Properly Inflated Tires Help Consumers Be Green, Save Green!

Properly Inflated Tires Help Consumers Be Green, Save Green!

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2010; Consumers can be green and save "green" for Earth Day just by checking their vehicle's tire pressure.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association for tire manufacturers in the U.S., says that properly inflated tires can improve vehicle fuel efficiency and help motorists burn less gas, reduce emissions and save money, too.

"Earth Day is great time to consider simple ways to help our environment," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs. "An under inflated tire wastes fuel. When a tire loses air, it takes more energy to keep it rolling efficiently. 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 consumers about 8 cents per gallon at the pump.

Plenty of vehicles are wasting fuel. According to a 2009 tire pressure survey by RMA, about half of all vehicles have at least one under inflated tire. Worse, nearly 20 percent vehicles have at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (psi) - a significant loss of pressure.

RMA recommends that motorists check tires once per month and before long trips. The correct tire pressure for vehicles is located on a sticker on the driver's door or in the owner's manual. Tires should be checked before driving.

For more information, visit www.betiresmart.org.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for the rubber products industry. Its members manufacture various rubber products, including tires, hoses, belts, seals, molded goods, and other finished rubber products.