While driving 30 mph, left tire on a 2000, Chevrolet, Silverado had a sidewall blowout. Original equipment, tire size P265/75R16, dot# W273wmb170. Firestone dealer was not notified at this time.. consumer was informed the tire was punctured from the outside of the sidewall.

- Glen Echo, MD, USA

A ridge has appeared half-way down on all four tires sidewalls and 1/8" deep diagonal ripping of the rubber is appearing all around these ridges. I contacted the dealer and T hey told me to take the vehicle to a Firestone dealer. The Firestone dealer (frank S. galli) located in wappingersfalls, N.Y inspected the tires and agreed that they should be replaced as soon as possible. He checked the vehicles mileage and told me that since the truck has 23,300 miles on the odometer and falls within the bumper-to-bumper dealer warranty, I should take the truck back to the dealer for replacement tires. I called the dealer and informed him what the Firestone dealer told me. They said "bring the vehicle to barton birks so that they can inspect the tires and if they agreed on replacing them, it would take two to three weeks to order the tires". my question is, must I accept Firestone replacements, or can I request a brand of my choice?

- Millbrook, NY, USA