Pep Boys Reminds Motorists to Check Tires before Winter Weather Strikes

The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: "PBY”), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, reminds motorists to inspect and replace worn tires before extreme weather arrives. With more and more vehicle owners holding onto their older model cars and trucks, safety and maintenance will be key this winter season.

One of the most common roadside emergencies is a flat tire. Prior to any road trip, one of the easiest ways to avoid a flat is with properly inflated tires. Over-inflation can cause a blow-out on the roadway, and under-inflation can cause lack of road traction which creates instability.

Just as important as tire pressure, is tire tread. Braking on rain, ice and snow can be treacherous on balding tire treads. Motorists can check tire depth at home with a penny. Place a penny upside-down in the tire tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head can be seen, the tread is likely worn and ready to be replaced.

"With more than a million tires in inventory, Pep Boys can accommodate most vehicles, even if tires are needed last minute or during holiday travel,” said Scott Webb, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. "We’ve taken the mystery out of the tire buying experience and made it easy with TreadSmart,” he added.

TreadSmart is a tire selection system that allows customers to research what they need before they purchase on-line or in-store. TreadSmart puts the customer in the driver’s seat – literally. The web-based system asks tire buyers questions specific to that individual’s driving habits, and makes recommendations based on that information. Plus, unlike any other online tire buying system, TreadSmart allows the customer to schedule installation at a Pep Boys location convenient to the driver’s home or office – even same day.

"TreadSmart helps the tire buyer from information to installation,” said Webb. "We want our customers to be in control so that they understand why certain tires are necessary for certain vehicles.”

Pep Boys will perform a free tire pressure check during normal business hours and guarantees to beat any tire deal by 5%.

For more information on TreadSmart or tire buying, visit www.pepboys.com/tires.

Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting http://www.pepboys.com.