USTMA Highlights Tire Safety in Texas 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 campaign places a spotlight on Texas, where extreme heat, long-distance travel and a vast road network make proactive tire maintenance especially critical. USTMA also released key findings from a recent survey that suggest while many drivers understand the basics of tire care and maintenance, knowledge gaps still exist.

“Texas drivers face unique challenges, from scorching summer temperatures that increase the risk of blowouts to long-haul drives that put additional wear and tear on tires,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, CEO, Tire Industry Association. “Proactive tire care is a must for staying safe on Texas roads. By taking a few minutes to check your tires, drivers can help prevent costly breakdowns and protect the people who matter most.”

Texas drivers logged over 307 billion miles on the road in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year, reflecting the state’s high travel volume and continued growth. With more than 19 million licensed drivers statewide, and some of the nation’s most traveled corridors, tire maintenance plays a key role in ensuring smooth and safe transportation for millions.

Given these high traffic volumes and diverse driving conditions, understanding how Texas drivers approach tire safety is especially important. USTMA’s survey of U.S. drivers ages 16 and older provided the following insights:

• 83% of Texas drivers believe they should check their tire pressure at least once per month—the tire industry’s recommended minimum standard. 
• However, only 42% of Texas drivers correctly identified where to find their vehicle’s recommended tire pressure. And 37 % of Texas drivers incorrectly believe the required tire pressure is found on the tire itself.

The findings from the survey suggest significant knowledge gaps. Whereas most drivers surveyed in the state are aware of the recommended minimum for how often to check for their tires’ pressure, more than half of Texas drivers do not know the correct place to check for required pressure. Properly maintaining tire pressure is one of the most effective ways drivers can protect themselves and their passengers during extreme heat. Particularly considering the unique environmental challenges drivers in the state face throughout the year. Texas is no stranger to triple-digit temperatures, especially in the summer months when pavement surface temperatures can reach above 140°F. Excessive heat causes the air inside tires to expand, which can lead to overinflation or accelerated tread wear. Remember, tire pressure should be checked when they are 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.

“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 members are committed to advancing tire technology with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability.”

USTMA recommends that drivers 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.

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.