TIA offers tips to safely get through winter driving season.
Press Release Summary:
According to TIA, there are 4 steps drivers can take to ensure they are driving safely during winter months. If living in area that receives considerable amount of snow, buying winter tires may be a wise investment. If driver hits exceptionally large or deep pothole, they should check tires immediately. Additionally, drivers should keep tires properly inflated and rotated, and keep rock salt or cat litter in trunk to help gain traction if they slide off road.
Original Press Release:
TIA Has Four Tips to Get You Safely Through The Winter Driving Season
Bowie, MD - With snow, ice, bitter cold, potholes and other winter delights soon upon us, many drivers do not have the proper knowledge on how to care for their tires in the winter months. In addition, with the current economy, many drivers may not be as attentive to their tires as they should be.
According to the Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the world's leading authorities on tires and wheels, the results of this lack of knowledge and inattention could prove to be deadly. TIA reminds drivers that there are four steps drivers can take to ensure they are driving safely in these winter months:
Consider using winter tires. According to TIA Senior Vice President of Training Kevin Rohlwing, "If you live in an area that receives a considerable amount of snow, buying winter tires may be a wise investment, as they will provide much better traction in the snow than all-season tires." Rohlwing cautions that in certain areas that receive more snow and cold weather, many winter tire sizes quickly run out of stock, so he recommends that consumers call tire dealers in their area to check availability for their automobile's make and model.
If you hit an exceptionally large or deep pothole, check your tires immediately. According to Rohlwing, one of the greatest menaces to tires is the pothole. While most modern tires are designed to withstand a certain amount of shock from an impact with a pothole, if your car hits an exceptionally deep or large pothole, the resulting damage could be significant. Therefore, Rohlwing recommends consumers perform a visual inspection of the affected tire(s), and consider having a trained tire service professional examine the tire(s) after hitting such a pothole. "If your car is vibrating after hitting a pothole, take it to a knowledgeable tire dealer immediately. The damage could be something minor, such as your car being thrown out of alignment, or, it could be something more severe, such as an impact break, which could cause a tire failure," said Rohlwing.
Keep rock salt or cat litter in the trunk. "In case you slide off the road, having rock salt, cat litter, or other similar materials can help your tires gain traction to get back on the road," said Rohlwing. Having a bag or two in your trunk will also provide some weight to a vehicle, which will also aid in traction.
As always, make sure you keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. Improper tire inflation is one of the major causes of tire failures. Check the tire pressure at least once a month before driving the vehicle, when tires are "cold." Consult the owner's manual or driver-side door placard for the recommended tire pressure. Additionally, Rohlwing advises that rotating tires every 5,000 - 7,000 miles can help tires last longer, thus saving consumers considerable money on replacement tires.
For more information, consumers can visit www.tireindustry.org.
About TIA:
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
