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Tenneco Automotive Encourages Seasonal Safety Inspections

26 June 1998

Summertime and the Inspection Is Easy; Tenneco Automotive Encourages Seasonal Safety Inspections

    LAKE FOREST, Ill., June 26 -- Automotive safety experts point
out the importance of the "Safety Triangle" -- the critical relationship
between tires, brakes and shock absorbers -- and the margin of safety these
components can possibly provide motorists during the summer vacation season.
Tenneco Automotive, the world-leader in ride control technology and marketer
of Monroe(R) brand products, suggests drivers take time before traveling to
inspect each point of the Safety Triangle.
    As motorists take to the summer roadways for extended vacation drives,
it's important to understand the Safety Triangle and its possible life-saving
benefits.  Tenneco Automotive's Monroe suspension safety expert, Terry
Heffelfinger, suggests motorists should, "Do more than simply check the fluid
levels and put air in the tires before the start of a long trip.  It's
summertime and an inspection is easy."
    According to Heffelfinger, shocks or struts provide more than ride
comfort.  The Safety Triangle identifies the critical relationship between any
vehicle's tires, brakes and suspension. "While tires and brakes are important
to safety, the third leg of the Safety Triangle are the shocks or struts.
These parts are designed to keep the wheel and tire in contact with the road,"
he said.  Additionally, when in proper working order, these parts help control
vehicle body movement, particularly during an emergency maneuver.
    The call for annual undercar safety inspections, especially important
before a long trip, is not new for the world's largest ride control
manufacturer.  "Tenneco Automotive has always encouraged motorists to have
these integral safety components inspected.  It's vital to keep the wheel and
tire in contact with the road.  This enables enhanced steering and braking,
both important considerations, particularly in an emergency stop or during an
avoidance maneuver," Heffelfinger said.
    Recent independent testing, sanctioned by the United States Auto Club
(USAC), confirms the importance of Tenneco Automotive's Safety Triangle
message to drivers and other road users.  Tenneco Automotive has consistently
asserted that degraded shocks or struts will affect vehicle safety
performance, particularly during an emergency maneuver.  Now the highly
respected USAC has verified that new shocks or struts provide an impressive
margin of safety that can mean the difference between avoidance or accident.
    As American motorists take to summer roadways, Tenneco Automotive suggests
they make the safety-smart decision -- have a local automotive expert inspect
brakes, including the ABS system if applicable, tires and suspension.
Heffelfinger adds, "Tenneco Automotive wants this summer to be the safest on
record.  We hope drivers everywhere will recognize the Safety Triangle message
and have their vehicles inspected.  It's easy and the benefits will last much
longer than two weeks in the sun."
    Monroe(R) ride control, Walker(R) exhaust, Rancho(R) suspension, and
DynoMaxa performance exhaust are products of Tenneco Automotive, which is
headquartered in Lake Forest, IL.  With 1997 worldwide sales of more than
$3 billion, the company operates 73 facilities in 22 countries in
North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific Rim region.
Its parent company, Tenneco is a global manufacturing company
based in Greenwich, Connecticut, with 1997 revenues of more than $7 billion.
    For more information on vehicle inspections or to contact a local
automotive expert in your area, call 888-SAFER RIDE.
    For more information on Tenneco Automotive, visit:
http://www.tenneco-automotive.com.

    SUMMER DRIVING SAFETY TIP:
    "Create a Margin of Safety by Looking Before You Leave..."

    Tenneco Automotive, marketer of Monroe ride control products, encourages
motorists to recognize the "safety triangle" and periodically have brakes,
tires and suspension inspected.  The safety triangle represents the critical
relationship between shocks or struts and the vehicle's brakes and tires.
Tenneco Automotive wants drivers "to look before they leave," especially
before a long trip.  This means understanding that shocks or struts provide
more than ride comfort.  In fact, a worn or degraded shock or strut can add up
to ten feet to a vehicle's stopping distance, according to independent tests
sanctioned by the United States Auto Club.  USAC certified testing proves
Monroe Sensa-Trac(R) shock absorbers with the Safe-Tech_ system can reduce
60-0 MPH braking distances over a dry bumpy surface by an average of 10 feet,
when compared to the same vehicles equipped with only one 50% degraded shock.
Results will vary depending on vehicle and driving conditions.  These critical
parts, brakes, tires and shocks/struts provide a critical margin of safety
during everyday driving or an emergency maneuver.  Take the Tenneco Automotive
Summer Driving safety hint -- recognize the safety triangle and, have a
wonderful trip!