As Temperature Drops So Does Tire Inflation - Goodyear Explains
December 21 2006 - 3:25PM
PR Newswire (US)
AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With the official start of
winter arriving, many areas of the country are faced with
consistently chilly, even sub-freezing temperatures. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO) This time of
year serves as a reminder that a drop in tire inflation pressures
corresponds with the falling thermometer readings. Goodyear experts
explain that air pressure in a tire typically goes down 1-2 pounds
for every 10 degrees of temperature change. "Odds are that many
motorists haven't checked their tire pressure since the weather
began turning colder. If the last time the tire pressure was
checked was during the heat of summer, with temperatures around 80
degrees, many people could be riding on severely underinflated
tires without realizing it," said Bob Toth, Goodyear marketing
manager for auto tires. Maintaining proper air pressure is the
single most important thing drivers can do for their tires.
Underinflation is the worst enemy a tire can have, as it causes
increased treadwear on the shoulder area (outside edges) of the
tire. It also generates excessive heat, which reduces tire
durability, and it can reduce fuel economy by increasing rolling
resistance - since soft tires make the vehicle work harder.
Goodyear suggests checking tire inflation at least once per month
with a reliable gauge. To find the proper air pressure for a tire,
look in the vehicle owner's manual, in the glove box or on the
driver's side door jamb. Hint: The inflation pressure stamped on
the sidewall of a tire is the "maximum" pressure, not the
"recommended" pressure. "Even though consumers can simply and
quickly check the air pressure of their tires, it becomes a
neglected practice by many," Toth said. "That's too bad, because
the four patches of rubber that come in contact with the road
surface are vitally important to the performance of the vehicle.
They are key for acceleration, lateral traction and braking grip."
For consumers who don't want to bother with regular tire pressure
checks, Goodyear offers a "Free Air" campaign. Motorists can have
their tires - regardless of brand or where they were bought -
inspected for free at any of the 750 Goodyear-owned stores, and at
participating independently owned and operated locations across the
country. The increasing usage of in-dash tire pressure monitor
systems on new vehicles will likely help more consumers to pay
attention to their tires' pressure levels. Still, Toth urges the
old-fashioned method of checking tire inflation. "At least once a
month, take a few minutes and check your tire pressure with an
accurate tire gauge. You can't tell if a tire needs air just by
looking. It could be underinflated by 10 pounds and still look
fine," he said. For more information about Goodyear tires, visit
http://www.goodyeartires.com/.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: The Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company CONTACT: Jim Davis of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company, +1-330-796-4114 Web site: http://www.goodyear.com/
http://www.goodyeartires.com/
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