AKRON (May 1, 2002) — To address what it terms "consumer apathy toward tires," Goodyear is offering a lineup of tire care initiatives to coincide with the Rubber Manufacturers Association's National Tire Safety Week this week.
"Undoubtedly, if we could grab consumers' attention, and help them to understand that proper maintenance of vehicles and tires translates into increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, they would more likely take care of their tires," said John Polhemus, president of Goodyear North American Tire.
Items being provided by Goodyear include:
* A consumer booklet, The Complete Tire Safety Guide. Printed by Goodyear and available at many Goodyear retailers, the guide teaches consumers about tire maintenance.
* The RMA's Be Tire Smart, Play Your PART consumer booklets, which stress the importance of inflation pressure, wheel alignment, tire rotation and visual checks of tire tread.
* Goodyear's poster, 5 Easy Ways, which was delivered to its retailers nationwide and informs consumers about proper tire inflation, rotation, inspection, balance and repair.
* Goodyear's Web site, www.goodyeartires.com, offers visitors information on tire care, product selection and more.
In addition, Goodyear's three U.S. blimps are spreading the tire care message while in flight via their lighted message boards.
At Goodyear-owned outlets, consumers can have their tires checked for free, including an inspection of tread condition and tire inflation. Some outlets also are offering safety check lanes and car care clinics, the company said.
"Goodyear has promoted tire care and maintenance for many years – through initiatives in driver training programs, consumer brochures, in-store car care clinics and assorted point-of-purchase displays," Mr. Polhemus said. "For too long, much of that effort fell on disinterested ears. Recent events in our industry have created an opportunity to take our tire care message to a much more receptive consumer, and we have been doing that."