Somerset Tire Service Inc. (STS) is helping drivers grasp the best tire maintenance practices during National Tire Safety Week, June 1-7, 2014.
The company announced that it has teamed up with the Rubber Manufactures Association (RMA) to educate motorists on becoming tire savvy to maximize driving efficiency and stay safe on the road. The RMA designates a National Tire Safety Week each year.
Throughout the week, STS will offer complimentary 28-point tire and vehicle inspections, which include visually checking tires, brakes, headlights, fluid levels, the air filter and battery, belts, hoses and more.
STS is encouraging drivers to take advantage of free compressed air at all of its locations to ensure proper tire inflation. Company experts will be on hand to explain how to check tire pressure, measure tread depth and additional key tire maintenance recommendations.
"With the busy travel season upon us it's important that consumers understand the importance of tire maintenance and the impact it can have on the safety and reliability of their vehicle," says STS President Bill Caulin.
STS reminds drivers to check tire pressure monthly and before big excursions to avoid premature tire failure. Motorists should look for the placard on the driver's doorsill for the proper inflation pressures for their tires. Check tire pressure before driving, when tires are cold, or three hours after driving for accurate readings. Include the spare in the monthly check.
In addition, STS recommends extending the life of a tire by avoiding quick acceleration, and avoiding potholes which can throw a vehicle out of alignment. Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even tread wear. Be sure the tire valve cap is on to keep the valve clean and prevent slow air leaks. Check your tire balance occasionally to help guarantee even tread wear. Don't overload your vehicle, as unnecessary weight strains tires and wastes fuel.
"Too many motorists continue to ignore the only equipment on their vehicles that touch the road," says Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs. "It takes just five minutes to check and properly inflate tires to optimize vehicle fuel economy and reduce the risk of tire problems."
RMA launched National Tire Safety Week in April 2002 as an initiative of its Be Tire Smart -- Play Your PART program. PART is an acronym that stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread - the four essential elements of tire care.
A survey of more than 3,300 vehicles by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found nearly 7 out of 10 vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.
Other findings from RMA's 2014 tire pressure survey include:
* only 9 percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires.
* 69% of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.
* 18% of vehicles have at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (PSI).
For tire safety tips or to learn more about National Tire Safety Week, visit www.betiresmart.org.
STS is an employee owned company and does business as STS Tire & Auto Centers at retail locations throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.ststire.com.
