City takes steps toward placing air stations around town

You can?t live without it, and neither can the life of your tires.

McMinnville city officials have begun the process of figuring out where to put the free air stations once they have been received.

Bridgestone/Firestone generously offered the city of McMinnville up to five air stations in mid-November. The gift was offered after the company was made aware of the need for the stations.

That information came from Larry Flatt, who noticed he had a low tire during a trip to town and soon discovered he couldn?t find an air station to inflate the tire. While attending a Bridgestone meeting days later, one of the things mentioned was the importance of proper air inflation in minimizing wear on tires. The irritation of the low tire still vivid, Flatt mentioned to Bridgestone plant manager Ron Brooks about placing an air station downtown for everyone to use so it would be easier to follow that advice.

At that time, Brooks believed he could obtain corporate-funded grants for up to five stations. Since that time, that number has increased to as many as 10.

The stations cost about $2,000 each and will have a retractable hose. Along with the stations, Bridgestone will place signs regarding proper tire inflation and how to properly check a tire?s air pressure.

Before the stations are received, the city must find suitable sites for them. Possible suggestions for the stations include city hall, McMinnville Fire Department, McMinnville Electric System and McMinnville Civic Center.

Public Works director, and 2006 Employee of the Year Bill Brock, will be the one looking for suitable placement areas. He will be looking for public places that are accessible throughout the city. Host sites need to be well lit at night, assessable, not near residential areas because of the noise, and scattered throughout the city, Brock said.

Why proper air pressure is important:

? Improves vehicle handling

? Helps protect passengers from avoidable breakdowns and accidents

? Improves fuel economy

? Increases the life of tires

It is recommended to check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge at least once a month because tires may lose air over time, as well as lose air suddenly if a pothole or curb is struck. Contrary to popular belief, it is usually not possible to determine under-inflation of radial tires by visual inspection.