Consumer Magazine Questions California Inflation Regulations

Consumer Reports magazine is not a big fan of new California regulations that will force all auto service centers to check and adjust tyre air pressure for any customer vehicle they service, reports Tire Review. While acknowledging the fuel-savings and greenhouse gas reducing benefits of properly inflated tyres, the magazine suggested the new law could lead to unintended confusion and results.

“There could be gray areas if a service provider offers a mix of services, such as repair and body shop work,” the magazine wrote. “Also, consumers who have nitrogen filled tyres can decline inflation service if the shop does not have nitrogen filling capacity. Shops would be required to keep accurate pressure gauges to check tyres, but how they would ensure gauge accuracy is unclear.

“Questions remain on checking tyre pressure in traditionally cold and hot states, as well as determining the responsibility of deciding if the tire is unsafe when performing the service,” CR said.

“Our take is that California has the right idea about the importance of maintaining proper inflation pressure in tyres. But regardless if you have your car serviced routinely or not, it’s important to check your car’s tyre inflation pressure regularly to optimize tyre life, vehicle handling, grip, and fuel consumption.”