PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Les Schwab Tire Centers have made a commitment to help reduce the amount of toxic lead being released onto roads in the Northwest.

The tire dealer has announced plans to phase out use of lead-based wheel weights for wheel balancing on passenger cars and light trucks in all stores throughout its seven states of operation. The company expects to eliminate all sales of lead-based wheel weights for these vehicles by mid-2009.

“We are moving from lead to steel wheel weights because our customers are looking for better alternatives,” said Dick Borgman, CEO, Les Schwab Tire Centers. “For the last two years we have been working with our supplier to develop an excellent steel wheel weight alternative and are excited to start using it exclusively.

“We are taking steps to redefine industry standards for wheel weights in order to meet customer expectations, and provide the kind of product and service excellence everyone has come to expect from Les Schwab. Steel wheel weights are good for our customers and for the local communities where we operate,” Borgman added.

The elimination of lead-based wheel weights for passenger cars and light trucks is just one of several environmental practices established by Les Schwab Tire Centers. The company is one of the largest tire retreaders in the United States and it maintains a program for recycling waste tires as well. Les Schwab also recycles wheel weights and scrap steel.