Be Tire Smart Week 2015-Calling All Drivers: Measure Tire Inflation Monthly
Two thirds of Canadian drivers (69 per cent) do not check tire pressures monthly, a routine tire maintenance habit that's critical to safety, fuel economy and reducing harmful emissions.
(firmenpresse) - TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/12/15 -- With the summer driving season around the corner, the time is right for motorists to get the facts about proper tire inflation.
Recent research conducted by Leger for tire makers shows many drivers are unaware of how the right tire pressure is critical to optimal handling, cornering and braking as well as fuel economy.
The research pinpointed major gaps in driver knowledge about tire inflation. Only a third of Canadian motorists (31 per cent) measure their tire pressures monthly, despite the fact that monthly pressure checks are the single most important thing a driver can do to ensure their tires perform as they were intended.
The three most common reasons for not measuring tire pressures monthly include the false belief that pressures only need to be checked when tires look low (31 per cent among those who do not check inflation monthly); reliance on a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (23 per cent), and not knowing they should check their tire pressures monthly (21 per cent).
A tire can be under-inflated by as much as 20 per cent and look normal. As well, many Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems do not alert the driver until the pressure is significantly outside the optimal range.
The research also found that almost half of Canadian drivers (45 per cent) do not know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle. (Note: the vehicle manufacturer''s recommended tire inflation pressure can be located in the owner''s manual and on the vehicle placard which is often (but not limited to) the inside door post or inside the fuel door.)
Additionally, 65 per cent were unaware that pressures should only be checked when tires are cold. A vehicle should be stationary for at least three hours or not have been driven more than two kilometres prior to checking tire inflation prior to taking measurements.
Almost a third of survey respondents (31 per cent) say they inflate to the air pressure stamped on the tire''s sidewall. This imprinted tire pressure refers to the maximum inflation pressure a tire can contain under maximum load, not the vehicle manufacturer''s recommended inflation level. Prolonged driving at this inflation pressure may result in uneven tread wear and reduced traction, particularly on wet road surfaces.
The good news coming from the findings is that 69 per cent of drivers use a personal air pressure gauge, and three quarters (78 per cent) rotated their tires in the past 12 months. As well, 56 per cent had their tire alignment checked in the past year.
"Today''s technically advanced tires offer drivers unprecedented performance and dependability," says Glenn Maidment, president of The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.
"Taking five minutes each month to measure and, if necessary, adjust your tire pressures to the recommended level safeguards optimal tire performance, safety and fuel economy. Those who are unsure if their tires are properly inflated should consult with their local tire professional."
Environmental benefits
The environmental benefits of properly inflated tires are substantial. Drivers operating their vehicles on under-inflated tires are expected to waste more than 500 million litres of fuel in 2015 due to increased rolling resistance. That''s enough squandered fuel to drive 275,000 vehicles for a full year. Unless drivers take action, this wasted fuel will release an additional 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Tire makers recommend an easy, four-step approach to measuring tire pressures monthly:
Step One
Find the recommended inflation pressure on the vehicle placard. If you can''t find it, check the owner''s manual for its exact location.
Step Two
Remember to only measure pressure with the tires are cold. If you have been driving for more than two kilometers, wait three hours before measuring.
Step Three
Use a tire gauge when measuring pressure. Remove the cap from the valve stem, press the tire gauge onto the valve and take the pressure reading.
Step Four
Add air until the recommended inflation pressure is achieved. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the centre of the valve, then re-check the pressure.
May 12 to 18, 2015, is National Be Tire Smart Week, during which the tire industry will be reminding motorists about the fuel efficiency, safety and environmental benefits of proper tire inflation and maintenance.
Learn more by visiting .
Contacts:
Carolyn Goard
Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Tire and Rubber Association of Canada
905-814-1714
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Datum: 12.05.2015 - 05:00 Uhr
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News-ID 1358043
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