TIA Objects to NHTSA Denial of Reserve Pressure Request

(Akron/Tire Review) TIA expressed its disappointment that the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) turned down the RMA’s petition to establish recommended cold inflation pressure using a tyre pressure reserve.

TIA had supported RMA’s petition, in which the association asked that NHTSA include in its TPMS regulations a stipulation that a reserve tyre pressure sufficient to allow tyres to carry the maximum load of a vehicle be included in the threshold for a TPMS trigger point.

“We are disappointed that NHTSA decided not to build in an additional safety measure and grant the petition for reserve inflation pressure,” said Roy Littlefield, TIA’s executive vice president. “With this decision coming on the heels of the TPMS ruling, TIA is frustrated with NHTSA’s apparent lack of interest in what the tire industry has to say.

“The tyre industry has been proactive in helping the motoring public get more education on tyre safety and maintenance prior to and especially since the recall of 2000,” said Littlefield. “I know these efforts may be helping the public but I think it is a mistake for NHTSA to not consider adding additional safeguards.”