NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The tire industry wants the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to weigh in on a growing debate over whether consumers should replace older tires that are not worn, according to a published report.

The Detroit News reports that the Rubber Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing tiremakers, said in a June 10 letter to the traffic safety agency that regulators needed to issue a consumer advisory, but one based on the best research and scientific findings.

"The industry does not have enough data that correlates a specific age with degraded tire performance," said Dan Zielinski, spokesman for the trade group.

But Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler are now warning consumers that even if there is tread left on an older tire, they should consider replacing it after six years, the paper reports.

Ford has sponsored extensive research on tire aging, while DaimlerChrysler has long warned Mercedes customers in Europe to replace older tires, according to the News.

SRS Inc., a Massachusetts auto safety research firm, also is warning consumers about the risk of older tires. It wants the NHTSA to require information about the manufacturer and when the tire was made to be clearly labeled on the outside of the tire. That would make it easier for consumers to know the age of the tires, the paper reports.

General Motors Corp., the world's largest automaker, is backing the tire industry position that tires more likely to wear out than become too old, according to the report.

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