Discount Tire Gears Up for Summer Driving Season, Offers Fuel Efficiency Tips and Free Tire Checks at 600 Stores

Helps Motorists Save Up to 9 Cents per Gallon of Gasoline

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 22 -- With gasoline prices guzzling dollars from pocketbooks, Discount Tire is reminding drivers to keep tires properly inflated to increase fuel efficiency and save money. Whether going on a trip across town or across the country, maintaining proper air pressure will help motorists maximize fuel economy.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers can improve gas mileage by about 3.3 percent by keeping their tires inflated to the proper air pressure, saving up to $0.09 per gallon. The organization also found that under-inflated tires may lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every pound per square inch (PSI) drop in pressure of all four tires.

Regardless of the brand, type or age of a vehicle's tires, Discount Tire continually reminds drivers to take five minutes each month to check tire air pressure, including the spare, for increased cost savings and safety. Keeping the correct air pressure in vehicle tires is as important as giving an engine a tune up. In fact, the economic benefits may be even greater. Likewise, proper tire maintenance will help tires wear longer and improve handling.

  Discount Tire's Five Summer Safety Tips for Improving Gas Mileage:

  1.  Maintain Proper Tire Air Pressure -- The Rubber Manufacturers
      Association reports that under-inflated tires are a tire's number one
      enemy.  Low tire pressure decreases fuel economy approximately
      two-to-three miles per gallon.  Check air-pressure monthly and before
      long trips to ensure safety and to save money.

  2.  Check Air Pressure When Tires Are Cool -- Air pressure in a tire tends
      to increase in warm weather and decrease in cold weather.  The
      pressure changes one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
      For accurate pressure, check pressure when tires are cool.  The
      specific inflation pressure number is noted by the vehicle
      manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle placard located on the
      driver's doorpost or the glove box door, fuel door or in the owner's
      manual.

  3.  Remove Excess Weight -- The heavier a vehicle is the more energy it
      takes to move.  Excess weight can take an unnecessary toll on fuel
      economy and tire wear.  Avoid keeping extra items in your vehicle,
      especially heavy ones.  An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce
      a vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) by up to two percent.

  4.  Rotate Tires Regularly -- Rotating tires regularly is an essential
      part of maintaining tire performance.  Regular tire rotation achieves
      uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.  Tires should be rotated
      every 6,000 miles for optimal wear.  It's important to note that
      actual tread wear performance can vary tremendously according to the
      tire's real-world use: variations in driving habits, service practices
      (most importantly air pressure maintenance), road conditions and
      climate affect tire life.

  5.  Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment -- Alignment is a key maintenance
      factor in getting the most wear and performance from vehicle tires.
      In addition, wheel alignment provides safe and predictable vehicle
      control as well as a smooth and comfortable ride that is free of
      pulling or vibration.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association stated that 85 percent of drivers surveyed do not check their tire pressure properly, and many simply do not know enough about proper tire care. Taking just a couple of minutes each month to check tire pressure will make a vehicle more gas-efficient and safe.

Drivers may stop by any Discount Tire or America's Tire store to receive a free tire inspection, air gauge and tread depth card.

About Discount Tire and America's Tire

Discount Tire is America's largest independent tire company. Also referred to as America's Tire in California and Oregon, Discount Tire currently has more than 600 stores and four distribution centers in 19 states. The company provides retail sales of tires, wheels and related accessories and services through retail outlets and mail/Internet orders. In addition to allowing customers the ability to book online appointments, tires.com offers online access to Discount Tire products, services and information for customers in markets without a physical store presence. For more information on Discount Tire, visit www.tires.com.

  * Editor's note:

                Sport Utility Vehicle Cost Savings Example
  (Total based on 52 tank fill-ups per year.  Sample uses largest SUVs.)
  Average Miles Per Gallon                             15
  Average Gallons Per Tank                             28
  Average Mileage Per Tank                            420
  Average Cost Savings Per Tank                      $2.52
  Average Cost Savings on Fuel Per Year             $131.04

                  Source: Discount Tire / America's Tire