BOUND BROOK, N.J., June 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STS Tire & Auto Centers is helping drivers grasp the best tire maintenance practices during National Tire Safety Week (June 1-7).
100% employee-owned STS Tire & Auto Centers today announced that it has teamed up with the Rubber Manufactures Association to educate motorists on becoming tire savvy to maximize driving efficiency and stay safe on the road.
Throughout the week, STS Tire & Auto Centers will offer complimentary 28-point tire and vehicle inspections, which include visually checking tires, brakes, headlights, fluid levels, the air filter and battery, belts, hoses and more.
STS is encouraging drivers to take advantage of free compressed air at all of its locations to ensure proper tire inflation. Company experts will be on hand to explain how to check tire pressure, measure tread depth and additional key tire maintenance recommendations.
"With the busy travel season upon us it's important that consumers understand the importance of tire maintenance and the impact it can have on the safety and reliability of their vehicle," said STS President Bill Caulin. "That's why we take the time to answer customers' questions, and make ourselves available as a trusted, year-round resource. We're here to offer our expertise so consumers not only get the most for their dollar, but also peace of mind on the road."
"Too many motorists continue to ignore the only equipment on their vehicles that touch the road," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs. "It takes just five minutes to check and properly inflate tires to optimize vehicle fuel economy and reduce the risk of tire problems."
STS reminds drivers to check tire pressure monthly and before big excursions to avoid premature tire failure. Motorists should look for the placard on the driver's doorsill for the proper inflation pressures for their tires. Check tire pressure before driving, when tires are cold, or three hours after driving for accurate readings. Include the spare in your monthly check to ensure that the tire is ready should you need it. To check for proper tread depth, place a penny upside down in the tread; replace the tire if you can see Lincoln's entire head.
In addition, STS recommends extending the life of a tire by avoiding quick acceleration, and avoiding potholes which can throw a vehicle out of alignment. Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even tread wear. Be sure that your tire valve cap is on to keep the valve clean and prevent slow air leaks. Check your tire balance occasionally to help guarantee even tread wear. Don't overload your vehicle, as unnecessary weight strains tires, and also wastes fuel.
For additional information and to find a location near you, please visit http://www.ststire.com .
TOP 10 TIRE CARE TIPS
(Provided by: Rubber Manufacturers Association)
- Don't wait until it's too late – Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once per month and before every long trip. Under inflated tires causes excess heat build-up that can damage tires and lead to a failure.
- Know your pressure point – The correct tire pressure is found on a sticker on the driver's door, doorpost or owner's manual, NOT on the tire sidewall — that's the maximum pressure for the tire.
- Keep your cool – To accurately measure your tire pressure, check tires when they are cold. Wait at least three hours after driving.
- Take care of your spare – Check your spare tire each month and keep it properly inflated so it's ready to go when you need it most.
- Penny for your thoughts – A penny can tell you if your tire is bald. Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a new tire.
- Keep yourself in line – Be aware of potholes that can not only damage your tire but can also jar your car's alignment. Driving at moderate speeds and avoiding jackrabbit starts can also avoid damage and uses less fuel.
- Pick a date and rotate – Make sure you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to promote uniform wear and longer tire life.
- Don't take a spin without a cap – Driving without your tire valve cap allows for a slow leak of air from the tire and eventual under inflation.
- Don't lose your balance – It is important to have your tire balance checked periodically to avoid irregular wear.
- Be a weight-watcher – Overloading your vehicle stresses your tires and can lead to damage. Every 200lbs of extra weight reduces fuel economy by one mpg. Don't carry unnecessary equipment in the trunk!
ABOUT Somerset Tire Service (STS Tire & Auto Centers):
Founded in 1958 in Somerset County, NJ, Somerset Tire Service (also known as STS Tire & Auto Centers) has taken pride in providing exceptional service and superior value to customers for more than 55 years. STS Tire & Auto Centers is the largest independent tire and automotive service company in the Northeast, with retail locations throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Unique to the retail tire and automotive repair industry, STS is an employee-owned company, dedicated to providing customers with convenient locations where long-term relationships are established based on TRUST. To continue to uphold its reputation for honesty and ethical business practices, employee-owners still follow the STS promise , which was established by the company's founder:
- Your vehicle is ready when promised.
- Our work is done right the first time.
- You pay only for work you authorized.
This is proof that Nobody Treats You Like An Owner.
STS Tire & Auto Centers is a full-service tire and automotive service retailer. Services provided include oil changes to brakes, batteries, engines, shocks, struts, and more. Product offerings include top quality major brands such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, Toyo, Pirelli, Goodyear, Yokohama, Continental and more, plus brand name automotive parts. Each location is staffed with well-trained management and ASE-certified technicians who take pride in caring for your vehicle as if it were their own. STS Tire & Auto Centers service a wide variety of vehicles, foreign and domestic, including passenger cars, minivans, light trucks, CUVs, and SUVs. For additional information, please visit http://www.ststire.com , "Like" us at http://www.facebook.com/ststire and follow us at http://twitter.com/STSTire . STS is a proud partner of the 2014 Special Olympics.
ABOUT Rubber Manufacturers Association:
RMA launched National Tire Safety Week in April 2002 as an initiative of its Be Tire Smart -- Play Your PART program. PART is an acronym that stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread – the four essential elements of tire care.
A survey of more than 3,300 vehicles by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found nearly 7 out of 10 vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.
Other findings from RMA's 2014 tire pressure survey include:
- Only 9 percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires.
- 69% of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.
- 18 percent of vehicles have at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Previous RMA research showed how little motorists understand about basic tire care.
- 5 out of 6 motorists do not properly check tire pressure.
- 2 out of 3 motorists do not check the spare tire.
- Half of all motorists do not know how tell if a tire is bald.
RMA recommends that tire pressure be checked at least once every month with a tire gauge. The recommended tire pressure for every vehicle is set by vehicle manufacturers and can be found on a label usually placed on the driver's door or check the owner's manual. Also, tires should be checked when cold, or haven't been driven for at least three hours.
For additional tire safety tips or to learn more about National Tire Safety Week, visit www.betiresmart.org .
Company Contact: Lauren Leary STS Tire & Auto Centers Marketing Coordinator 732.356.8500 x221
