PROPER TIRE CARE CAN ALSO LEAD TO IMPROVED GAS MILEAGE

MCLEAN, Va. (March 17, 2008) - The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has teamed up with the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) to promote tire care during the sixth annual “National Tire Safety Week,” scheduled April 20-26, 2008.

National Tire Safety Week, part of the “Be Tire Smart - Play Your Part” campaign, is designed to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of regularly checking vehicle tire pressure and wear.

Throughout the week, participating dealers across the country will offer their customers “Be Tire Smart - Play Your Part” campaign brochures containing simple, useful tips for recognizing and maintaining safety. Last year, a record number of more than 1,700 auto dealers participated in the campaign.

“Properly inflated tires can improve vehicle safety and even improve gas mileage,” said Annette Sykora, NADA chairman. “Motorists can improve their fuel economy by more than three percent with the correct tire pressure."

Before hitting the roads, NADA urges motorists to take a few minutes to check the condition of their tires. Well-maintained tires keep your car safer, help it last longer, and could save money in gasoline costs.

Ten Steps to Keep Your Tires - and Your Family - Safe on the Roads

1. Choose your tires carefully. Too many drivers buy a tire based on initial price or appearance. Tire selection should be based on the correct size recommended for the vehicle.  You should consult with a knowledgeable tire or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tire for your typical driving patterns.
2. Buy a tire gauge and keep it handy in your car at all times.  It will inform you if you need to add air to your tires.
3. Check your tire pressure at least once per month, especially before a long trip.  Remember under-inflation is a tire's number one enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. However, over-inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer's recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual as a guide.  Always check the pressure of your tires when they are cool or cold. Driving heats up tires and may result in an incorrect reading.
4. During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into deeper water on the road.
5. Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
6. Check your vehicle alignment periodically.  It's especially important to have an automotive professional check your alignment if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you're driving. Proper alignment may improve fuel economy.
7. Inspect and measure your tire tread.  You can do this yourself by placing a penny in the tread groove and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it is time to replace your tires.
8. Check the tire sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
9. Do not overload your vehicle. That can create excessive heat inside your tires.  An overloaded vehicle puts stress on tires that can cause damage and lead to tire failure. Check the manufacturer's loading recommendation. Find them in the owner's manual.
10. Have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.