Seasonal Tyres, TPMS Keep Inflation Under Control

This week Canadians are being reminded to “be smart” about tyres. A national safety awareness campaign, Be Tire Smart Week, began on May 17, and to mark the occasion the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) has released a nationwide study that shows Canadian drivers are getting the message about the importance of correct tyre inflation and maintenance upon road safety, fuel efficiency and environmental protection. This study shows that the number of private vehicles running on improperly inflated tyres has fallen dramatically since 2003.

The study, conducted for the RAC by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, found that 49 per cent of the vehicles inspected had at least one tyre that was under- or over-inflated. In 2003, a similar RAC driver survey found that 71 per cent of vehicles tested had one or more improperly inflated tyre. The percentage of those driving vehicles with one or more tyres more than 20 per cent under-inflated – a potentially hazardous condition – also declined significantly to 23 per cent in 2003 to 10 per cent from. This better result occurred despite the finding that fewer Canadian drivers (30 per cent versus 39 per cent in 2003) are taking monthly measurements to ensure their tyres are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

The RAC attributed the rising number of vehicles with properly inflated tyres to the dramatic upswing in winter tyre changeovers in recent years, public education about the fuel efficiency benefits of proper tyre inflation and the growing use of tyre pressure monitoring systems.

“Properly inflated tyres deliver the exceptional performance that tyre makers want every consumer to have,” said RAC president Glenn Maidment. “Drivers need to know that improperly inflated tyres increase stopping distance; lessen vehicle stability, particularly when cornering; waste fuel and shorten tyre life. All it takes to get the outstanding performance your tyres are designed to deliver is a reliable tyre gauge and five minutes each month to measure and, if necessary, adjust your tyre pressures.”

The study, which also examined attitudes towards tyre recycling, found that drivers are generally aware and supportive of the work done by Canada’s provincial Tire Stewardship Boards to manage scrap tyre recycling operations across the country. More than half the drivers interviewed (58 per cent) said they were aware of tyre recycling systems currently in place, and 81 per cent were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the manner in which scrap tyres are managed.

“Proper tyre inflation and maintenance is a perfect fit for Canadians who care about the environment,” added Maidment. “When you take care of your tyres, you not only protect your family and pocket book, you also reduce harmful emissions and the number of scrap tyres.”