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It's All About Vehicle Safety

10 November 2000

It's All About Vehicle Safety

   Shocks, Brakes and Tires Form the Safety Triangle, A Key System to Help
                                Avoid Accidents

    LAKE FOREST, Ill., Nov. 10 Tenneco Automotive, maker of
Monroe(R) Sensa-Trac(R) and Reflex(TM) shocks and struts, today unveiled a
national safety awareness campaign designed to educate drivers everywhere
about the importance of The Safety Triangle-the crucial link between a
vehicle's shocks, brakes and tires-and how those components work together to
help avoid accidents.
    For the remainder of 2000 and throughout 2001, Tenneco Automotive will get
the word out about vehicle safety and why it's so important for drivers to
have their vehicle's shocks, brakes and tires checked by an ASE-certified
mechanic at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles.
    To help drive home the vital importance of The Safety Triangle, Bob
Bondurant -- world champion race car driver and leading authority on advanced
driving skills -- has teamed up with Tenneco Automotive.  Through a series of
radio, print and television interviews, Bondurant will educate drivers on the
relationship between a well-maintained vehicle and accident avoidance.
    According to Bondurant, "The Safety Triangle is the key safety system on
any vehicle.  It contains the components that are most valuable in avoiding an
accident:  shocks, brakes, and tires.  All of these components are equally
important.  However, most drivers don't realize that new tires and brakes
aren't enough for overall vehicle safety.  You need to make sure your shocks
are in good working order as well."
    He adds, "Most drivers don't notice when their vehicle's shocks wear out,
because it happens gradually.  And since shock absorbers are designed to help
drivers steer and brake by keeping the tires in contact with the road, it's
important to check them -- and the rest of The Safety Triangle -- at least
once a year, or during regular maintenance."
    During the coming months, Tenneco Automotive will give drivers valuable
information on the importance of The Safety Triangle whenever they take their
vehicle into the mechanic.  While there, they will be able to access materials
explaining what they can do to avoid accidents and maintain their vehicle's
safety levels.
    "The Safety Triangle campaign is all about helping drivers avoid
accidents," says Harvey Diedrich, vice president of marketing/North American
Aftermarket for Tenneco Automotive.  "When you consider that nearly 83 percent
of all vehicles on the road today need some type of repair or maintenance,
it's no wonder there seem to be so many accidents.  Our goal with this
campaign is simple:  encourage drivers to get their shocks, brakes and tires
inspected every 12, 000 miles.  It's a simple thing anyone can do to maintain
their vehicle's safety level and preserve their piece of mind."