AKRON, Ohio, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As America's Independence Day weekend approaches, a recent AAA survey reveals high gas prices will impact travel plans for 44 percent of intended travelers, leaving 70 percent looking for other ways to save.

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According to the motorist group, the national average price for regular gasoline during the holiday weekend is expected to remain approximately one dollar per gallon higher than last year.

For drivers looking for other ways to save on summer travel, choosing the right tires could be the answer. Choosing a tire such as Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max can help drivers save gas and spend less money getting to their destination.

"As drivers across the U.S. and Canada begin planning for lengthy summer road trips, many of them are looking for ways to deal with the high price of fuel," said Gary Medalis, Goodyear brand general manager. "Goodyear's expertise in Fuel Max Technology can be as important for their summer vacations as packing the sunscreen."

An innovative tire, Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max features a proprietary fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls, so less gas is required to keep the tire rolling.  The 4 percent improvement in highway fuel economy delivered by Fuel Max tires means drivers can save up to 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of 4 tires.*

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max was named one of the "100 Most Innovative Products of the Year" by Popular Science magazine. The tire made the Popular Science "Best of What's New" 2009 list of products in the Automotive Technology category.

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires also have been selected as original equipment fitments for recognized fuel-efficient vehicles, such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, 2010 Ford Fusion S, and 2010 Toyota Prius.

The tire has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires will carry the familiar Good Housekeeping Seal on product packaging, in brochures and advertisements, and various displays. The Seal is an emblem of Good Housekeeping's consumer policy, which offers a two-year, money-back limited warranty within two years of purchase. See warranty for full details.

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is available to consumers, and offers all-season traction with a full range of 37 sizes, fitting more than 80 percent of the passenger tire segment. Additionally, Assurance cs Fuel Max is a tire with the same fuel-saving benefits, available in 21 sizes for SUVs and crossover vehicles. **

Goodyear urges motorists to regularly check tread depth and tire inflation. Properly inflated tires will benefit the vehicle's performance, provide even-wearing tires for longer tread life, and even help improve fuel efficiency.

See www.goodyear.com for more details on the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires.

Goodyear (NYSE: GT) is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 72,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 55 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

* Up to 2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size – 2008 Honda Civic.  Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

**Up to 2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, 245/65R17 size as compared to the Goodyear Fortera SilentArmor tire tested on P245/65R17 size - 2005 Honda Pilot EX. Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company