Bridgestone Rolls Into National Tire Safety Week With Reminder For Drivers To Maintain Tires

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Tire Safety Week, Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) is urging drivers to spend a few minutes this week properly maintaining their tires for optimal performance, fuel economy, and to extend the wear and service life of their tires. National Tire Safety Week, an initiative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), is June 1-7, and focuses on educating drivers about the importance and benefits of tire maintenance.  

To get the most wear performance and service life out of tires, Bridgestone Americas encourages drivers to follow three easy steps:

• Inflate: The most important aspect of tire maintenance is monthly checks of tire inflation pressure. Tires can lose one psi (pounds per square inch) per month under normal conditions. According to research from the RMA, while three out of four drivers wash their cars monthly, only one out of seven correctly checks tire pressure.
• Rotate: Regular tire rotations also will help prevent irregular and premature wear. RMA research also shows that forty percent of drivers have not rotated their tires within the typical recommended interval of 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Evaluate: Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage. The "penny test" is a simple way to check tread wear. With Lincoln's head down, place a penny — head down — in the tread. If Lincoln's head is visible, the treads are too worn and need replacing.

"Tires are the only part of a car that is in contact with the road, so it's important for drivers to take a few extra minutes each month and check for proper inflation and condition," said Kurt Berger, Manager, Consumer Sales Engineering at Bridgestone. "Underinflated tires can waste money at the pump, and more importantly, they can also put drivers and passengers at risk. We've made it easy for drivers to remember: inflate, rotate and evaluate. Those three simple steps can make a big difference in tire performance."

Routine tire inspection and care can help drivers get the most wear life out of their tires. Bridgestone Retail Operations stores nationwide, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheels Works, offer free tire inspections by professionals in automotive and tire service, and maintenance.

Bridgestone is committed to serving as a community resource for drivers, and this extends beyond free tire checks at the company's nationwide network of stores. The Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart program is dedicated to equipping young drivers with knowledge and skills that will help make them make smarter decisions behind the wheel. The program offers a video contest where participants compete for more than $35,000 in scholarships, while the driving experience is a free half-day clinic available in 12 cities where young drivers receive hands-on instruction from professional drivers. More information about Teens Drive Smart is available at www.teensdrivesmart.com.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

About Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC:

Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus™, ExpertTire™ and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care™ operations are also part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas