Drivers Flat On Tire Knowledge--Study

WASHINGTON--Only 23 percent of drivers received a grade of “C” or better in a recent nationwide survey testing their knowledge of proper automobile tire care. Thirty-six percent scored a “D,” and 41 percent flunked.

The Tire Quiz was conducted on behalf of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) to pump-up its new consumer education campaign on tire maintenance and safety. The survey--and focus groups probing driver attitudes on the issue--showed that drivers felt they should be responsible for their driving safety, and not only needed but wanted maintenance and safety information that would help them avoid tire problems.

“The research shows that paying attention to their tires is not top of mind for American drivers,” said Donald B. Shea, the RMA’s president and chief executive officer. “For safety’s sake, that needs to change. This research has helped refine our messages and our audiences, which will help our education campaign deliver the best possible results.”

Even those who change their own oil and perform other routine maintenance tasks tend to know less about tire safety and maintenance than one would think. When asked about routine maintenance tasks for their cars, only 32 percent mentioned some form of tire maintenance such as checking pressure, rotating tires, or changing or replacing tires, compared to 71 percent who mentioned oil changes. These do-it-yourselfers did no better on the Tire Quiz than other drivers.

“Of particular concern is the finding that only 4 percent of respondents volunteered that they routinely check their vehicle’s tire pressure,” said Shea.

“Underinflation is a tire’s enemy No. 1, causing far more tire damage and failure than any other cause.” Shea also stressed that only 45 percent of respondents knew where to look to find the correct pressure for their car’s tires, even though 78 percent thought they knew. Twenty-seven percent incorrectly believed the sidewall of the tire carries the correct information. The sidewall indicates the maximum pressure for the tire, not the optimum pressure for the vehicle.

Other key findings of the survey and focus groups:

• Only 28 percent knew the recommended mileage interval for rotating their tires.

• Only 22 percent chose one-sixteenth of an inch as the tread depth at which a tire should be replaced.

• Women are somewhat more likely than men to worry about tire problems, while more men than women worry about getting a ticket.

• Seventy-three percent said they had a tire pressure gauge in their primary vehicle, but 60 percent said they had never checked the pressure on their spare tire.

Fleishman-Hillard Research conducted the poll and the focus groups. The survey reached 400 respondents between Oct. 12 and 19. Two focus groups in the Washington, D.C. area, and two in St. Louis, were conducted.

Copies of the consumer survey may be obtained by calling 202/682-4846 or contacting www.rma.org/tiresafety.