Tyre Inflation Campaign Gains ‘Presidential’ Support

Manufacturers such as Michelin and tyre industry organisations including the NTDA have long disseminated the message that maintaining the correct tyre pressure is an important measure. In the US an influential voice has been added to this effort.

Contender for the US Presidency Barack Obama, visiting the state of Missouri on July 30, gave voters an important fuel saving tip: “There are things that you can do individually though to save energy,” said Obama. “Making sure your tyres are properly inflated, simple thing, but we could save all the oil that they’re talking about getting off drilling, if everybody was just inflating their tyres and getting regular tune-ups. You could actually save just as much.”

As a matter of interest, the current presidential limousine – affectionately known by the US Secret Service as “the beast” – is based upon the 2006 Cadillac DTS. However, should Mr. Obama’s bid for the Whitehouse be successful, he would be well advised not to maintain his new ride’s tyres at the 30psi Cadillac recommends for the Bridgestone Turanza 245/50R18H tyres fitted to the DTS as original equipment – the tyres on the President’s company car are not exactly standard: the tyres not only feature run-flat technology, they also are sealed with a repellent to keep them safe against chemical and biological warfare.