Giti is a member of USTMA, the leading national trade association for tire manufacturers that make tires in the US – and among the most vital and recognized tire industry organizations in the world. As part of this partnership, Giti engages with the organization and promotes positive relations relating to the industry and related sustainability and safety efforts, such as the organization’s Tire Safety Week – as well as other actions.
Safety is at the forefront of Giti Tire's focus - and encomposses all areas of tire research, development, testing, production and quality control. In particular, Giti has expanded its investment into its in-house AdvanZtech technology program, utilizing its five global R&D and testing centers to integrate the most modern technical advancements into its products. In addition, the company provides frequent website, social media, and video guidance on tire use and safety tips, as well as tools to help support.
Therefore, the mission of Giti is aligned with that of USTMA, of which Giti Tire is one of only 13 member tire companies in the world. “As we continue to navigate a new world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, tire manufacturers continue to create the smartest and most sustainable technologies that put the safest tires on the road,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of USTMA. “National Tire Safety week is an initiative that educates drivers about the critical role they play in maintaining tire safety and ensures they have the information they need to successfully prioritize safety on the road.”
As drivers begin getting back on the road after frequent vehicle downtime, now is the perfect time to get to a local auto care shop to check their vehicle and tires. During this period, there is a likelyhood that tire pressure or wear has been affected, and it may be the right time for a tire rotation or replacement. For specific reconmendations from Giti about tires on cars that have been parked for a long time, please see our article about the subject here.
Below are some tips from USTMA in regards to tire safety that it is focusing on this week. In addition, more can be found on the Giti Tire Knowledge page, as well as the company's Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
- An under-inflated tire can lead to tire failure. Check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long road trips.
- Tire inflation pressure changes depending on the weather. It can increase in warm weather and decrease in cool weather: 0.4 - 1kg (1-2 pounds) for every 10 degrees ferenheit of temperature change.
- A vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help drivers detect loss of inflation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles, this is too late to prevent damage to your tires and should not replace checking your tires monthly.
- Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure your tires do not wear unevenly or rapidly.
- Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 8,000 – 12,000 kilometers (5,000 - 8,000 miles).
- Worn-out tires are 3 times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with sufficient tread depth, according to NHTSA.