Automotive and Tire Tips
Tire Care Fact Sheet
Rubber Manufacturers Association Statistics
- 63% of motorists cite checking tire pressure as a top fuel saving tip.
- 25% of motorists attribute the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane season for an increased
awareness of the relationship between fuel economy and tire pressure.
BUT:
- Only 19 percent of drivers properly check their tire inflation pressure.
To properly check tire inflation pressure:
o Check tire inflation pressure at least once a month
o Use the correct inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not
the pressure listed on the tire sidewall
o Check tires when they are cold or haven’t been driven for at least three hours
- More than half of drivers -- 53 percent -- wrongly believe that the correct inflation
pressure is printed on the tire sidewall.
- 28 percent of drivers wrongly believe that the best time to check their tires is when they
are warm after being driven for at least a few miles.
- 31% of drivers don’t know how to tell if their tires are bald.
- 73 percent of drivers do not check the tire pressure in their spare tire.*
- Each month, three out of four drivers wash their cars while only one out of seven
correctly checks their tire pressure. **
Federal Government Statistics
- NHTSA estimates more than 23,000 tow away crashes were due to blow outs or flat tires.
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, August 2001)
- Under inflated tires are attributed to crashes that result in 660 fatalities and 33,000
injuries each year. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, September 2004)
- 27 percent of passenger cars and 32 percent of light trucks have at least one significantly
under inflated tire. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey, August 2001)
The RMA sponsored survey was conducted by FrederickPolls to 1,000 drivers nationwide from January 29 - February 4,
2006 and has a margin of error of 3 percent.
* From February 2005 RMA-sponsored survey.
**From February 2004 RMA-sponsored survey.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO…
- Always buckle your seat belt.
- Practice good driving habits, which will help keep your tires in good condition.
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns.
- Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.
- Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.
- Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle’s tire information in the owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Vehicles equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help motorists detect loss of inflation pressure.
- Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated.
- For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation.
- TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.
|
Nitrogen
- Nitrogen gas can be safely used in place of compressed air to inflate tires.
- Nitrogen may aid in tire pressure retention as it does not seep through a tire as quickly as compressed air.
- Other sources of potential air loss such as punctures, damage or a faulty valve will not be slowed by nitrogen inflation.
- Whether tires are inflated with compressed air or nitrogen, tire pressure MUST be checked every month to ensure proper tire inflation.
Proper tire care helps the environment.
- Under inflated tires waste fuel. Properly inflated tires help promote better fuel economy.
- Additionally, regular care helps tires get the most potential wear so they don’t need to be replaced as often.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TIRES
Proper tire care and safety is simple and easy. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends getting in the habit of taking five minutes every month to check your tires, including the spare. If you think you may have a tire problem or are unsure of the condition of your tires, consult a tire dealer as soon as possible.
|
For more info check out these links
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
www.carcare.org
www.tiresafety.com
www.getnitrogen.org
|
