Millions Rolling on Bald Tires

Could this be you? I look out the window today and I see wet roads from the recent rain. Bald tires or even tires with low tread can lead to accidents. Have your tires check soon and we can check the pressure if your tires are in good condition to help you get better mileage and lower your emissions for a cleaner environment.

Millions Rolling on Bald Tires: RMA Report
A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months.
11/24/2009
Millions of drivers are sporting at least one bald tire, putting themselves and others at risk, according to research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, which can increase the risk of a crash, particularly in wet weather conditions that frequently occur during fall and winter months. Extrapolating that result out, that means that nearly 28 million vehicles are in dire need to new treads.According to AAA, an estimated 33.2 million motorists will take to the road for Thanksgiving travel and that means nearly 4 million motorists could be at risk by driving on bald tires.Additional alarming statistics revealed in a national motorist phone survey earlier this year found that 64 percent of car owners did not know how to check tread depth and 9 percent never check tread depth, said RMA.“In this bad economy, drivers may be delaying necessary vehicle maintenance to save costs,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “But that delay may cost you more dearly if worn out tires lead to a crash with injuries or fatalities.”“Your tires literally keep your vehicle attached to the road," Cannon said. “Bald tires are dangerous because they cannot grip the road properly, they increase stopping distances and can contribute to skidding or loss of vehicle control."Not only are too many motorists not paying attention to tread depth, they also are ignoring tire inflation pressure. Under-inflated tires also pose a safety risk, wear out faster and increase vehicle fuel consumption.A similar survey of more than 5,400 vehicles' tire pressure conducted in March through May 2009, RMA found that only 9 percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires, and 50 percent had at least one under-inflated tire – 19 percent of which had at least one tire under-inflated by 8 psi. (Tire Review)

American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops

I found this article through AAA. Very interesting news.

American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops, Data Shows
Right to Repair proponents say research demonstrates need for legislation.
11/24/2009
Proponents of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act Web say that new data revealing the economic importance of the automotive aftermarket to consumers shows why Congress needs to pass legislation to ensure a competitive repair market. According to the new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion or $360 per family annually. The newly released data also provides estimated figures on the number of repair shops per state and congressional district, plus estimated sales per shop, overall sales and savings realized by choosing an independent repair shop per state and congressional district."This comprehensive data provides even more evidence that the automotive aftermarket is a central part of the economy and that consumers will realize significant savings from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace," said Ray Pohlman, president of CARE. "An extra $360 annually can help a family buy groceries and pay medical bills. Passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) is paramount to ensuring that there will be a competitive automotive repair industry now and in the future.""This data reveals that significant dollars are at stake not only to the U.S. economy but to each American family in passing Right to Repair legislation. The study further explains why the car manufacturers would like to retain control of the repair information, tools and software needed by independent repair shops to repair late model vehicles," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. "Every single person who owns or operates a vehicle stands to suffer economically if the Right to Repair Act is not passed."The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) currently has the support of 46 members of the House of Representatives. Data from the study is now available on the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act website at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.Consumers interested in supporting Right to Repair can send a letter urging their members of Congress to support the pending legislation by visiting www.righttorepair.org. autocarepro:news Copyright © 2009 autocarepro:news All Rights Reserved.