PROMO PROGRAMSMaking Cents Of Rising Fuel Costs AKRON, OH (May 24, 2006) - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. launched its "National Free Air" campaign officially today. The program features a range of promotions, including consumer education materials, special advertisements, on-site signage, point-of-sale materials and more, available at any of the 750 Goodyear-owned and at participating independently owned and operated locations across the country. In addition, motorists can have their tires - regardless of brand or where they were purchased - inspected for free at any of the Goodyear-owned and at participating independently owned and operated locations across the country. According to Joey Viselli, Goodyear's director of marketing services, "Rising fuel prices will continue to have a dramatic impact on many of us throughout the busy summer driving season. We want America to know that being proactive can make a huge difference when it comes to increasing gas mileage and saving money at the pump. "When gas prices are this high, it's easy to see why tire maintenance is so important,' Viselli adds. "A tire that is underinflated doesn't roll as smoothly or as easily and the increased rolling resistance requires more energy, which robs the vehicle of fuel efficiency.". To that end, Gooodyear offers consumers the following seven easy-to-adopt gas saving tips:
* Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Many drivers can improve their gas mileage by more than 3 percent simply by keeping their tires properly inflated. The correct tire inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, maximum tire life and proper vehicle handling performance. The recommended pressure number for your vehicle is located on a sticker inside the driver side door or in the owner's manual, not the maximum inflation pressure stamped on the tire.
* Check that your vehicle's air filter isn't clogged. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. And doesn't just save a driver money; it will also help protect an engine by keeping harmful impurities out.
* When packing a car for a trip, remember not to overload it. Check the owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent.
* Use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The proper grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.
* Before taking that long trip, visit a trusted service professional and ensure the vehicle is properly tuned. Depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed, regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent.
* Make sure the gas cap is on tight and is not damaged. Approximately 17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas per year to vaporize into the atmosphere.
* Avoid quick or "jackrabbit" starts and stops. Aggressive driving wastes fuel and can reduce your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
* Observe the speed limit: Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. (Source:
Goodyear)
