Because so many summer travelers simply jump into their vehicles and drive while being blissfully unaware of the only part of their cars that comes in contact with the road – the tires – Goodyear executives urge motorists to take a few minutes to either inspect their tires themselves or visit a local tire and service outlet for a check-up.
They say an increase in the price of gas is even more incentive to check tire condition and air pressure before heading off on any vacation journeys.
According to Gary Medalis, general manager for passenger car tires, “Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption, costing motorists extra miles per gallon. In addition, they should avoid severely under- or overinflated tires, or those with insufficient tread depth or structural damage.”
The U.S. Department of Energy has reported that every pound per square inch of tire underinflation wastes 4 million gallons of gas daily in the U.S.
At today’s prices and with millions of vehicles on the road, that amounts to a huge expense, Medalis says.
“An underinflated tire doesn’t roll as smoothly or as easily as it was intended, so it uses more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. If motorists understood this, they might realize why tire maintenance is so important.”
Medalis reminds motorists that tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation printed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall. The inflation pressure of tires should be checked at least monthly and before any long trips.
For more information, visit www.goodyeartires.com.
