Tire pressure monitoring systems and their environmental benefits

Tire pressure monitoring systems save money by saving on fuel and tire wear. The systems increase driver safety, confidence and peace of mind (not to mention lives!). But the individual is not the only one who benefits from tire pressure monitoring systems. Due to the environmental benefits of these systems, everyone wins. In fact, the benefits are so positive that even governments have joined the conversation.

In the late 1990s, Firestone recalled many of its tires following the report of more than 100 deaths caused by tread separation. As a result of this withdrawal, the Clinton administration initiated the Tread Act. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the law (which later became law) requires that all new cars under 10,000 pounds gross weight must have a system to alert drivers on severe low inflation.

The European Union (EU) is also concerned about environmental quality. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe sets product standards for vehicles and the EU is currently working on a similar tire pressure monitoring law there, to be effective with 2012 models. The EU reports that inflation low causes unnecessary fuel burning and results in an additional two million tons of carbon dioxide in the air.

Safercar.gov also notes that proper tire inflation allows for less fuel use and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The NHTSA reports that as many as one in three cars have flat tires. Safecar.com also points out that flat tires are free and easy to fix, if you know your tire is flat. So how does a driver know if the tires are low?

One could simply check the pressure of each tire with a pocket tire gauge. It is a 15 minute task. In fact, it is recommended that drivers do this at least once a month. But you? Two-thirds of us don’t. If you do check tire pressure regularly, do you have compressed air available to inflate low tires or do you have to drive to the gas station to do so? How many times do you forget to go to the gas station? However, if you fill your tires correctly, what about tire damage from road hazards?

Perhaps you are driving a model made in 2008 or later. You have a built-in alert system. But these systems are set to warn you of severely flat tires. They flash on your dashboard panel when a tire pressure is 25% lower than recommended. Tires that are inflated below 6 psi can fail. Drivers need to be warned sooner than built-in monitors warn them so they have time to react and respond.

Maybe you have flat tires. These tires are manufactured by various companies and are designed to continue driving at a maximum of 50 mph for a distance of less than 50 miles. This assumes that the driver will know when the flat tire has been damaged, but how will they know?

Tire pressure monitoring systems can warn you when there is a 12.5% ​​pressure loss and again when there is a 25% loss. Drivers can respond immediately when alerted by the audible beep and red light. They can constantly monitor pressure, whether on the move or parked. With just a push of a button and a minute of your time, you can check the pressure of each tire every time the car is started.

Do your part for our environment. Reduce the use of scarce resources. Use less fuel, lower carbon dioxide emissions and increase tire life. The environment will thank you, and your wallet too!