Pep Boys helps drivers with tire tips to improve fuel mileage, safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately five percent of the estimated 3,889,770 vehicles involved in accidents between 2005 and 2007 had underinflated tires. In honor of the eleventh annual National Tire Safety Week, June 3 – 9, The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack, the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, announced four top tips to ensure that motorists’ tires roll safely down the road this summer.

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Tires are one of the most important safety items on any car or truck. As a vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, something as simple as improper inflation can have dramatic consequences on ride quality, fuel efficiency and on-road safety.

Using the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) acronym, “PART” (Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread), Pep Boys suggests motorists practice tire safety with four simple tips:

Pressure

Check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips to prevent dangerous and costly tire blowouts.
Properly inflated tires help prolong tire life and contribute to better fuel economy.
The “right amount” of inflation is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is displayed either on the vehicle’s doorsill, glove box door or fuel door and is also listed in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Always check tires when cool. After driving, tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
Remember to check the spare tire as well.
Tire inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

Alignment

Have the alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or whenever there is an indication of trouble such as “pulling.”
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer.

Rotation

Always rotate tires at mileage intervals as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent premature and irregular tire wear.
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations.
If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000-8,000 miles depending on driving habits.

Tread

Many tire manufacturers and governmental agencies say that traction – particularly in bad weather and resistance to hydroplaning – is compromised when as much as 4/32 of an inch of tread depth is remaining.

Visually inspect all tires on a regular basis for irregular tire wear and a minimum 4/32 of an inch tread depth.

An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If most of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, there is a proper amount of tread. If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, tread depth is well below 4/32 of an inch and a new tire purchase is recommended.

Government mandates require built-in tread wear indicators or “wear bars” in tires when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. When the top of the “wear bars” are flush with the tire tread, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Vehicles equipped with TPMS can help motorists detect loss of inflation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25 percent under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.

For additional tire safety tips and advice, visit any Pep Boys location during National Tire Safety week, or any other day of the year, to consult a vehicle expert. Pep Boys offers free tire pressure checks during normal business hours and Pep Boys’ knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions.

Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP- BOYS or by visiting www.pepboysd.com.