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With
more than 7 million motorists requiring roadside service
last summer and gasoline prices expected to reach an
all-time high this year; travelers are making every
effort to steer clear of typical travel inconveniences.
When it comes to avoiding a breakdown this season, the
answer is often found where the rubber hits the road.
Last year, tire-related issues caused nearly 1 million
motorists to require roadside assistance during the
months of June, July and August; while improperly inflated
tires are estimated to cost motorists over $3 billion
dollars in additional gasoline costs.
"People
often miss what's right under their nose," said
automotive expert Lauren Fix who — with more than 20
years of experience in the automotive industry and the
host of her own TV show on the Do It Yourself Network — has partnered with Fix-A-Flat® in the "Keep
Your Head on the Shoulder" outreach campaign.
"When
it comes to preparing your vehicle for a summer trip
it's important to start from the road up…with a
thorough inspection of your tires. People tend to assume
that everything they need to keep their car going is
located under the hood — yes that is a big part of it.
Don't forget-before you hit the road this summer; ensure
that your tires are ready to roll," Fix said
Despite
the large number of emergency service calls involve
tire problems, a recent study by the Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA), reports that 85 percent of drivers
still fail to properly check their tire pressure and
more than half of all motorists do not even know their
proper inflation number or where to find it. Further
data reveals that two out of three motorists do not even know
how tell if their tires are bald and 75 percent of U.S. drivers
are more likely to wash their cars each month and only
14 percent properly check tire pressure.
According
to most recent figures by the U.S. Department of Energy,
these inadequacies cost the country more than 4 million
gallons of gasoline each day due to under-inflated tires.
That amounts to nearly 1.5 billion gallons of wasted
gasoline annually and over $3 billion dollars a year
in additional gasoline costs to motorists. As gasoline
costs continue to rise, one of the easiest ways to improve
gas mileage is by proper tire inflation. Past statistics
indicate that drivers can improve their gas mileage
by more than 3 percent simply by keeping their tires
properly inflated.
Fix-A-Flat® continues its yearlong nationwide "Keep
Your Head on the Shoulder" educational initiative
with renowned car care expert Lauren Fix as an ongoing
effort to provide drivers with expert advice and valuable
tips on how to manage a roadside service situation.
This yearlong campaign is designed to present motorists
with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid a breakdown
and to react in a safe and efficient manner if one should
occur.
"Tires
are like sneakers," Fix said. "When they
become thin and worn, it can lead to poor performance
and possibly injury or breakdowns. Proper tire maintenance
not only can improve the performance and safety of your
car, but can also save on fuel efficiency. Remember
to keep tuned in to your tires… it's what keeps
you rolling."
(CONTINUED...)
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