Contact Information: Contact: Elaine Beno/Carol Thorp (714) 885-2333
Being Penny-Wise Results in Tire Safety and Gas Savings
AAA-Approved Auto Repair Shops Offer Free 38-pt. Maintenance Inspection With Paid Service Throughout Tire Safety Week, April 23-27
| Source: Auto Club of So. Calif.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 23, 2007 -- Motorists can maximize their fuel economy
by making sure their tires are properly inflated, according to the
Automobile Club of Southern California. National Tire Safety Week, April
23-27, was launched to help drivers understand the economic and safety
benefits of basic tire care. Research shows that about 85% of drivers don't
properly check tire pressure.
"Keeping tires inflated, moving components lubricated and ignition and
emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel
efficiency and the life of your vehicle," said Dave Skaien, the Auto Club's
Approved Auto Repair Program Development Manager. "Under-inflated tires
also reduce gas mileage. Correct tire inflation also is important for safe
driving. A penny in your pocket can help check the health of your tires by
allowing you to do a simple tread depth inspection."
Motorists can use a tread depth gauge or a coin to determine if tires are
worn out. Place a U.S. penny, Lincoln's head first, into several tread
grooves. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by tread, then more than
2/32" tread depth remains. (Don't place the coin on top of the wear bar, a
thick elevated strip of rubber running across the base of tire grooves.)
California and many other states have minimum tread depth laws. Passenger
cars shouldn't operate on tires below 2/32" tread depth. If you need to
purchase new tires, be sure replacements meet manufacturers speed/load
specifications for your vehicle.
"Worn out tires are unsafe," said Skaien. "Every other fill-up, motorists
should walk around their vehicle and visually check tires for uneven or
excessive tread wear and proper inflation. They can refer to the vehicle's
doorjamb or glove box for original specifications or the manufacturer of
the replacement tire for tire pressure inflation," he added.
Any Auto Club member whose vehicle is being serviced this week at any
AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility may request a free 38-pt. maintenance
inspection that includes a tire inspection and tire pressure check with
their paid service. Repair locations can be found at www.AAA.com and in
Auto Club offices or by calling (800) 713-0003.