If you haven't had your tires checked lately - now is the time. Discount Tire is celebrating National Tire Safety Week by offering complimentary tire safety checks nationwide. It will offer free tire and air pressure checks at its 1,200 locations across 39 states from June 30 through July 3.
It couldn't come at a better time, too, just ahead of the July 4th holiday. This year, AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. With July 4th being one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, Discount Tire says it recommends taking a moment to check your vehicle, as tires can be the difference in arriving at a destination safely.
"National Tire Safety Week is an opportunity for us to team up with partners like the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to elevate our No. 1 priority message: tire safety," said Tom Williams, chief experience officer at Discount Tire. "Drivers often overlook the fact that tires are the only part of their vehicle that makes contact with the road. Having properly maintained tires is crucial, especially during hot and heavy travel months."
Tire Safety Tips
Discount Tires also shares five tire safety tips to keep in mind:
- Check your tread at a retailer such as Discount Tire to determine if your tires have enough tread left to provide a safe stopping distance. Drivers can also do a DIY tread depth check at home by sticking a penny upside down in a tread groove — it's time to replace them if Lincoln's head is visible.
- Maintain proper air pressure and check it at least once a month when the tires are cool — especially before a long trip. Incorrect air pressure can lead to poor handling, worse gas mileage, and uneven wear. Hot summer temperatures affect tire pressure; for every 10 degrees in ambient temperature change, the tire air pressure changes 1 psi.
- Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles or earlier if uneven wear develops.
- Replace tires that are 6 years old or older. Rubber becomes harder and brittle as it ages, so drivers should check the age of their tires on the DOT number stamped on the tire's sidewall. We share more on the DOT number and what the numbers mean here →
- Check your trunk to see what equipment your car contains for tire emergencies, such as tire inflation kits that include puncture-coating sealants and air compressors.
- Find the right tires through Treadwell, Discount Tire's proprietary tire recommendation tool that empowers consumers to find the best tires based on their unique driving needs, where they drive, and what they drive.
During National Tire Safety Week, drivers can schedule a complimentary tire safety check online at any Discount Tire or America's Tire location. Discount Tire partners with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to spread driver safety education year-round.
Discount Tire says it's also offering up to $80 instant savings on select tires and wheels from June 28 through July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. For more information, visit discounttire.com.
Photo Credit: Discount Tire.