Cooper Tire Encourages Summer Vacationers to Check Tires Before Road Trips

FINDLAY, Ohio, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As summer road trips are subject to rainy conditions, COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY encourages drivers to check tires before their trip to stay safe on slippery roads. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 1.2 million traffic accidents per year occur on wet roads, and Cooper Tire recommends drivers not only ensure their tires are in good condition, but also practice safe driving practices when rain effects road conditions.

"Tires are the only part of a vehicle connecting drivers to the road and it is essential that consumers make sure their tires are in proper condition to meet performance needs on wet roads," says Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper Tire. "Proper tire inflation and tread depth, along with cautious driving, will keep consumers safe as they plan for summer road trips."

Cooper's all-season tires meet the needs of drivers who are looking for value and performance from today's vehicles. Size coverage accommodates a wide range of vehicles from performance, sport models and sedans to SUVs, CUVs and light trucks. The Cooper Zeon RS3-A, CS4 Touring, and Discoverer CTS and A/T(3) are just a few examples of top tires for all seasons that offer the latest in design and performance providing optimum ride comfort, attractive styling, sporty handling and consistent treadwear. Visit coopertire.com for complete details on Cooper's all-season tire lineup.

Below is a recommended tire maintenance routine and safe driving tips, should drivers encounter wet weather.

Checking tread and monitoring tire pressure before road trips takes less than ten minutes with these do-it-yourself tips from Cooper Tire:

• As a general rule, the deeper the depth, the better. Tire tread depth should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep all around the tire. Drivers can check tread depth by inserting the edge of a U.S. penny in between the tread, with Lincoln going in headfirst. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered by tread, there is at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread. If the top of his head is visible at any location on the tire, it is time to replace the tire.
• While examining the tread, also look for signs of uneven wear or damage, including cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. These conditions shorten the life of tires and could cause further tire damage if left unnoticed.
• Drivers should follow the guidelines found in the vehicle owner's manual or tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge to determine the correct air pressure for their vehicle's tires. It is a common misconception that the tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the optimal pressure – in reality, it is the maximum pressure.
• Air pressure should be checked when the tires are completely cool.
• If any of these checks signal a need for tire maintenance, or if drivers are doubtful about the condition of tires, vehicles should be brought to a tire dealer for a professional inspection.

Hot, summer weather puts stress on all vehicle components, including tire pressure. Follow these tips to monitor vehicle changes in summer heat:

• Hot, summer weather can affect the rate at which the tire loses air. Tires can lose more than two pounds of air pressure per month in the summer heat, so check tire pressure regularly as underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
• Make sure engine oil, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid and brake fluid are all at recommended levels.
• Examine the vehicle's cooling system to avoid overheating.
  • When the engine is still cool, check the level of coolant in the radiator by looking for the plastic overflow tank under the hood. Add fluid before driving if levels are low.
  • Check for any loose connections that may need tightening and radiator hoses that feel "spongy," as they will need replacing.

When packing up for a road trip, consider these vehicle loading and overloading tips:

• Before packing the trunk and the roof, check out the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for loading the vehicle, which can be found on the vehicle information placard located on the vehicle door edge or in the vehicle owners' manual. Be aware that passengers count towards the total recommended vehicle weight.
• Overloading the vehicle creates excessive heat inside tires, which increases tread wear and stress.
• Tires and wheels that are off-balance or misaligned can cause uneven wear and other problems, especially on long road trips in a fully packed vehicle. Have a mechanic inspect vehicle alignment to avoid these issues.

With sunny skies and warmer temperatures also comes thunderstorms and slippery roads. Use caution any time roads are wet, as both deep and shallow layers of water can cause hydroplaning.  These safe-driving tips can help avoid hydroplaning on wet roads:

• Inspect tire tread regularly to avoid losing traction on wet roads due to worn tires.
• Ensure tires are properly inflated to help increase control on wet roads.
• Check the alignment and balance of tires, ensuring vehicles are properly equipped should a skid occur.
• Drive at a slower, safe speed, as wet traction is considerably reduced at higher speeds.
• Stay out of wheel ruts created by cars ahead, as rainwater collects in them and heightens the possibility of hydroplaning.
• Do not brake or turn when recovering from hydroplaning.

For more information on proper tire maintenance, visit www.coopertire.com.

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (Cooper) is the parent company of a global family of companies that specialize in the design, manufacture, marketing, and sales of passenger car and light truck tires. Cooper's headquarters is in Findlay, Ohio, with manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies, located in 11 countries around the world. For more information on Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire, www.twitter.com/coopertire.

SOURCE Cooper Tire & Rubber Company