AKRON, Ohio — To help drivers get back on the road fast, Goodyear offers its 4-TIRES-NOW program to owner/operators, regardless of the brand of tire they’re currently running.

Tire-related breakdowns are especially costly because tires represent an owner/operator’s second highest expense after fuel. Industry statistics show that tire-related problems often caused by running underinflated or hitting road debris are the number one reason for a breakdown.

"This program is a value-added service for our customers," said Kris Fettig, Goodyear’s manager of the 4-TIRES-NOW program. "By using the service, owner/operators can save a substantial amount of time and money."

According to Fettig, when a driver faces a tire-related problem, a simple call to 1-877- 4-TIRES-NOW will put the driver in touch with a 4-TIRES-NOW dispatcher, who will pinpoint the caller’s location using advanced mapping technology. The dispatcher will then locate a Goodyear commercial tire dealer (more than 1,600 are available in the U.S., and more than 200 are available in Canada) or other qualified tire service location in the immediate area to handle the tire repair. The service is available day or night, 365 days a year, anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.

Fettig said owner/operators should visit a Goodyear commercial dealer and inquire about the Preferred Fleet Customer Program.

"What’s more, by signing up for the preferred program, rates for labor, road service and mileage charges are similar to those available to our national accounts," said Fettig. "We think this option is especially important to owner/operators who want an idea of what they’ll pay for tires and repairs while away from their home location."