RMA survey throws spotlight on inflation ignorance

This week is National Tire Safety Week in the US, and the Rubber Manufacturers Association has used the occasion to highlight low levels of tyre inflation proficiency amongst American motorists. Using figures gained from a survey conducted as part of the RMA-sponsored safety week, the trade association states that only 15 per cent of US motorists know how to correctly check tyre pressure. This is serious business as, the RMA notes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports under-inflated tyres contribute to more than 600 highway fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. Furthermore, under-inflated tyres cause US drivers to waste almost five billion litres of fuel each year.

“Checking tyre pressure once a month is one simple step that can preserve precious resources, put money back in consumers’ wallets and save lives,” said RMA president and CEO Charles A. Cannon. “Unfortunately, too many motorists seem to be more concerned with cleaning their car than keeping it safe.” Elaborating on this reference to automotive grooming, the RMA says its survey showed that six out of ten drivers wash their car at least once per month, but only one in seven properly checks tyre pressure.

The survey also found that 62 per cent of drivers do not know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle – 53 per cent believe the pertinent information is found on the tyre’s sidewall while 14 per cent do not know at all. In addition, 43 per cent of drivers are not aware that tyres should be checked when cold, while 52 per cent of drivers do not know how to tell if their tyres are bald. In total, only 20 per cent of male motorists and nine per cent of female motorists were found to properly check tyre pressure.