USTMA Highlights Tire Safety in Ohio During National Tire Safety Week

Check Your Tires. Protect What Matters.

WASHINGTON, 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 public education campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of tire care in driver safety. Running from June 30 to July 4, this year’s initiative places a spotlight on Ohio, one of the nation’s most heavily traveled road systems where diverse road conditions and extreme seasonal swings underscore the need for proactive tire care and maintenance. USTMA also released key findings from a recent survey of U.S. motorists that suggests while many drivers understand the basics of tire care and maintenance, knowledge gaps still exist.

“Ohio drivers often face a mix of conditions in a single day, from busy highways to rural roads to rapidly changing weather,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, CEO, Tire Industry Association. “Proactive tire care helps ensure those conditions don’t catch you off guard. During National Tire Safety Week, we’re reminding Ohioans that taking a few minutes to check your tires can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.”

Ohio ranks among the top states for vehicle miles traveled, with over 122 billion miles driven annually. The Ohio Turnpike alone reported more than 3.1 billion vehicle miles traveled in 2023, reflecting the state’s central role in regional and cross-country commerce and travel. With more vehicles on the road, paying attention to proper tire care is critical to keeping drivers, passengers, and communities safe on the road.

The USTMA survey of 2,000 U.S. drivers ages 16 and older provided the following insights about tire safety awareness:

• 40% of Ohio drivers correctly identified the vehicle manual or driver’s side door placard as the place to find proper tire pressure. 
• 78% of Ohio drivers are aware that tires have built in tread wear indicators which make it easier to determine if a tire has enough tread to be considered safe. (It’s important to note, when the tops of these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, the tire needs to be replaced). 

These findings suggest that Ohio drivers have a relatively high level of awareness about the importance of proper tire maintenance compared to the national average. However, many drivers in the state are still unclear about some of the most basic tire safety details. More than half of the Ohio drivers surveyed could not properly identify where to find the correct tire inflation pressure, which is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).

USTMA recommends that drivers check their tires at least once a month and check them when they’re cold, meaning parked for at least three hours. Note that inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) one to two pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Before heading out on long trips, carrying heavy loads, or towing a trailer, use a tire gauge to check the inflation pressure and refer to the recommended pressure on the driver’s door label or in the vehicle owner's manual.

Ohio’s seasonal climate variability adds to the challenge. Winters can bring temperatures well below freezing, while summer highs regularly climb into the upper 80s. These shifts can cause significant tire pressure fluctuations, which can lead to uneven wear and blowouts if left unaddressed. Additionally, Ohio's frequent freeze-thaw cycles degrade pavement, increasing the risk of pothole-related tire damage and misalignment.

“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 is essential. Our member companies are committed to advancing tire technology with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability.”  

USTMA encourages all drivers to remember the simple acronym P.A.R.T. — Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, and Tread — as a quick guide to essential tire care:

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

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.