Uniroyal Tire Launches 'Driving Value Home' Campaign to Address Gas Costs

Simple Tips Can Help Save Money on Gas This Summer & Up to $900 Annually

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 24 -- With gas prices at an all-time high and the summer travel season kicking off, Uniroyal Tire has teamed up with money saving expert Stephanie Nelson to educate consumers on simple steps they can take to reduce their gas costs. By following a few simple steps, consumers can significantly reduce gas costs for their summer vacation and can save as much as $900 in annual gas costs per vehicle.

The Uniroyal "Driving Value Home" campaign will kick off prior to Memorial Day weekend and will continue through the summer with media interviews, in- market appearances by Nelson and practical advice provided on the Uniroyal Web site, www.uniroyal.com.

"My primary focus over the years has been helping families save on their grocery bills, but I am thrilled to be working with Uniroyal on this automotive-related campaign," Nelson says. "Gas costs have become such a major factor in the family budget. We want to help people save on gas and put their savings into more important things for their families."

Here are some of the key tips in the Uniroyal "Driving Value Home" campaign:

   - Check the inflation pressure of your tires. Research conducted by
     Uniroyal tells us that most Americans are driving around on under
     inflated tires. You need to check your tire inflation pressure once a
     month and adjust accordingly. The proper inflation pressure can be
     found in the owner's manual or on the placard usually on the doorjamb.
     The pressure indicated on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure
     allowed, not what is recommended for your vehicle. This simple step can
     save up to 9 cents per gallon. "Making sure tires are properly inflated
     is one of the easiest and most important maintenance procedures drivers
     can do," says Uniroyal Brand Director Kaz Holley. "Properly inflated
     tires not only contribute to greater fuel efficiency, but also last
     longer and perform better."

   - Another big factor is proper wheel alignment. Making sure your vehicle
     is properly aligned can save as much as 15 cents per gallon. Your local
     Uniroyal dealer can assess your vehicle's wheel alignment.

   - Replacing clogged air filters is a biggie! A clean filter versus one
     that is severely clogged can mean savings as much as 29 cents per
     gallon. Air filters also keep impurities in the air from damaging
     internal engine components.

   - Research also shows that a poorly tuned engine can greatly increase
     fuel consumption. Following the recommended maintenance schedule in
     your vehicle's owner's manual may save as much as 12 cents per gallon,
     help the car run better and contribute to a longer life.

In addition to these auto maintenance tips, Nelson advises motorists to shop around for gas by checking out independent Web sites, such as GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com, to find the stations with the lowest prices in your area. Research shows that gas prices vary as much as 16 cents per gallon in a typical market.

Using cruise control when driving on the highway maintains a constant speed and reduces fuel consumption -- as much as 17 cents per gallon for people who do half of their daily driving on the highway, according to Nelson.

Nelson says that following all of these tips could add up to $900 in annual gas savings on a popular sedan driven an average number of miles.

"Even for families who are doing some of these things right but need to take half of these recommended actions, that is $900 a year for the typical two-car family," Nelson says. "That's money that could go toward their children's college fund, a family vacation or even meeting critical monthly expenses."

According to Holley, "The 'Driving Value Home' campaign is a logical extension of Uniroyal's mission to provide good quality, affordable tires to American drivers. Record gas prices are putting extreme financial pressure on individuals and families across the nation." Through this campaign, Nelson will be doing media interviews across the nation and conducting consumer clinics at Uniroyal dealer locations. Nelson notes, "We're trying to help people save at the pump so they can spend money on the more important things in life that they value."

Uniroyal Tire is one of the world's leading tire brands for passenger and commercial cars, pick-ups, light trucks, mini vans and sport utility vehicles. Dating back to 1892, Uniroyal Tire has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable tires including its Tiger Paw(R) and Laredo(R) tire series. Uniroyal(R) tires offer just the right combination of dependability, traction and grip in almost every weather condition, and come with one of the industry's leading warranties. Visit Uniroyal Tire online at: www.uniroyal.com.

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Trade Commission, N.C. Department of Commerce, Car Care Council, GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com. Estimates based on 2006 Toyota Camry with 18.5 gallon gas tank and gas mileage 24 city/33 highway. Savings based on average cost of unleaded gasoline $2.90 per gallon (4/24/06) and 15,000 miles driven annually.