seat belts are definitely a plus also.

 

[bluescat]

Tread goes where?

Having a blowout on any vehicle is a dreaded occurrence. But if the tread becomes entangled in the driveline or acts as a wedge to stop the rotation of a wheel? That would be like applying just one of your brakes while the others roll freely. At the same time one corner of the vehicle is now lower than the other three, presenting another ingredient to this recipe for disaster. But in all of this, driver input remains crucial. A good driver may be unable to prevent a rollover but he always stands a better chance, especially with a roll cage and a 5 point harness.

 

[Cameron]

I think those test demonstrate that if drivers of SUVs or any vehicle, would benefit from some advanced training. When I was in the Army (Military Police) I trained as a General's driver. We learned a great deal about controlling a vehicle that had the tires shot out. I think that training has been very beneficial. Maybe they should have some advanced training in driving school.

If I recall, at the beginning of this "Firestone" issue, there was talk that the drivers in most of the rollovers were driving at excessive speeds.

If there is a flaw in a piece of equipment that make it dangerous to use, I want to know about it but I think the media jumps in with both feet before they get all the facts.

 

[Stephen]

I agree, we definately need better training. There are professional driving courses out there, and you can be certified. I took them, and I'm certified. I also made sure my son took the teenage courses they offer as well. Only problem is, they're expensive and not mandatory so most people don't bother.

 

[Tom Wilk]

Good find, Rick. It illustrates that a simple blowout alone isn't a problem. I will say with caution that it doesn't fully exonerate Ford and Firestone, but it adds strong evidence that driver error is a major contributing factor in these crashes.

As Splaugh points out, if the blowout occurs during fast cornering, the results could be different. But, who (besides me) would be taking turns at the limit in an SUV such as this anyway? If I wanted to make the Explorer handle, I would certainly lower it and put some sticky rubber on it, not the stock Firestones.


Bluescat brings up some interesting stuff as well. If the tire shreds, parts could end up wedged in the wheel well that could bind and even stop rotation of the wheel. I'm not sure how likely that is, since there is quite a bit of room in the Explorer's wheel well. It would take an awfully large hunk of rubber to stop the rotation of a tire IMHO.

I'm with Stephen and Cameron; we Americans don't train our drivers very well. Makes you wonder why these lawyers don't go after the states for inadequately teaching people to drive in the first place. Oh, never mind, there's no money in that. Plus, it would reduce the number of future clients and that's bad for business if you're a lawyer.