“Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART” is a national public education campaign designed to encourage Canadian motorists to adopt good tire maintenance practices.

Inflated With Knowledge: More Motorists are getting tire inflation right

To mark 2011 National Be Tire Smart Week, which runs from May 16 to 22nd, the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), which represents tire makers, is sharing results from a recent national study that shows that Canadian motorists are getting the message about the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance to road safety, fuel efficiency and environmental protection.

The study found that the number of vehicles with improperly inflated tires has fallen dramatically in the past few years.

Key findings:

49 per cent of the vehicles inspected had at least one tire 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 tire.

The percentage of drivers with one or more tires severely under-inflated by 20 per cent or more – a hazardous condition – also declined significantly to 10 per cent from 23 per cent in 2003.

The number of Canadian drivers who understand that tire under-inflation wastes fuel is up significantly However, while the study contains lots of information that reveals how this trend has taken hold of Canadian drivers, it also showed that major information gaps remain about proper tire care.

Are you a tire retailer, manufacturer, school, community officer, etc (really anyone)? Be an ambassador of our message and take this week to educate your staff on the importance of proper tire care. Tell us about and email us some photos or your events, lunch and learns, Community BBQ, Car Wash, etc.

Encourage fuel efficiency, protect the environment, and improve road safety in your region by organizing a tire inspection clinic. Download brochures, promotional posters, as well as a leadership kit.

Properly inflated tires increase safety and reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions – emissions that pollute the environment, affect human health and contribute to global climate change.

Proper tire care is simple and easy. Measure tire pressure monthly, including the spare, with a good-quality pressure gauge. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated just by inspecting them visually.