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Discount Tire Shares Tire Tips For Safe Holiday Season Road Travel |
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Scottsdale, Ariz. - (November 22, 2006)
Now is the time for motorists to prepare their
vehicles before they set out on their annual
holiday road trips to reunite with family and
friends. Discount Tire, America's largest
independent tire company, reminds motorists
that tire care should be a top priority on the
planning checklist for any road trip, especially
during the holiday season as temperatures drop and
road conditions can change dramatically due to weather. |
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AAA estimates that more than 38 million Americans
will travel 50 miles or more from home during the
holiday season. Approximately 83 percent or about
31.7 million travelers are expected to go by motor
vehicle. |
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Most motorists are unaware of the overall impact
that simple maintenance has on tire life, fuel
economy and road safety. According to the Rubber
Manufacturers Association, improper tire maintenance
such as under-inflated tires results in 33,000 injuries
and 660 fatalities each year on U.S. roads. |
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Discount Tire provides free tire inspection services
at all of its retail stores nationwide. The company
offers the following tire tips to keep motorists safe
on the road. |
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Tire Tips for Holiday Road Trips |
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1. Make sure you have the right tires for the season.
Winter season tires are engineered to provide safe handling
and control on all winter road conditions including: wet,
ice, slush, freezing rain, snow, black ice and on dry roads.
All-season tire treads are engineered to provide extended
mileage and durability under the hot summer sun. They are
less effective at maintaining traction in winter weather and
lose flexibility in temperatures below 45°F, which affects
handling, control and braking distance. Winter season tires
can deliver approximately 25-50 percent more traction than
all-season tires under severe winter weather conditions,
a vital difference that allows a vehicle to stay on the road,
stop safely and avoid fatal accidents. |
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2. Check Air Pressure Before You Hit the Road.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that
under-inflation is a tire's number one enemy. Low tire pressure
decreases fuel economy approximately two-to-three miles per gallon.
Check air pressure before long trips to ensure safety, improve fuel
economy and to save money on road travel. |
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3. Rotate Tires Before You Go.
Rotating tires regularly is an essential part of maintaining tire
performance. Regular tire rotation achieves uniform wear for all
tires on the vehicle. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles for
optimal wear. It's important to note that actual tread wear performance
can vary tremendously according to the tire's real-world use
(variations in driving habits, service practices like air
pressure maintenance, road conditions and climate affect tire life). |
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4. Check Wheel Alignment Before You Go.
Alignment is a key maintenance factor in getting the most wear
and performance from vehicle tires. Wheel alignment provides safe
and predictable vehicle control as well as a smooth and comfortable
ride that is free of pulling or vibration. |
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5. Check Air Pressure During the Trip.
Air pressure in a tire tends to increase in warm weather and
decrease in cold weather. Tire pressure changes one pound for
every 10 degrees of temperature change. For accurate pressure,
check pressure when tires are cool. The recommended inflation
pressure number is noted by the vehicle manufacturer and can be
found inside the glove box or fuel door, on the vehicle placard
located on the driver's doorpost or in the owner's manual.
Source: Discount Tire / America's Tire www.tires.com |
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About Discount Tire: |
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Discount Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is America's largest
independent tire company. Also referred to as America's Tire in
Oregon and some parts of California, Discount Tire currently
operates more than 650 stores across the country. The company
provides sales of tires, wheels and related accessories and services
through mail order, Internet and retail stores. At tires.com,
customers can research, purchase and make an appointment for service.
For more information about Discount Tire, visit www.tires.com. |
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