Very interesting interview, Sam! I worked at a Ford dealer when the Firestone debacle began. We suddenly became a tire dealer, too. It was not a good time for us. However, from what I could find out about the issues, it seemed Ford was at fault for using very low tire pressure recommendations, Firestone was at fault for making crappy tires (nothing new for Firestone), and the part that nobody addressed was the drivers who would go on a trip with underinflated tires (below 24 psi). I think the tire problem was tread separation, not blow-outs. When the tread separates, it makes some horrible noises, scaring the driver, who then would jam on the brakes, sending the Explorer out of control, often resulting in a roll over. A combination of issues led to a huge issue. Personally, I blame Ford and Firestone for causing the tread separation, but lousy drivers are the cause of losing control and rolling over. Sheesh, look at todays vehicles. A T-bone at 20 mph can cause most SUVs to roll over.
Closest explanation I've seen. I was in the tire industry at the time this happened. I didnt sell firestone but had seen a couple of these faulty tires on Explorers that came into my shop that didn't roll over or crash. I had pulled these tires off other vehicles that were worn out because the driver didnt drive an Explorer, maintained their air pressure or drove sanely. I've also pulled ones off that had come apart without causing a crash/rollover. But again, the vehicle and driver did things right, only the tire had issues. Rusty steel belts in the tread was obvious in every case. Firestone even found out there had been steel belts with microscopic rust on belts used when the tires were built. The way I saw it, the Ford told people to run almost enough air, the owners wouldn't check their air which means they would get even lower in pressure, then the owner would then drive down the highway faster than they should. The Explorer was not a very good handling SUV by any stretch of the term, they were one of the worst according to everyone I talked to that had driven/ridden in one. Combine all of these factors and it was a recipe for disaster. Was it Ford, Firestone or the drivers fault? All 3 shared the blame, realistically.
Excellent. I came into this thinking it was going to be a documentary, was happy by the end that the podcast interview still felt like I got the important bits of the story w/o the filler that some youtube video documentaries had. Hope this becomes a regular thing.
Here after the Carmudgeon episode.
This is absolutely amazing!!!
Much to learn from this podcast.
Thank you Sam!
Very interesting interview, Sam! I worked at a Ford dealer when the Firestone debacle began. We suddenly became a tire dealer, too. It was not a good time for us. However, from what I could find out about the issues, it seemed Ford was at fault for using very low tire pressure recommendations, Firestone was at fault for making crappy tires (nothing new for Firestone), and the part that nobody addressed was the drivers who would go on a trip with underinflated tires (below 24 psi). I think the tire problem was tread separation, not blow-outs. When the tread separates, it makes some horrible noises, scaring the driver, who then would jam on the brakes, sending the Explorer out of control, often resulting in a roll over. A combination of issues led to a huge issue. Personally, I blame Ford and Firestone for causing the tread separation, but lousy drivers are the cause of losing control and rolling over. Sheesh, look at todays vehicles. A T-bone at 20 mph can cause most SUVs to roll over.
Closest explanation I've seen. I was in the tire industry at the time this happened. I didnt sell firestone but had seen a couple of these faulty tires on Explorers that came into my shop that didn't roll over or crash. I had pulled these tires off other vehicles that were worn out because the driver didnt drive an Explorer, maintained their air pressure or drove sanely. I've also pulled ones off that had come apart without causing a crash/rollover. But again, the vehicle and driver did things right, only the tire had issues. Rusty steel belts in the tread was obvious in every case. Firestone even found out there had been steel belts with microscopic rust on belts used when the tires were built. The way I saw it, the Ford told people to run almost enough air, the owners wouldn't check their air which means they would get even lower in pressure, then the owner would then drive down the highway faster than they should. The Explorer was not a very good handling SUV by any stretch of the term, they were one of the worst according to everyone I talked to that had driven/ridden in one. Combine all of these factors and it was a recipe for disaster. Was it Ford, Firestone or the drivers fault? All 3 shared the blame, realistically.
Amazing series/ podcast !!!!!! Super thankful to have found it.
What a wonderful podcast with so many life stories and wisdom! I truly appreciate hearing that truth still matters!
Stumbled upon this. Absolutely brilliant discussion, and I look forward to what’s next!
Very excited that Sam has a podcast now!
Excellent. I came into this thinking it was going to be a documentary, was happy by the end that the podcast interview still felt like I got the important bits of the story w/o the filler that some youtube video documentaries had. Hope this becomes a regular thing.
Excellent interview! Jason is truly a legend in the PR world, not just the auto industry.
Great job by Jason and Sam! The truth will set you free.
P r o m o s m 🤩