Before You Hit the Road, Hit the Pump - Then Hit it Again; Checking Tire Pressure Could Save $24 Million This Holiday

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2004 -- The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) urges Americans to hit both pumps -- the gas pump and the air pump -- at the service station this holiday weekend. Keeping tires properly inflated increases fuel efficiency and makes your car safer.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers can improve their gas mileage by about 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. DOE also found that under-inflated tires waste 4 million gallons of gasoline daily. With gas prices averaging about $2 that means drivers could waste $24 million during the three-day holiday weekend by not having the proper tire pressure.

AAA has predicted that 30.9 million Americans expect to travel by motor vehicle this Memorial Day Weekend. RMA research found that only 15 percent of American drivers properly inflate their tires, which means that 26.3 million holiday travelers will be driving on improperly inflated tires, which wastes fuel and increases the risk of tire failure.

"Taking five minutes to check your tire pressure before a trip will save you money and keep you safer once you get on the road," said Donald B. Shea, RMA President and CEO.

  RMA offers these tire safety tips for road trips:

  * Be Cool Under Pressure. Check your tire pressure when tires are cool.
    The correct inflation pressure number for your tires is specified by the
    vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge,
    doorpost, glove box door, fuel door, or in the owner's manual.  Note
    that the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire is not the
    recommended pressure.

  * Take a Load Off. Overloading your vehicle creates excessive heat inside
    your tires, which can lead to tire failure. Before you fill the trunk
    and the roof rack, check out the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations
    for loading your vehicle on the doorpost or in the vehicle owners'
    manual.  If you're going to be driving long distances with a loaded
    vehicle, have the alignment and rotation checked. Tires and wheels that
    are out of balance or misaligned can cause uneven wear or vehicle
    problems.

  About RMA

Founded in 1915, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association of the rubber products industry. Its membership includes more than 100 member companies that manufacture tires and other rubber products. Members include Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Continental Tire North America, Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Pirelli North America, Inc. and Yokohama Tire Corporation. All RMA press releases are available at http://www.betiresmart.org/