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Stay Safe on Valentine’s DayTips from Firestone Complete Auto Care™ to keep your loved ones safe on the road

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. (Feb. 6, 2007) – Be Mine. Kiss Me. I’m Yours. These are just three common sayings that appear on millions of Valentines and candies every February 14. Sometimes short and sweet is the best way to send a serious message. With that in mind, Firestone Complete Auto Care™ offers the following two-word tips to help your loved ones stay safe on wintry roads this Valentine’s Day.

  • Be Proactive––With colder weather, it is important to be proactive on the road and in vehicle maintenance. Have an automotive technician make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound by checking the battery, fluid levels, exhaust system, defrosting and heating system, and the windshield wipers.

  • Fill Up––In cold weather, it is important to keep the gas tank at least one-half full at all times. The additional gasoline will also add more weight to the vehicle, which will help increase traction on the road.

  • Check Pressure––Tires can lose one pound per square inch of air pressure for each 10-degree drop in temperature. Check your inflation pressure more frequently during the cold months. Under-inflation will lessen the gripping action because the tire tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do.

  • Accelerate Gently––In icy conditions, avoid sudden movements of the car. Accelerate gently, turn gradually, and ease on the brakes when stopping. If you start skidding and your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction of the skid. Don’t pump the brakes unless your vehicle is not equipped with ABS.

  • Be Ready––Prepare for winter weather by storing emergency supplies in the trunk. Important items to have on hand in case of a storm are: a properly inflated spare tire, an ice scraper, flashlight, blanket, extra clothing, candles/matches, bottled water, snacks, any necessary medication and a cell phone with a car charger.

When venturing out with your Valentine, Firestone Complete Auto Care™ asks all drivers to “be true” to these tips. Maintaining awareness and safety on the road is an easy way to show a little love to our vehicles and their drivers.

About Firestone Complete Auto Care™:
Firestone Complete Auto Care™ is owned and operated by BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC). Technicians perform part repairs and replacements, routine scheduled maintenance services, and a variety of diagnostic services covering major systems within a vehicle. To learn more about driving tips and maintenance or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com.

About Bridgestone Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC:
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest number of company-owned automotive retail generalist stores in the world—more than 2,200 consumer and commercial vehicle service and tire locations across the United States and Canada—including Firestone Complete Auto Care™, TiresPlus™, ExpertTire, Wheel Works, and GCR Tire Centers store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BFRC. BFRC is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.