DENVER, CO (April 9, 2014) – While 96 percent of drivers consider underinflated tires a serious safety issue and 89 percent think properly inflated tires and an automatic warning system could save their life, a new national survey finds 42 percent of drivers still can’t accurately identify the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) dashboard warning symbol. According ta new consumer survey1 conducted on behalf of Schrader International, the leading global manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, drivers’ recognition of TPMS, a global safety system that warns drivers of significantly underinflated tires, could still improve despite an overall increase from a 2010 comparison survey.

Recognizing this disconnect between what drivers consider crucial their driving safety and their ability trecognize the important tire pressure warning symbol, Schrader, along with OEM car manufacturers, aftermarket service and repair leaders, and state and federal governments, are helping tfurther educate drivers on the importance of TPMS via a variety of supportive routes.

(PHOENIX, Arizona) April 3, 2014— Last week a Gilbert man lost his whole family when the tire blew out on the vehicle they were driving, causing it to collide with an ongoing semi on I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. While it’s not known at this point what was wrong with the tire, accidents like this are too common and many can be avoided by just taking some simple preventative measures.

It’s easy to understand why there’s so many vehicles with potentially dangerous issues.  According to the US Department of Transportation, there are 253 million registered vehicles on the roads in the United States. According to the Chicago Tribune, with the latest 4.8 million vehicle recall by General Motors, “in 2014 the automotive industry is on pace to surpass the historic high of 30 million vehicles recalled in 2004.”  That’s a shocking 11.8 percent of all vehicles in the US being under some sort of recall for potentially dangerous if not fatal, issues. And the problem is, according to Edmunds.com, millions of recalled cars with potentially dangerous issues are being driven on the roads today simply because the owners have no idea their vehicle has been part of a recall.

(Phoenix, Arizona)  With high gas prices and a sluggish economy, many people are putting off car repairs. In some cases, a $100 fix that’s ignored can put your safety at risk and end up costing thousands. According to a December 2011 Consumer Reports survey, 40 percent of people say they’re postponing car maintenance or repairs.

Automotive Expert Matt Allen sees it a lot, “When we have to fix catastrophic damage because the car’s been neglected, it’s even more expensive because now we’re replacing several parts, not just the one that originally needed maintenance.”

Allen has at least one customer who practices what Matt preaches. His car boasts 279,000 miles and it’s never broken down because he stays current on maintenance.  A trusted mechanic will explain what issues you should address right away and what can be delayed without compromising safety.

August 2014 is Brake Safety Month, and in honor of that, Phoenix Auto Repair Shop Virginia Auto Service is providing free brake inspections for all passenger cars, light trucks and SUV’s up to ½ ton. (Value $64).

Brakes are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle and a top cause of accidents for trucks and larger vehicles.

Virginia Auto Service provides complete brake repair and service in downtown, Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Bumper to Bumper Radio Shop I17 Collision is featured in the August issue of FenderBender Magazine in the article "Thriving as an Independent". Kevin Rowe, who didn't start in the auto industry, has owned the auto body shop for the past fifteen years. Rather than being just a "car guy, Rowe professes that his strengths are his people skills and attributes much of their success to their customer focused approach. The article goes on to say:

"At I-17, a value-added service can mean mobile estimating, providing one of the two loaner cars the shop has, coordinating rentals with insurance companies, vehicle pickup and delivery, and anything in between. Thanks to those services, Rowe has had customers who have never set foot in his shop, which he sees as a major strength for his business."