Five Holiday TravelTips from Les SchwabTire Centers BE ' (NAPSA)—The holiday season is upon us—oneofthebusiest timesofyear to be on theroad. Safe driving practices are critical for keeping you and yours protected in heavy traffic. Nowis a great time to get your vehicle winter-ready before road conditions become highly unpredictable. Considerthesefive safety tips to help youtravel safely to see loved onesthis holidayseason. Inspectyourtires Properly inflated traction tires reduce the risk of skidding and improve braking.Yourlocaltire experts can measure yourtires’ air pressure and tread depth, anddoa visualalignment check. Besure to ask if they can also test your brakes, shocks and battery. Understand your options ‘The decision between studded and winter tires comes down to person- al needs based on your commute and You canstay on the road to safety this holiday season andall through theyearif you take a few simple precautionsbefore you go. and readyfor any weather conditions. Its a good idea to store snacks, water bottles, an ice scraper, flares, chains, a flashlight, blankets anda roadside safety kit in your trunk. And, always carry a cell phone.Ifyou must pull over because driving habits. Winter traction tires conditions are too badto proceed,get as far off on the shoulderasis safely possible, turn off your headlights and turn on need to confidently drive on slush and. packed snow. Studded tires offer additional traction in more treacherous Tire Centers can help ensure yourvehicle are specifically designed to provide the extra grip, braking and handling you'll your hazard lights. winter driving conditions, like ice. Chains can be important too—andare sometimes required—for traction when you're traveling in the mountains or on icy roads. Visit https://www.lesschwab. com/resources/winter-driving for a step-by-step tutorial on how to put on. snow chains. Knowbefore you go Before you go, we recommendcheck- ing yourlocal departmentoftransportation's website for road conditions. Listen to the radio for announcements about accidents, road closures andtravel ad- yisories. Also, let someone know your route, in case an accident occurs. Allow extra time Your localtire experts at Les Schwab is winter-ready. Before you hit the road, we'll check your tires’ air pressure and tread depth anddo visualalignmentto ensurethetires are wearing evenly. We'll also check your brakes, shocks and battery. All for free as part of our pre-trip safety check. Les Schwab has full inventory of winter traction and studded tires, chains, and other devices to meet your needs.Tofindthestore nearest you, visit https://wwwlesschwab.com/about/ store-locator.Safe travels! AboutLes SchwabTire Centers Les Schwab Tire Centers (https:// wwwilesschwab.com) is one of the leading independenttire dealers in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and more than 475 Slow down,especially when travel- locations throughout Oregon, Wash- Whetheryou're cornering, stopping, ac- Nevada, Utah and Colorado. The driving. Allow more spacebetween your awards, including a Milestone award ing over treacherous mountain passes. celerating or driving on a straightaway, reducing speedis the key to safe winter car and other vehicles. Avoid sudden stops, abrupt downward gear shifts and quick changesin direction. Brake gen- tly to avoid skidding orsliding.If the wheels lock up,easeoff the brakes. Bereadyfor the unexpected A winter accident could leave you stuck on the side of the roadin cold, wet weather. Packing your car with a few essentials will help keep you safe ington, Idaho, Montana, California, companyhas been recognizedfor its business practices through several from the OregonSustainability Board, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department honors, an Environmental Excellence award from the Association of Washington Business, an Integrity Counts award from the Northern Idaho Better Business Bureau, and The Oregonian 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Top Work- place recognition.
