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Discount Tire Gears up for Summer Driving Season, Offers Fuel Efficiency Tips and Free Tire Checks at 600 Stores |
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Helps motorists save up to 9 cents per gallon of gasoline |
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Scottsdale, Ariz. - June 01, 2006
With gasoline prices guzzling dollars from pocketbooks, Discount Tire is
reminding drivers to keep tires properly inflated to increase fuel efficiency
and save money. Whether going on a trip across town or across the country,
maintaining proper air pressure will help motorists maximize fuel economy. |
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers can improve gas
mileage by about 3.3 percent by keeping their tires inflated to the
proper air pressure, saving up to $0.09 per gallon. The organization
also found that under-inflated tires may lower gas mileage by 0.4
percent for every pound per square inch (PSI) drop in pressure of
all four tires. |
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Regardless of the brand, type or age of a vehicle's tires, Discount
Tire continually reminds drivers to take five minutes each month to
check tire air pressure, including the spare, for increased cost
savings and safety. Keeping the correct air pressure in vehicle
tires is as important as giving an engine a tune up. In fact, the
economic benefits may be even greater. Likewise, proper tire maintenance
will help tires wear longer and improve handling. |
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Discount Tire's Five Summer Safety Tips for Improving Gas Mileage: |
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1. Maintain Proper Tire Air Pressure
The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that under-inflated tires are a
tire's number one enemy. Low tire pressure decreases fuel economy approximately
two-to-three miles per gallon. Check air-pressure monthly and before long trips
to ensure safety and to save money. |
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2. Check Air Pressure When Tires Are Cool
Air pressure in a tire tends to increase in warm weather and decrease in cold weather.
The pressure changes one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature change. For
accurate pressure, check pressure when tires are cool. The specific inflation
pressure number is noted by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the
vehicle placard located on the driver's doorpost or the glove box door, fuel
door or in the owner's manual. |
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3. Remove Excess Weight
The heavier a vehicle is the more energy it takes to move. Excess weight can
take an unnecessary toll on fuel economy and tire wear. Avoid keeping extra
items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your
vehicle can reduce a vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) by up to two percent. |
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4. Rotate Tires Regularly
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 (most
importantly air pressure maintenance), road conditions and climate affect tire
life. |
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5. Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment
Alignment is a key maintenance factor in getting the most wear and performance
from vehicle tires. In addition, 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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The Rubber Manufacturers Association stated that 85 percent of drivers surveyed
do not check their tire pressure properly, and many simply do not know enough
about proper tire care. Taking just a couple of minutes each month to check tire
pressure will make a vehicle more gas-efficient and safe. |
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Drivers may stop by any Discount Tire or America's Tire store to receive a free
tire inspection, air gauge and tread depth card. |
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About Discount Tire and America's Tire: |
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Discount Tire is America's largest independent tire company.
Also referred to as America's Tire in California and Oregon, Discount Tire currently
has more than 600 stores and four distribution centers in 19 states. The company
provides retail sales of tires, wheels and related accessories and services through
retail outlets and mail/Internet orders. In addition to allowing customers the
ability to book online appointments, tires.com offers online access to Discount
Tire products, services and information for customers in markets without a physical
store presence. For more information on Discount Tire, visit www.tires.com. |
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*Editor's note:
Sport Utility Vehicle Cost Savings Example
(Total based on 52 tank fill-ups per year. Sample uses largest SUVs.)
Average Miles Per Gallon 15
Average Gallons Per Tank 28
Average Mileage Per Tank 420
Average Cost Savings Per Tank $2.52
Average Cost Savings on Fuel Per Year $131.04
Source: Discount Tire / America's Tire |
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