WASHINGTON — Tire manufacturers will again spearhead a week-long effort to educate motorists about proper tire care during the sixth National Tire Safety Week, scheduled for April 22-28, 2007.
The annual event is an initiative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s (RMA) "Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART" program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition. RMA is the national trade association for tire manufacturers.
"This annual event is becoming more anticipated by the tire industry," said Dan Zielinski, RMA vice president, communications. "We continue to see increased levels of participation by tire retailers, auto dealers, auto repair facilities and AAA clubs. The event is an opportunity to communicate with consumers about the importance tire maintenance plays in vehicle and highway safety."
Zielinski said that participation in National Tire Safety Week grew from 12,000 retail outlets in 2005 to 15,000 in 2006. Most outlets participate by offering RMA’s "Be Tire Smart" brochures. He also noted that more retailers each year are taking advantage of the opportunity by advertising, holding promotions, free tire pressure checks and conducting media outreach.
"National Tire Safety Week has been a success because of the efforts by thousands of tire retailers, auto dealers, auto repair stations and others," said Zielinski. "We are grateful that we are able to take advantage of the expertise, experience and enthusiasm of so many people who are knowledgeable about tire care and dedicated to consumer education."
Partners in the Be Tire Smart program include tire retailers, auto dealers, safety advocates and state government agencies. Among the list of Be Tire Smart partners are: AAA, American Car Care Centers (ACCC), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Big 10 Tires, Belle Tire, Big O Tires, Costco, Discount Tire Co., Firestone Complete Auto Care, Goodyear Auto Centers, Kaufman Tire, Les Schwab, Merchant’s Tire, National Tire and Battery (NTB), National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), Northwest Tire, Peerless Tires, Pep Boys, Sears Automotive Centers, STS Tire and Auto Centers, Sullivan Tires, Tire Centers-LLC, Tire Factory, Tire Kingdom, Tires Plus, Tire Warehouse, Town Fair Tires, VIP Parts, Tires and Service and many others.
Tire and auto retailers who are interested in obtaining free RMA materials for National Tire Safety Week can order them online at http://www.betiresmart.org. Those who have participated in the event before can expect to receive materials again this year.
The Be Tire Smart program is funded by RMA’s tire manufacturer members: Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Continental Tire North America, Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Pirelli North America, Inc., Toyo Tire North America and Yokohama Tire Corporation.
