Ohio celebrating Tire Safety Week

Tire dealers throughout the Buckeye State are getting a publicity bump from Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, who has proclaimed April 20-26 as Tire Safety Week in Ohio at the request of the Findlay-based Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

The designation was made in conjunction with the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) National Tire Safety Week campaign.

“Governor Strickland’s proclamation raises awareness of an important safety issue that needs to be on the minds of Ohio drivers,” says Roy V. Armes, Cooper’s chairman, president and CEO. “We encourage all Cooper employees, tire dealers and customers to properly maintain their tires to ensure safer vehicles and safer roads. Proper tire care also improves a vehicle’s gas mileage, which saves consumers money and benefits the environment.”

Tire safety literature is being made available to consumers throughout Cooper’s dealer network. Additionally, vehicle and tire owner’s manuals should be consulted and re-read periodically for a reminder about important safety information, Armes advised.

According to the RMA, the four essential elements of tire care and maintenance include:
1. Checking tire inflation pressure at least once a month and prior to long trips
2. Periodic wheel alignment
3. Tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
4. Regularly checking tire tread depth (should be at least 1/16 of an inch)

Additional information on tire safety and maintenance is available at www.coopertire.com or through the RMA at www.rma.org.