USTMA Highlights Tire Safety in North Carolina during National Tire Safety Week

Check Your Tires. Protect What Matters.

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 30, 2025 – The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), representing tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S., today launched National Tire Safety Week 2025, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of tire care in driver safety. Running from June 30 to July 4, this year’s campaign places a spotlight on North Carolina, a fast-growing state where varied road conditions and increased vehicle usage make proactive tire maintenance more important than ever.  USTMA also released key findings from a recent survey that suggests while many drivers understand the basics of tire care and maintenance, knowledge gaps still exist.

“Each motorist in North Carolina drives almost 15,000 miles per year,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, CEO, Tire Industry Association. “Routine maintenance like pressure checks, rotations and tread inspections can go a long way in preventing unexpected issues. With the National Tire Safety Week campaign, we’re giving North Carolina drivers the tools to be proactive and confident.”

North Carolina drivers travel more than 123 billion miles annually, placing the state in the top tier nationally for vehicle miles traveled. Coupled with rapid population growth, expanding metro areas, and diverse driving conditions from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, tires in North Carolina are constantly put to the test.
The USTMA national survey of 2,000 U.S. drivers ages 16 and older provided the following insights about tire safety awareness in the state:

• 3 in 10 North Carolina drivers may not be checking their tire pressure often enough.
• 41% of North Carolina motorists correctly identified the driver’s side door or the vehicle manual as the proper location to find their recommended tire pressure. 
• 89% of North Carolina drivers report being fully or somewhat aware of their cars’ built-in tire tread wear indicators, which visually show sufficient or insufficient tread depth. 

Although about 72% of North Carolina drivers believe they should check their tire pressure at least once a month, a significant number of drivers do not know where to correctly find the recommended tire pressure, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). The tire industry recommends checking tire pressure at least once per month when they’re cold—meaning parked for at least three hours, and before you head out on any long trips, carry heavy loads or tow a trailer. 

North Carolina’s varied climate, ranging from hot, humid summers to unpredictable coastal storms, can accelerate tire wear and cause pressure fluctuations. Regular checks not only prevent issues like blowouts but also help tires perform as intended throughout the year.

“Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road, and their condition plays a critical role in keeping everyone safe, from drivers and passengers to pedestrians,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “National Tire Safety Week is a powerful reminder that proper tire care isn’t optional, it’s essential. Our member companies are committed to advancing tire technology with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability.”  

USTMA encourages drivers to remember the simple acronym “P.A.R.T.”—a quick guide to tire care:

• Pressure: Check tire pressure at least once per month and before long trips.
• Alignment: Make sure your wheels are aligned to prevent uneven wear.
• Rotation: Rotate your tires regularly to extend their life.
•  Tread: Monitor tread depth to maintain traction and control.

USTMA’s members represent the leading tire manufacturers in the U.S., producing tires that meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and environmental responsibility. Tires are built using cutting-edge technologies to ensure they meet the unique needs of today’s vehicles. USTMA members are also at the forefront of efforts to promote sustainability and educate the public on proper tire care.

National Tire Safety Week is an industry-led initiative designed to help consumers learn simple yet essential steps for proper tire care and maintenance and is supported by USTMA members: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.; Continental Tire the Americas, LLC; Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.; The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; Hankook Tire America Corp; Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc.; Michelin North America, Inc.; Nokian Tyres, Inc.; Pirelli Tire North America;; Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc.; and Yokohama Tire Corporation.

This safety initiative is also supported by the National Lieutenant Governors Association in its 2025 tire safety resolution.

For more educational materials on tire safety visit: https://www.ustires.org/national-tire-safety-week.

About the USTMA Consumer Survey
The USTMA survey was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 respondents aged 16+ across the U.S. that have a valid driver’s license and drive a vehicle at least once a month. The data was collected between June 10-13, 2025.