TT] 7 v ANN nny RN \\ I mM Lr co ( Checking Tire Condition Vital To Personal Safety (NAPSA)—In the wake of recent major nationaltire recalls, people are beginningto realize the importanceof tire safety and truly understanding the condition of their vehicles. Even with the enormous media exposure, still this issue hasn’t reached everyone. Statistics show that more than two million people have yet to get their recalled tires replaced—a dangerous gameto be playing. According to Mitchell G. Leibovitz, chairman, CEO and president of Pep Boys, a leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, and one of the nation’s largest tire retailers, “Families need to feel safe and protected when they get into their vehicles, so whether or not their Checking your tires regularly is an important part of automotive safety. Protruding Objects or Punc- tures—Glass,rocks or bits of metal tires are the subject of a recall, it’s vital that everyone check the condition of their tires and keep them in top shape.” Pep Boyscertified technicians say this can be donein a few simple steps either at home or by a trusted professional. The three things to look for are properinflation, even tread wear and protrud- can get caught between tire treads and eventually work their way deeper into the tire, potentially causing air loss. Anything puncturing the tire should be left in. Your vehicle should be taken to a specialist and you should have thetire repaired or replaced immediately to avoid additional tire damage. If you need to purchase new Proper Inflation—When your tires are cold, use a tire road hazard warranties. Someof these warranties typically have coverage that extends to damage such as unrepairable tread punctures, damage from potholes, nails, glass and jagged metal, which causes ing objects or punctures. pressure gauge to measure the pressure on all four tires. It should read the same as the correct PSI printed on thetire wall. If you don’t know how to read that, ask a Pep Boys service technician to help. They'll also help inflate or deflate your tires to the correct pressurelevel. Tread Wear—Lookat both the inside and outside edges of each tire to check for uneven tread wear. If your tires are worn more on one side than the other, you should have an expert look to see if a tire alignmentor possible rotation is needed. Also be sure to check the tread depth. When it has worn down to 1/16 of an inch, it’s time for a newsetof tires, because you'll soon be driving on smooth rubber, which is dangerous. tires, look for ones that come with cuts, snags, punctures, impact breaks, bruises and rim cuts. Cover- age with a Road Hazard Warranty usually extendsfor the full period of the mileage of the tire. It’s important to note that certain restrictions apply with most warranties. “Good driving habits and preventive maintenance—proper air pressure, balance, alignment, and rotation—can add miles to your tires and provide better fuel economy and safety for you and your family,” added Leibovitz. For more information about tire care or to find the Pep Boys store nearest you, call 1-800-PEPBOYSor visit www.pepboys.com.
