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When It's Hot -- Check Your Tires!

20 July 1998

When It's Hot -- Check Your Tires; "Heat Can Be Tire's Worst Enemy," says Yokohama

    FULLERTON, Calif.--July 17, 1998--As the nation swelters through record-breaking temperatures, Yokohama Tire Corporation reminds all drivers that heat is a tire's worst enemy.
    "As ambient temperature rises, so does pavement temperature, reducing the ability of truck tires to dissipate heat," says William J. Forsch, director of marketing for YTC's Commercial Products Division. "Operating temperature increases with the heat. It's critical to keep air pressure high enough to keep tires in the proper operating temperature range."
    "Although drivers might want to increase speed to beat the heat, this isn't the time to do so," says Forsch. "Higher speeds generate even higher heat. That can lead to premature tire failure."
    Yokohama reminds truck drivers to check tire temperatures in the coolest part of the morning, before driving. Tire pressure measured after the vehicle has been driven any distance will be higher and inaccurate.
    YTC provides additional information on its commercial and consumer products via the World Wide Web at http://www.Yokohamatire.com.
    Yokohama Tire Corporation manufactures, markets and distributes a complete line of products for high performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications.