Rising Gas Prices Call for Better Tire Care, Says Goodyear

During National Tire Safety Week, Goodyear Says Motorists Can Offset Record Fuel Prices Through More Vigilance at the 'Other' Pump

AKRON, Ohio, April 22 -- As U.S. drivers complain about the prices they are paying at fuel pumps, they may not realize they have the ability to significantly reduce their transportation costs at another pump -- the air pump.

Gas prices continue to climb, and according to the Lundberg Survey, which regularly surveys 8,000 gasoline stations nationwide, the U.S. average in the month of April is more than $1.80 for all grades, a record high, according to Lundberg's mid-April report. San Diego has the highest gas price in the country, at $2.12 per gallon for regular unleaded gas.

If a motorist is serious about putting a cap on fuel costs, the importance of tires and other auto maintenance items increases as gas prices climb.

One key element, according to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, is simply operating tires as they were meant to be used.

"Running a tire 20 percent underinflated -- only 5 to 7 pounds per square inch -- can increase fuel consumption by 10 percent. That can easily cost motorists two or three miles per gallon. Not only that, but the tire's tread life is reduced by 15 percent," said John Peer, Goodyear's director of retail operations.

The U.S. Energy Department has reported that every pound per square inch of tire underinflation wastes 4 million gallons of gas daily in the U.S. At today's prices and with more vehicles on the road, that's a huge expense.

"It's easy to see why tire maintenance is so important," Peer said. "An underinflated tire doesn't roll as smoothly or as easily as it was intended, so it deflects more energy and increases rolling resistance, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency."

This year's escalating gasoline prices mirror the severity of tire underinflation. According to the Car Care Council, which promotes April as "National Car Care Month," proper tire inflation continues to be a problem for many motorists. Last year, 90 percent of cars checked during free inspections as a part of National Car Care Month failed one or more aspects -- including 54 percent that had improperly inflated tires.

According to 2002 research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), nearly 90 percent of drivers surveyed do not check their tire pressure properly, and many simply do not know enough about how to care for their tires correctly. The survey found that 66 percent of drivers don't even know where to find the recommended proper tire inflation pressure for their vehicles' tires. The RMA sponsors National Tire Safety Week, April 25-May 1.

Goodyear recommends that motorists should check tire inflation monthly or before a long trip. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the owner's manual, not the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall.

In addition, Goodyear, which operates complete tire and automotive service centers nationwide, recommends consumers follow other vehicle maintenance practices to protect their automotive investments and perhaps further reduce fuel costs.

"Other basic maintenance, like having clean fluids and filters, can contribute to a better-performing vehicle, which could translate into more efficiency and an improvement in fuel economy," said Peer.

"Anything a motorist can do to improve vehicle maintenance -- from tires to engine, or any other component -- can pay off at the gas pump. We hope events like Car Care Month and National Tire Safety Week help to convince the public of the safety and cost-saving benefits of a good vehicle maintenance program."

On the Goodyear site , visitors will find extensive information on tire care, product selection and more. A section called "Know Your Tires" details how a tire is made and provides tire maintenance tips. Through a link, website visitors can request a copy of "The Complete Tire Safety Guide," which also offers advice on proper tire care.

At Goodyear-owned tire and service outlets, Peer said consumers can have their tires checked for free, including an inspection of tread condition and tire inflation.