National Press Release

Free Tire Safety Inspections Offered at More Than 750 Stores

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Discount Tire, the world's largest independent tire and wheel retailer, and the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) continue their partnership for the 8th Annual National Tire Safety Week (June 7-13). The nationwide effort is designed to educate motorists about the four essential areas of tire maintenance including Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread.

Improper tire care results in 33,000 injuries and more than 600 fatalities each year on U.S. roads. Additionally, 1.2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted each year by U.S. motorists driving on under-inflated tires.

To further educate motorists, Discount Tire is providing free tire safety inspections at more than 750 stores throughout the U.S. to encourage drivers to adopt proper tire maintenance habits. The inspection performed by a tire technician takes 3-5 minutes.

Additionally, Discount Tire is lending the support of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver David Ragan to the RMA. Ragan is the driver of the No. 6 Discount Tire Ford Fusion with Roush Fenway Racing. Ragan is featured in the RMA's national radio public service announcement regarding the importance of maintaining proper vehicle tire inflation pressure.

Maintaining tire inflation pressure is one of the most critical things motorists can do to improve their road safety and get the most from their tires. Improperly inflated tires lead to decreased steering and braking control as well as excessive tire wear and fuel consumption.

According to a RMA survey (2009) of more than 5,300 vehicles in 14 U.S. cities:

    --  Only 9% of vehicles had four properly inflated tires
    --  49% of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire
    --  19% of vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per
        square inch (psi)
    --  26% of vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 6 psi
    --  38% if vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 4 psi

The RMA launched National Tire Safety Week in April 2002 as an initiative of its "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program. PART stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Discount Tire has been involved in the initiative since its inception.

Tire Care Tip Sheet

    1. Get Pressure Right - Low tire pressure decreases fuel economy.  Tires may
       lose up to 1 pound per square inch (psi) per month.  The specific
       inflation pressure number can be found on the vehicle placard located on
       the driver's side doorpost, glove box door, fuel door or in the
       owner's manual.  For accurate pressure, check tires when cool and
       don't forget the spare.  Custom tires and wheels may change standard
       air pressure requirements, so if you customize have a pro check them out
       before you go.
    2. Don't Overload Vehicle - Overloading decreases fuel economy due to
       increased wind drag and cargo weight.  Handing, control and braking are
       also negatively impacted.
    3. Rotate Before You Go - Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear
       and improve road performance.  Tires rotated every 6,000 - 8,000 miles
       have longer life and help maximize your tire investment.  It makes sense
       to get a tire inspection when you rotate.
    4. Straighten Up - Proper tire alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle
       control as well as a ride that is smooth, comfortable and free of pulling
       or vibration.  Proper alignment helps tires wear evenly and last longer.

    5. Bald Isn't Beautiful - Lack of tread affects the tire's ability
       to grip the road.  Make sure tires don't have uneven wear, high or
       low areas or unusually smooth areas that can increase the risk of road
       accidents.

About Discount Tire

Discount Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the world's largest independent tire and wheel retailer. Also known as America's Tire in Oregon and some parts of California, Discount Tire currently operates more than 750 stores across the country. At tires.com, customers can research, order and make an appointment for service. For more information about Discount Tire and America's Tire, visit www.tires.com.

    Media Contacts:
    Joseph Valdez or Lauren Pokras
    The Lavidge Company
    jvaldez@lavidge.com
    lpokras@lavidge.com
    (480) 998-2600

SOURCE Discount Tire