AKRON, Ohio, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• Proper tire inflation is one of the easiest automotive maintenance items.
• Goodyear's Fuel Max tires can help reduce fuel costs.
• Vacation travel is increasing and tire care should ramp up.

To coincide with the Memorial Day weekend – the traditional kickoff of summer travel – and a tire care observance this month, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) is urging everyone to show a little TLC toward their tires.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

The number of people expected to travel more than 50 miles during the coming holiday weekend is an increase over the period last year, and 88 percent of those travelers will reach their destination by car, according to the automobile group AAA.

Additionally, National Tire Safety Week, held during June 3-9, is a period that emphasizes the simple steps drivers can take to ensure their tires are in good working condition. Research reveals that motorists rank tires as the second-most important safety feature in vehicles next to brakes, yet only a third of consumers properly check their tire inflation pressure.

Improper air pressure in tires can lead to a multitude of problems – from uneven and accelerated tire wear, to structural damage in a tire. An underinflated tire also has the potential to affect tire performance, including making a vehicle less fuel-efficient. With temperatures rising and vacation travel commencing, the attention given to the care and maintenance of tires should be heightened, according to Goodyear officials.

"Checking tires for proper inflation and tread condition is one of the most critical – and easiest – maintenance procedures for a consumer," said John Peer, vice president of Goodyear Retail. "It doesn't take much time or sophisticated equipment. Drivers can check their tires by themselves, or any of our retail outlets would be happy to provide the service."

Goodyear-owned retail outlets and participating independent Goodyear retailers offer a service in which consumers can stop in without an appointment for a free tire check. This includes an inspection of the tread condition and tire inflation, with air added at no charge if the inflation level is down.

According to research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), not only do most drivers ignore their tires, most simply do not know enough about how to care for the tires correctly.

Goodyear recommends that motorists should check tire inflation at least monthly or before a long trip. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the owner's manual, not the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall.

In addition to proper inflation, according to Peer, another way consumers can potentially benefit from increased fuel efficiency is by choosing a tire such as Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max. Available at Goodyear retail outlets, Assurance Fuel Max has a fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls. This helps to save 2,600 miles' worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.* The Fuel Max tire is available for most cars, and for many SUVs and crossovers.

Among other initiatives from Goodyear during National Tire Safety Week are these:

• Goodyear outlets will distribute the RMA's "Be Tire Smart, Play Your PART" consumer booklets. Those guides stress the importance of inflation pressure, wheel alignment, tire rotation and visual checks of tire tread.
• On www.goodyear.com, visitors will find extensive information on tire care, product selection and more. The "Personal Tire Care" section contains advice on tire pressure and proper inflation, visual inspections, tire repairs, saving fuel and more.
• With their lighted message boards, Goodyear's famous blimps continue to spread the tire care message while in flight, urging consumers on the ground to check tire pressure and treadwear.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 73,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 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 or its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

(*2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement on a 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 the tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.)

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company