PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Big O Tires L.L.C. has declared Aug. 21 "National Day of Alignment" in honor of the total solar eclipse that will sweep across the U.S. that day, and is planning eclipse-related events and promotions at select, participating franchisees in the path of the eclipse.
"Like a total solar eclipse, 100-percent alignment also matters when it comes to protecting your tire investment," said Kim McBee, vice president of marketing and advertising, Big O Tires.
"National Day of Alignment is designed to encourage drivers to inspect and correct their vehicles' alignment. And August 21 is the perfect reminder as we all observe the ultimate planetary homage to alignment."
Participating Big O stores in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma will close for two minutes and 40 seconds — the duration of the total eclipse at any given location — and will provide protective eclipse glasses to staff and customers to safely observe the celestial phenomenon.
Participating locations are offering $15 off alignments now through Sept. 16, the TBC Corp. subsidiary said.
The retailer will share coverage of the event and is also releasing a weather balloon equipped with high-definition cameras into the stratosphere along the path of totality to capture images. It will be shared on the brand's Facebook page.
According to Hunter Engineering Co., 60 percent of American cars are in poor alignment. Poor wheel alignment can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven wear to tires, poor control/handling and can even void a tire warranty, Big O Tires said.