NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 9, 2006) – Flowers and chocolates are fleeting Valentine’s Day standbys, but what about a gift that lasts and shows your significant other that you really care? Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) and Andrew Firestone explain how trading the classic gifts for the untraditional can show that special someone that he or she is anything but ordinary.

“I’ve been known to give a few roses, but keeping my loved ones safe is my first choice,” said Andrew Firestone, great grandson of Harvey Firestone (founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, which is a predecessor company to BFNT) and star of season three of the hit reality television show “The Bachelor.” That is why his choice for a four-part Valentine’s Day gift begins with a bag of kitty litter. “You might not think you can win a girl over with a bag of kitty litter, for instance, but once you explain the benefits she just might keep you around.”

The cat’s meow
A little timid to see the reaction of your loved one who opens a Valentine’s Day gift to see kitty litter… but doesn’t have a cat? The kitty litter, BFNT explains, is the first item to include in a car care box. A homemade vehicle emergency kit, complete with kitty litter to sprinkle on icy roads, can help get a driver out of a slippery situation and back onto safe and solid ground.

Make the temperature rise
Also, giving your significant other a blanket to keep in his or her vehicle can keep more than just the romance alive. Keeping a blanket in your car is perfect for romantic picnics and chilly nights, but can also save lives in an emergency by comforting someone in a state of shock.

A penny for your thoughts
Feeling a little low on cash this Valentine’s Day? As Andrew points out, “Sometimes it only takes a penny to impress a girl.” With one cent, check the tread depth on your loved one’s tires. Tires with worn tread will not grip the road efficiently and could cause skidding and decreased fuel mileage. Tires should have at least 1/16 inch of tread depth. To perform the “penny test,” insert a penny in the tread at several points on the tire, with President Lincoln’s head pointed down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head at any of the points, the tire is worn out and requires replacement.

The pressure is on
Finally, exchange that long-stemmed rose for a tire gauge. Drivers should use a tire gauge to ensure their tires are properly inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications (check for a sticker on the inside door jamb or in the owner’s manual). Tires can lose up to one pound per square inch (PSI) every month, and for every 10-degree change in ambient temperature, tire pressure can change by approximately one PSI. Check your tires when the vehicle has been driven less than one mile or has not moved in more than three hours.

Flowers wilt and chocolates probably won’t last long. BFNT suggests giving something different to your Valentine this year—a few simple tools to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Kitty litter, a blanket, a penny and a tire gauge might not sound like exciting presents, but they will help in getting friends and family home safe. And when you explain that a kit of these simple items shows how much you care about his or her safety, there just might be love in the air.