Choosing the right tires is already hard enough, but now a major recall has hit the auto world. Continental Tire The Americas has officially recalled 542 General Altimax RT45 tires due to a defect that could lead to sudden air loss or even partial tread detachment. It’s a small number, but the risk is serious enough to take action.
Only two tires with this issue have been identified, yet all units made between August 4 and 10, 2024, are being recalled. When safety’s on the line, it’s better not to take chances.
Defect
Let’s look at what went wrong. Continental notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a few of their Altimax RT45 tires showed a problem caused by overcuring during the production process.
Overcuring can make the tire’s casing brittle or cause the tread to separate. That means you could end up with a blowout while driving. And at high speeds, a blowout is a terrifying—and dangerous—situation.
Model
The affected model is the General Altimax RT45 in the size 235/60 R18 107H. Every unit produced between August 4 and August 10, 2024, falls under this recall.
If you recently purchased this model or had new tires installed during that period, it’s time to double-check.
Timeline
Continental says it has already notified workshops and dealerships. Official letters to affected vehicle owners will go out between August 25 and 29, 2025. But if you don’t want to wait, you can take action now.
Check
How can you tell if your tires are affected?
Start by looking at the tire sidewall. What you’re looking for is the TIN—Tire Identification Number. The affected batch will include the following details:
- Plant code: 1CP
- Tire size code: 0F
- Optional code: BHW4
- Week and year: M3124 (this means the 31st week of 2024)
You can also watch for signs like bulges or strange marks on the tread or sidewall. If anything looks off, head to a tire shop immediately.
| Detail | Code or Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Continental Tire |
| Model | General Altimax RT45 |
| Size | 235/60 R18 107H |
| Plant Code | 1CP |
| Size Code | 0F |
| Optional Code | BHW4 |
| Date Code (TIN End) | M3124 |
History
This isn’t the first time tire defects have made news. One of the worst examples was in the early 2000s when Firestone tires installed on Ford Explorers failed at alarming rates. The result? Dozens of crashes and rollovers due to tread separation. The problem was traced back to a flawed manufacturing step that weakened the inner tire layers.
That case became a turning point for how seriously tire safety is monitored in the U.S.
Attention
The real problem is that tire recalls often don’t get much media attention. Unlike engine failures or airbag issues, tire defects rarely make front-page news. But they’re just as dangerous. A tire blowing out at highway speed can lead to a crash just as easily as brake failure.
If you’re using the Altimax RT45 tires or know someone who is, this is not something to ignore. Visit the NHTSA website or contact your tire dealer to verify your tires’ safety. It only takes a few minutes to check—and that could save a life.
FAQs
Which tires are being recalled?
General Altimax RT45, size 235/60 R18 107H.
Why are the tires being recalled?
Due to overcuring, which can cause tread separation.
How many tires are affected?
A total of 542 tires made in August 2024.
How do I check my tire’s TIN?
Look on the sidewall for plant code, size, and date.
Can I still drive with these tires?
Not recommended. Replace them if they match the recall.
