According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately five percent of the estimated 3,889,770 vehicles involved in accidents between 2005 and 2007 had under-inflated tires. In honor of the eleventh annual National Tire Safety Week, June 3 – 9, The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: "PBY"), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, today announced four top tips to ensure that motorists’ tires roll safely down the road this summer.
Tires are one of the most important safety items on any car or truck. As a vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, something as simple as improper inflation can have dramatic consequences on ride quality, fuel efficiency and on-road safety.
Using the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) acronym, "PART" (Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread), Pep Boys suggests motorists practice tire safety with four simple tips:
Pressure
- Check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips to prevent dangerous and costly tire blowouts.
- Properly inflated tires help prolong tire life and contribute to better fuel economy.
- The “right amount” of inflation is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is displayed either on the vehicle’s doorsill, glove box door or fuel door and is also listed in the vehicle owner’s manual
- Always check tires when cool. After driving, tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
- Remember to check the spare tire as well.
- Tire inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
Alignment
Rotation
- Always rotate tires at mileage intervals as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent premature and irregular tire wear.
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations.
- If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000-8,000 miles depending on driving habits.
- Many tire manufacturers and governmental agencies say that traction – particularly in bad weather and resistance to hydroplaning – is compromised when as much as 4/32 of an inch of tread depth is remaining.
- Visually inspect all tires on a regular basis for irregular tire wear and a minimum 4/32 of an inch tread depth.
- An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If most of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, there is a proper amount of tread. If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, tread depth is well below 4/32 of an inch and a new tire purchase is recommended.
- Government mandates require built-in tread wear indicators or wear bars in tires when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. When the top of the “wear bars” are flush with the tire tread, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
- Media Contact:
- Sanaz Marbley/Nathan Hoyt
- JMPR Public Relations
- 818-992-4353
- smarbley@jmprpublicrelations.com
- nhoyt@jmprpublicrelations.com
Tread
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Vehicles equipped with TPMS can help motorists detect loss of inflation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25 percent under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.
For additional tire safety tips and advice, visit any Pep Boys location during National Tire Safety week, or any other day of the year, to consult a vehicle expert. Pep Boys offers free tire pressure checks during normal business hours and Pep Boys’ knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions.
About Pep Boys
Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting https://www.pepboys.com.
About Pep Boys
Pep Boys has over 560 retail stores and approximately 6,000 service bays in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its full-service vehicle maintenance and repair capabilities, the Company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800 -PEP-BOYS or by visiting www.pepboys.com. ; S&S Service in Hamburg, NY ; Jack's Service Center in Miami, Florida ; Blanchette's Auto Center in Dracut, Massachusetts ; Quality Automotive in Napa, California ; Honest Auto Service in Seattle, Washington ; two WS Haynes Tire & Service locations in Memphis, Tennessee ; RL&F Auto Inc. in Morrisville, NC ; and Plainfield Tire Center in Plainfield, Indiana.
Contact Us
Investor Contact: Ray Arthur, (215) 430-9720 Media Contact: Peter A. Robinson, (215) 430-9553 https://www.pepboys.com
