SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Now is the time for motorists to prepare their vehicles before they set out on their annual holiday road trips to reunite with family and friends. Discount Tire, America's largest independent tire company, reminds motorists that tire care should be a top priority on the planning checklist for any road trip, especially during the holiday season as temperatures drop and road conditions can change dramatically due to weather.

AAA estimates that more than 38 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday season. Approximately 83 percent or about 31.7 million travelers are expected to go by motor vehicle.

Most motorists are unaware of the overall impact that simple maintenance has on tire life, fuel economy and road safety. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, improper tire maintenance such as under-inflated tires results in 33,000 injuries and 660 fatalities each year on U.S. roads.

Discount Tire provides free tire inspection services at all of its retail stores nationwide. The company offers the following tire tips to keep motorists safe on the road.

Tire Tips for Holiday Road Trips 1. Make sure you have the right tires for the season. Winter season tires are engineered to provide safe handling and control on all winter road conditions including: wet, ice, slush, freezing rain, snow, black ice and on dry roads. All-season tire treads are engineered to provide extended mileage and durability under the hot summer sun. They are less effective at maintaining traction in winter weather and lose flexibility in temperatures below 45 degrees F, which affects handling, control and braking distance. Winter season tires can deliver approximately 25-50 percent more traction than all-season tires under severe winter weather conditions, a vital difference that allows a vehicle to stay on the road, stop safely and avoid fatal accidents. 2. Check Air Pressure Before You Hit the Road. The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that under-inflation is a tire's number one enemy. Low tire pressure decreases fuel economy approximately two-to-three miles per gallon. Check air pressure before long trips to ensure safety, improve fuel economy and to save money on road travel. 3. Rotate Tires Before You Go. Rotating tires regularly is an essential part of maintaining tire performance. Regular tire rotation achieves uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles for optimal wear. It's important to note that actual tread wear performance can vary tremendously according to the tire's real-world use (variations in driving habits, service practices like air pressure maintenance, road conditions and climate affect tire life). 4. Check Wheel Alignment Before You Go. Alignment is a key maintenance factor in getting the most wear and performance from vehicle tires. Wheel alignment provides safe and predictable vehicle control as well as a smooth and comfortable ride that is free of pulling or vibration. 5. Check Air Pressure During the Trip. Air pressure in a tire tends to increase in warm weather and decrease in cold weather. Tire pressure changes one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature change. For accurate pressure, check pressure when tires are cool. The recommended inflation pressure number is noted by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found inside the glove box or fuel door, on the vehicle placard located on the driver's doorpost or in the owner's manual. About Discount Tire

Discount Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is America's largest independent tire company. Also referred to as America's Tire in Oregon and some parts of California, Discount Tire currently operates more than 650 stores across the country. The company provides sales of tires, wheels and related accessories and services through mail order, Internet and retail stores. At tires.com, customers can research, purchase and make an appointment for service. For more information about Discount Tire, visit http://www.tires.com/.

CONTACT: Joseph Valdez of The Lavidge Company, +1-480-998-2600,
ext. 590, jvaldez@lavidge.com, for Discount Tire

Web site: http://www.tires.com/