Motorists can be green while saving green for Thursday’s Earth Day and beyond just by checking their vehicle’s tire pressure, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
“Earth Day is great time to consider simple ways to help our environment,” says Dan Zielinski, the RMA’s senior vice president of public affairs. People should “air on the green side” by pumping up their tires. “An under inflated tire wastes fuel,” he points out.
“When a tire loses air, it takes more energy to keep it rolling efficiently,” Zielinski explains. “To make matters worse, under inflated tires will wear out faster, which means replacing tires more often which uses more energy and causes consumers to spend additional money.”
The federal government estimates that properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent, saving drivers about 8 cents per gallon of gasoline.
According to an RMA tire pressure survey conducted last year, about half of all cars and trucks have at least one under inflated tire. Nearly 20 percent of vehicles on the road have at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds a significant loss of pressure.
The RMA recommends that tires be checked at least once a month and before long trips. The inspection should be done prior to driving while the tires are still cold.
In the Golden State, the Car Care Council and CalRecycle have partnered to promote California’s new “Just Check It” Tire Sustainability Program to further inform motorists about the benefits of tire inflation and maintenance.
CalRecycle will kickoff the educational campaign in Sacramento on April 22, set to coincide with Earth Day and National Car Care Month.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Bureau of Auto Repair (BAR), AAA of Northern California, other state agencies, plus assorted industry and environmental groups are expected to exhibit and participate along with the Car Care Council.
“Working with CalRecycle on its public awareness outreach is a natural fit for the Council’s ‘Be Car Care Aware’ consumer education campaign,” says executive director Rich White. “Proper tire inflation and care is a key maintenance message echoed by the Council for improved vehicle fuel efficiency, safety and extended tire life.”
“Now more than ever, Californians are looking for simple ways to save money and live green,” reports Margo Reid Brown, CalRecycle’s acting director. “Checking tire pressure once a month takes just a few short minutes and delivers many lasting benefits, including better performance, improved fuel efficiency and longer lasting tires, which saves money while helping to protect the environment.”
For more information, visit www.betiresmart.org, www.rma.org, www.carcare.org and www.calrecycle.ca.gov.
