Make sure your tires are road-ready this holiday season
Tire expert available to provide tips on how to check tire tread and ensure vehicles are ready for winter weather and holiday travel
Winter Travel & Tire Safety Interview
Dan Zielinski, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at the
Rubber Manufacturers Association
Gearing up for the upcoming travel season, millions of drivers are putting themselves at increased risk by ignoring a key element to keeping them and their families safe: their tires. A recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association reveals that nearly one-third of drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald.
Proper tire tread is a key element to tire safety, especially during the winter while driving in wet, snowy or icy conditions. Checking your tires for proper tread is easy using either the wear bars on the tires, or the “Penny Test”.
Bald tires cannot properly grip the road which can lead to slipping, sliding and even crashes, especially in the changing fall/winter weather conditions.
RMA recommends that drivers follow a Road Trip checklist before hitting the road for travel:
• Tread: Check your tire tread using the “Penny Test.”
• Pressure: Check tire pressure before a long trip. Under inflation can lead to tire failure.
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading your vehicle stresses your tires and can lead to damage and reduced fuel economy.
• Don’t Forget to Check the Spare: Check your spare tire and keep it properly inflated so it’s ready when you need it most.
Dan Zielinski, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at the Rubber Manufacturers Associationwill be available for interviews to share with listeners how to determine if their tires are ready for the winter months. He will cover:
• How to use a penny to check tire tread depth
• Wear bars-what are they, and how to use to check tread
• How to check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge
• Where to find the correct inflation pressure on your vehicle (hint-it’s not on the tire)
• Importance of checking tires when they are cold or haven’t been driven on for at least three hours
• Inspect tread for damage – punctures, cuts, bulges
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