Goodyear Recommends Giving Tires Some TLC During National Tire Safety Week

AKRON, Ohio, April 24 -- With the observation of National Tire Safety Week, Goodyear is urging everyone to show they care ... about their tires.

Research reveals that motorists rank tires as the second-most important safety feature in vehicles next to brakes, yet only a third of consumers properly check their tire inflation pressure.

Improper air pressure in tires can lead to a multitude of problems -- from uneven and accelerated tire wear, to structural damage in a tire. With temperatures rising and vacation travel around the corner, the attention given to the care and maintenance of tires should be heightened, according to Goodyear officials.

"Checking tires for proper inflation and tread condition is one of the most critical -- and easiest -- maintenance procedures for a consumer," said Brett Ponton, vice president, Goodyear Retail. "It doesn't take much time or sophisticated equipment. Drivers can check their tires by themselves, or any of our retail outlets would be happy to provide the service."

According to recent research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), not only do most drivers ignore their tires, most simply do not know enough about how to care for the tires correctly. The survey found that about two out of three drivers don't even know where to find the recommended proper tire inflation pressure for their vehicles' tires.

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.

To address consumer apathy toward tires, Goodyear is offering a broad lineup of tire care initiatives.

"Through these efforts, if we could grab consumers' attention, and help them to understand that proper maintenance of vehicles and tires translates into increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, they would more likely take care of their tires," Ponton said.

Goodyear's efforts tie in with National Tire Safety Week, an April 22-28 observance sponsored by the RMA.

  Tire care items being provided by Goodyear include:

   - A consumer booklet, "The Complete Tire Safety Guide," printed by
     Goodyear and available from many Goodyear retailers across the country.
     The guide teaches consumers about the oft-neglected practice of tire
     maintenance.
   - Goodyear outlets also will distribute the RMA's "Be Tire Smart, Play
     Your PART" consumer booklets.  Those guides stress the importance of
     inflation pressure, wheel alignment, tire rotation and visual checks of
     tire tread.
   - On http://www.goodyeartires.com/, visitors will find extensive
     information on tire care, product selection and more.  Through a link,
     visitors can request a copy of "A Guide to Tire Safety."
   - With their lighted message boards, Goodyear's famous blimps continue to
     spread the tire care message while in flight, urging consumers on the
     ground to check tire pressure and treadwear.
   - At Goodyear-owned outlets, consumers can enjoy the company's "Free Air"
     campaign, which includes having their tires checked for free, including
     an inspection of tread condition and tire inflation.